STS Drone Certificate for Specific Category Operations

What Is the Specific Category?

The EU drone regulatory framework defines three categories of operations: Open, Specific, and Certified. The Open category (covered by A1/A3 and A2) handles low-risk flights with weight and distance restrictions. The Specific Category is the next step — it covers medium-risk operations that go beyond what the Open category allows.

Within the Specific Category, EASA has defined Standard Scenarios (STS) that provide a predefined set of conditions under which you can operate without needing a full individual operational authorisation. If your planned operation fits within an STS, the approval process is significantly simplified.

STS-01: VLOS in Populated Areas

STS-01 is designed for Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) operations over controlled ground areas in populated environments. This is the scenario for professional work in cities, towns, and other built-up areas where Open category rules would be too restrictive.

Drone class: C5 (up to 25kg MTOM with specific safety features)
Flight mode: VLOS only — you must maintain direct visual contact with the drone at all times
Operating environment: Over a controlled ground area in populated settings, with measures to protect uninvolved people
Maximum height: 120 metres above the surface (same as Open category)
Key requirement: Ground risk mitigation through a controlled area — barriers, personnel, or equivalent measures to prevent uninvolved people from entering the area beneath the flight path

Typical STS-01 operations include construction site monitoring, industrial inspections, and filming in controlled urban environments.

STS-02: BVLOS in Sparsely Populated Areas

STS-02 enables Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations in sparsely populated areas. This is the most significant capability unlocked by STS certification — flying where you cannot see the drone, using technology and observers to maintain safety.

Drone class: C6 (up to 25kg MTOM with detect-and-avoid or mitigation features)
Flight mode: BVLOS — the drone may fly beyond the pilot's direct visual contact
Operating environment: Sparsely populated areas with an airspace observer stationed to monitor the surrounding airspace
Maximum range: Up to 2km from the airspace observer (who may be different from the remote pilot)
Key requirement: An airspace observer must be present and in radio contact with the remote pilot to provide a see-and-avoid function

STS-02 operations include agricultural surveying, pipeline and powerline inspections, environmental monitoring, and mapping in rural or semi-rural environments.

Training Requirements

Unlike A1/A3 (self-study) or A2 (exam-only with self-assessment), STS certification requires you to complete an approved training programme with a recognised training organisation. The process includes:

Prerequisite: Valid A1/A3 certificate
Theoretical training: Classroom or online instruction covering STS-specific regulations, operational procedures, risk assessment, and emergency management
Theoretical exam: Proctored exam on the STS-specific material
Practical flight training: Hands-on flying under instructor supervision, demonstrating competency in the specific scenario (VLOS populated for STS-01, BVLOS for STS-02)
Practical assessment: Evaluated flight demonstrating all required skills, including normal operations and emergency procedures

Cost

STS training is a significant investment. Expect to pay between €500 and €2,000 for a complete training programme, depending on the country, the training organisation, and whether you pursue one or both standard scenarios. Factors that affect cost include:

Country-specific pricing (Western Europe tends to be more expensive)
Duration of the practical training component
Whether the training includes both STS-01 and STS-02 or just one
Whether the drone and practice field are provided or you must bring your own

Cross-Border Recognition

One of the key advantages of the STS framework is cross-border recognition. An STS certificate issued in any EU member state is recognised across all EU and EASA countries. If you hold an STS-01 certificate from Germany, you can operate under STS-01 conditions in France, Spain, Italy, or any other member state.

However, you must still comply with local geo-zone restrictions and may need to notify the national aviation authority of the country where you intend to operate. Each country may have specific notification procedures and local airspace rules that apply on top of the EASA framework.

Carry Your STS Certificate Digitally

When operating under STS conditions, you must carry proof of your certification during every flight. PilotPocket lets you convert your STS certificate into an Apple Wallet pass, making it instantly accessible during inspections or audits without searching through documents.

Add Your STS Certificate to Apple Wallet

Keep your Specific Category credentials on your phone and Apple Watch, ready for any inspection.

Download on the App Store

Frequently Asked Questions

STS-01 covers VLOS (Visual Line of Sight) operations in populated areas with C5 class drones up to 25kg. STS-02 covers BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations in sparsely populated areas with C6 class drones up to 25kg, using an airspace observer. Both are standard scenarios under the EASA Specific Category.

STS training programmes typically cost between €500 and €2,000 depending on the country, the training organisation, and whether you pursue STS-01, STS-02, or both. This covers the approved training course, practical flight assessment, and theoretical exam.

Yes. You must hold a valid A1/A3 certificate of competency before enrolling in an STS training programme. The A1/A3 serves as the foundational qualification for all higher drone certifications in the EU.

Yes. STS certificates benefit from cross-border recognition under EASA regulations. If you hold an STS-01 or STS-02 certificate from one EU member state, you can operate under the same standard scenario in any other EU country, provided you comply with local geo-zone restrictions and notify the relevant national authority.