EASA Specific Category Drone Training
STS-01 & STS-02
Patras Drone Academy provides comprehensive EASA Specific Category drone training in accordance with the European regulatory framework. The training programme covers the STS-01 and STS-02 Standard Scenarios, combining theoretical and practical drone training for professional drone pilots who want to operate safely and professionally within the Specific Category.
Table of Contents
What is the Specific Category for Drones?
Drone operations in the Specific Category, under EASA regulations, are operations that cannot be carried out within the Open Category. This may apply when a higher flight altitude is required, when the drone must be operated Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS), or when the operation involves a higher level of complexity.
Most drone pilots initially operate within the Open Category, where prior authorisation from the competent authority is generally not required. However, when one or more of the Open Category requirements cannot be met, the operation falls under the Specific Category.
The Specific Category covers medium-risk drone operations and may require authorisation before the flight is conducted. To reduce administrative complexity and streamline the approval process, EASA has introduced standardised procedures and operational frameworks for certain types of drone operations.
What are Standard Scenarios (STS)?
Standard Scenarios (STS) define specific procedures and operational requirements for common drone operations with a similar risk profile. They significantly simplify the approval process within the Specific Category, as key elements such as the risk assessment have already been predefined under the EASA regulatory framework.
Standard Scenario STS Training Programme
The STS-01 and STS-02 training programme includes theoretical and practical drone training, providing the knowledge and skills required for safe and professional drone operations within the Specific Category.
What Does the Training Programme Include?
• Theoretical training covering the mandatory syllabus for Standard Scenarios (STS)
• STS theoretical examinations
• A1-A3 training and examinations for participants who do not already hold the relevant certificate
Theoretical Training & Examinations
Course Duration and Training Process
The theoretical courses are delivered online through our drone training e-learning platform using a self-paced learning format. Students have unlimited access to audiovisual training materials, digital textbooks and multiple-choice practice tests.
The online training can be completed at any time, with no fixed days or class schedules, allowing each student to progress at their own pace. A2 certificate holders follow a reduced syllabus.
Theoretical Training Modules
The theoretical training covers the following modules:
• Aviation regulations
• Human performance limitations
• Operational procedures
• Technical and operational methods for mitigating ground risks
• General knowledge of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
• Meteorology
• UAS flight performance
• Technical and operational methods for mitigating air risks
STS Theoretical Examinations
The STS theoretical examinations can be taken online via a Proctored Online Exam or in person at the Patras Drone Academy training centre. The examinations consist of multiple-choice questions:
• 40 questions for candidates who do not hold an A2 certificate
• 30 questions for A2 certificate holders
The examination lasts 45 minutes, and a minimum score of 75% is required to pass.
View and purchase the Standard Scenario STS-01/STS-02 Theoretical Training Package
Standard Scenario STS-01
STS-01 covers UAS operations conducted within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) over a controlled ground area in a populated environment. C5-class drones allow larger and heavier unmanned aircraft to be used in populated areas under the STS-01 framework.
Examples of STS-01 Applications
• Residential area mapping
• Photogrammetry
• Precision agriculture
• Aerial spraying
• Surveillance and inspection
• Cargo transport
• Thermographic inspections
• Urban filming with larger drones
STS-01 Operational Requirements
• Flights conducted under VLOS conditions
• Maximum flight altitude of 120 m AGL*
• Operations over a controlled ground area
• Maximum UAS speed of 5 m/s
• Use of a C5-class drone
• Completion of the required theoretical and practical training
• Appropriate insurance coverage
STS-01 Theoretical Training
STS-01 theoretical training covers:
• Aviation legislation and regulatory framework
• Flight safety
• Aeronautical knowledge
• Human factors
• Drone and UAS systems
STS-01 Flight Training
STS-01 flight training provides practical skills and hands-on experience in operating drones under real-world flight conditions.
Drone Familiarisation
• Understanding the structure and components of the drone
• Learning drone functions and controls
• Assembly and pre-flight checks
• Drone maintenance
Flight Exercises
• Take-off and landing
• Basic flight manoeuvres
• Flying at different altitudes and in different directions
• Flight control and proficiency exercises
• Adapting to different weather conditions
Safety and Risk Management
• Preventive safety measures
• Flight regulations
• Hazard identification
• Collision avoidance
View and purchase the Standard Scenario STS-01 Flight Training course here
Standard Scenario STS-02
STS-02 covers Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations over a controlled ground area in sparsely populated areas, with the use of an Airspace Observer.
Under STS-02, drone flights beyond the remote pilot’s visual line of sight are permitted using a C6-class drone and, where required, an Airspace Observer.
Examples of STS-02 Applications
• Long-range photogrammetry
• Aerial spraying
• Surveillance operations
• Inspection operations
• Cinematography
• Cargo transport
• Large-area vegetation analysis
STS-02 Operational Requirements
• Maximum flight altitude of 120 m AGL
• Controlled ground area
• C6-class drone
• Active Remote ID
• Geofencing system
• STS certification and practical training
• Appropriate insurance coverage
STS-02 Theoretical Training
STS-02 theoretical training focuses on Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations and advanced operational procedures that require specialised knowledge, skills and experience.
STS-02 Flight Training
STS-02 flight training includes advanced flight techniques and the management of complex operational scenarios.
Advanced Flight Techniques
• Long-range flights
• BVLOS operations
• Execution of complex flight manoeuvres
Emergency Management
• Management of critical incidents
• Handling technical issues during flight
• Safety procedures in emergency situations
View and purchase the Standard Scenario STS-02 Flight Training course here
What Is the Difference Between STS, PDRA and SORA?
STS – Standard Scenarios
Standard Scenarios (STS) allow drone operations under specific predefined conditions. They apply to C5- and C6-class drones and simplify the regulatory process through a declaration submitted to the competent authority.
The available Standard Scenarios are:
Standard Scenario STS-01: VLOS
Standard Scenario STS-02: BVLOS
PDRA – Pre-Defined Risk Assessment
PDRAs provide an alternative pathway for UAS operations that cannot be conducted under a Standard Scenario (STS), using a predefined risk assessment for specific types of operations.
Examples:
PDRA-S01 for agricultural operations and surveillance
PDRA-S02 for inspections and infrastructure security
SORA – Specific Operations Risk Assessment
SORA is required when an operational scenario is not covered by an STS or PDRA. It is a tailored risk assessment that includes the analysis of operational risks, SAIL levels and OSO requirements.
At the end of the process, an Operational Manual is prepared and submitted to the competent authority for approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
To obtain a Specific Category drone certification under EASA regulations, you need to complete the required theoretical and practical training for the STS-01 or STS-02 Standard Scenarios and successfully pass the relevant certification examinations.
The Open Category covers low-risk drone operations that do not require prior authorisation from the competent authority. The Specific Category covers more complex or higher-risk drone operations, such as BVLOS flights, certain operations in populated areas, or other operations that cannot meet the requirements of the Open Category.
STS-01 is an EASA Standard Scenario for drone operations conducted within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) over a controlled ground area in a populated environment.
STS-02 is an EASA Standard Scenario for drone operations conducted Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) over a controlled ground area in a sparsely populated environment, with the use of an Airspace Observer where required and subject to specific safety requirements.
Yes, BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) drone operations can be conducted in Greece within the Specific Category under STS-02, provided that the applicable requirements of EASA and the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority are met.
The required drone certification depends on the type of operation you intend to conduct. For more complex professional drone operations, such as photogrammetry, inspections, aerial spraying or BVLOS operations, Specific Category training and certification under STS-01 or STS-02 may be required, depending on the operational conditions.
