Flying in Switzerland — a VFR pilot's guide

Switzerland rewards patience. The administrative entry requirements are precise and the FPL requirement is strictly enforced — file, confirm, then fly. Once in, the reward is immense: the Bernese Oberland from 9,000 ft (the passes, not the valleys), Lake Geneva laid out below like a map, the Rhine Falls, the Jura plateau. Grenchen is one of the best GA hubs in Europe — calm, well-run, and perfectly positioned for Alpine approaches on sunny days.

Airspace

VFR is excluded above FL195. Switzerland has extensive Class C at relatively low altitudes around Zürich; the Geneva TMA connects to French Class C across the border. VFR routing often requires Class C transits — file early and request the VFR transit in the FPL remarks.

Radio & FIS

Skyguide FIS — Swiss Information covers the entire country. Controllers speak German, French and English depending on region; English is always accepted. French-speaking Switzerland: French expected; German-speaking: German used.

Planning

PPR at Swiss mountain strips is mandatory. Samedan (LSZS, 1,707 m / 5,600 ft) and similar high-altitude strips require prior landing-fee confirmation; weight limits apply at several Alpine fields — check before routing a heavy aircraft.

Fuel

AVGAS 100LL at all major Swiss GA fields; Jet-A everywhere. Grenchen is one of the best-stocked self-service GA fuel points in central Europe.