LFG Advisory: Council of States Rejects UL Legalization
The Swiss Aero Club notes with regret that the Council of States—unlike the National Council—has rejected the inclusion of ultralight aircraft in Swiss law as part of the adoption of the amendment to the Aviation Act.
Ultralight aircraft were banned in Switzerland in 1984. What was justifiable at the time for noise and safety reasons has since become completely outdated. Modern ultralight aircraft in the 600-kilogram weight class are approved throughout Europe, except in Switzerland. These two-seater sport aircraft, which would also be ideal for training, are significantly quieter and more environmentally friendly than the majority of today’s motorized aircraft fleet. Anyone wishing to operate such a modern aircraft in Switzerland must register it abroad and is permitted to use it in Switzerland for a maximum of 60 days.
On June 18, 2026, the National Council approved the revision of the Aviation Act (LFG) by a large majority. This included the incorporation of ultralight aircraft into Swiss law. Unfortunately, when passing the LFG, the Council of States rejected the relevant Article 51 and intends to leave it to the Federal Council to make the necessary adjustments at the ordinance level. During the detailed deliberations on the LFG, Albert Rösti, head of the DETEC, immediately ruled out the possibility of such an ordinance being issued in the foreseeable future: The Federal Council would, at most, make adjustments for electric ultralight aircraft in the 600-kg class. At least a brief debate took place in the Council of States following a motion by Severin Brüngger (FDP), during which Brüngger was supported by Hans Wicki (FDP) and Mauro Poggia (SVP). The Council of States ultimately followed the recommendation of the KFV-S with 23 votes in favor, 14 against, and 3 abstentions.
«The Aero-Club of Switzerland is disappointed that the conservative-leaning Council of States, of all bodies, is blocking the long-overdue integration of modern and environmentally friendly light aircraft. A center-right Federal Council is unwilling to repeal an unnecessary ban via ordinance and bring Switzerland into line with the rest of Europe,» says Central President and National Council member Matthias Jauslin.