SHV Number Requirement in Switzerland: Foreign Pilots Are Also Affected

The discussion about the SHV number requirement continues to create uncertainty among many paraglider pilots. It affects not only pilots residing in Switzerland, but according to the current interpretation also pilots from abroad who want to fly in Switzerland. Anyone flying there should therefore familiarize themselves early on with the marking requirement for paragliders.

Although a possible abolition of the traditional number requirement has been discussed for quite some time, the current regulation remains in force for the time being. In practice, this means: anyone flying in Switzerland should properly mark their wing in order to avoid unnecessary problems.

What is the SHV number requirement?

In Switzerland, paragliders are subject to a marking requirement. This means that a clearly visible number must be attached to the wing. This rule serves clear identification purposes and has been part of Swiss flight regulations for years.

Even though this requirement is discussed repeatedly and there are efforts to replace it in the future with more modern electronic solutions, it is still valid at present. For pilots, this means that a missing or incorrectly marked wing can cause problems in the event of an incident.

What matters here is this: it is not just a general recommendation, but a specific marking requirement under Swiss aviation law. In practice, every pilot should therefore assume that a properly marked wing is still required in Switzerland.

Which legal bases are important?

The current marking requirement is based on several legal provisions. Particularly relevant are the Aviation Act as well as the FOCA Ordinance on Aircraft Marks. Taken together, these show that aircraft operating in Swiss airspace must carry clear identification marks, and that this also applies to hang gliders.

For pilots, the main point is that the number cannot simply be placed anywhere. According to the ordinance, it must be clearly visible on the underside of the load-bearing surface. In addition, the marking must correspond to the relevant entry in the holder’s liability insurance certificate.

Does the requirement also apply to foreign pilots?

This is exactly the point that currently causes the most confusion. For a long time, it was assumed that pilots residing abroad who fly only occasionally in Switzerland were not affected by this requirement. In the meantime, however, the rule is being interpreted much more strictly.

According to the current view, the number requirement applies in practice to almost everyone flying a paraglider in Switzerland – including foreign visiting pilots. This means that pilots from Austria, Germany or other countries should also make sure in time that their wing is properly marked.

The legal background is relatively simple: the Aviation Act refers in general terms to every aircraft operating in Swiss airspace. At the same time, Art. 11a VKZ contains no recognizable exception for persons residing abroad. Therefore, no general exemption for foreign pilots can be derived from the wording of the regulation.

Why paragliders are also included

A common objection is that the wording of the ordinance refers to “hang gliders.” However, this is exactly where an important point lies: in Swiss aviation law, “hang glider” is used as a generic term. It includes both delta wings and paragliders.

This means that if the Ordinance on Aircraft Marks states that hang gliders are subject to a marking requirement, then paragliders are also included under this interpretation. For many pilots, this linguistic classification is crucial, because it explains why the rule is not limited only to classic delta wings.

This also makes it understandable why the current legal interpretation does not apply only to Swiss pilots, but in principle to everyone flying a paraglider in Swiss airspace.

Why the regulation is criticized

The criticism of this development is understandable. On the one hand, the abolition of the traditional marking requirement has already been under discussion for some time. On the other hand, it is currently being applied even more broadly. Many people find it particularly unclear why foreign pilots, who only fly occasionally in Switzerland, should now also fall fully under this requirement.

To many in the scene, this seems contradictory. In addition, older information on the internet has in some cases come to a different conclusion. This is exactly what continues to contribute to uncertainty today. The hope remains that the legal basis will be adjusted in the coming years and that simpler or more modern solutions will be introduced in the long term. Until then, however, the current situation remains in place.

What pilots should consider now

In practice, the situation is actually quite simple at the moment: anyone who wants to fly in Switzerland should assume that an SHV number on the wing is required. This helps avoid unnecessary discussions in the event of a check or after an incident.

Especially for pilots from abroad, it makes sense not to take this issue lightly. A proper marking can be implemented quickly and is far less complicated than dealing with legal or administrative problems later on.

It is also advisable to ensure that the number is clearly legible, correctly attached and clearly assigned to the insurance certificate. In this way, the current legal situation can be complied with pragmatically and without much effort.

The assignment of an SHV number is done by completing the membership declaration or registration (free of charge) via the website: https://admin.webmembership.ch/shv/pages/public/registration.jsf

Each person must complete the declaration themselves so that the consent declaration is valid and data protection, and in particular the association’s obligation to provide information to the authorities, can be ensured. Powers of attorney and written confirmations are not accepted, except in the case of applications for minors under 16 years of age.

The notification of the assigned number is sent directly to the person concerned.

Order an SHV number at low cost

Anyone who needs a suitable SHV number for a paraglider can order one at a low cost from Wolf Paragliding Service. The numbers are available in different fonts and can be chosen to match the wing visually or suit personal preference.

For those looking for an especially low-cost solution, there is also a digital lettering version for self-application. This makes it possible to apply the marking yourself at minimal cost. This option is particularly suitable for pilots who need a quick and simple practical solution.

In this way, the current SHV number requirement can be implemented easily, without much effort and without unnecessarily high costs. Especially compared with more expensive offers, this is a practical and budget-conscious solution.

Conclusion

The SHV number requirement in Switzerland remains in force for the time being and, according to the current interpretation, also affects foreign paraglider pilots. What matters is that the rule is based on the applicable aviation law provisions and that the term “hang glider” is legally understood as a generic term that also includes paragliders.

Even though changes are already being discussed, pilots should currently comply with the existing marking requirement. Anyone who wants to be on the safe side should make sure their wing is correctly marked in good time. With a low-cost SHV number or digital self-adhesive lettering, this can be done quickly, neatly and easily.