Test flight pattern: only for Swiss-based aircraft maintenance companies

The procedures for coordinating test flight patterns, formalised by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation, are promulgated in details in AIP (ENR 1.1-4).

Test flight patterns can only be flown by Swiss-based aircraft maintenance companies.

To obtain approval for a test flight pattern

The operator of the test flight sends an "airspace request" to the Airspace Management Cell (AMC) at AMC(at)skyguide.ch.
This request must reach the AMC by Wednesday of the week before the requested flight, at the latest, to allow the test flight to be included in the TSA management planning.
On working days, late requests may still be made until 1200LT of the day before the planned flight. Flight acceptance will be subject to the availability of TSAs.

Pre-notification and activation

The same form must also be sent to testflight-eastA9(at)skyguide.ch no later than two hours before ETD for pre-notification to the ATC Unit concerned.
After sending the form, the test pilot must contact ATC via telephone (+41 43 931 69 60) for detailed coordination of the flight, including the maximum level to be used.
The operator will be informed of all restrictions and conditions by the ATC Unit responsible.

For safety and efficiency reasons, no more than one test flight pattern at the same time in airspace C or D can be accepted.

In the event of heavy IFR traffic or other unusual situations, the flight may be delayed, cancelled or suspended by the appropriate ATC unit.

Test flight patterns will not be permitted during thunderstorm activity (CBs).

Download forms

Test Flight Pattern EastA9: Word / PDF