Free STS risk guide
5 STS manual mistakes that trigger authority action, and how to fix them
Authorities across Europe are stepping up oversight of STS operators, and the operations manual is the first thing an inspector opens. These are the five documentation gaps that most often lead to corrective actions, each with a clear fix.
Does your manual have these risks?
3-question STS manual risk check
Answer honestly. These are the same questions a CAA inspector uses to triage your operations manual.
Is your operational area defined with specific GPS coordinates or map references?
Select the option that best describes your current manual
Are pilot qualification records (STS certificate, currency flights, medical) included and current?
Select the option that best describes your current manual
Are your emergency procedures specific to your STS scenario (not generic)?
Select the option that best describes your current manual
Your STS manual risk level
Review your manual before the CAA does
Based on your answers, review the 5 mistakes in detail below and download the free guide for corrective actions.
The most common STS manual mistakes
What inspectors look for first
Each mistake below is a gap against Regulation (EU) 2019/947 that an inspector can spot in minutes. Each one has a clear fix.
Mistake 1: Vague operational area
Describing the area as urban operations in a city instead of defining the operational volume, ground risk buffer and controlled ground area with maps and coordinates. Fix: map every area you fly and keep it consistent with your declaration.
Mistake 2: Expired pilot certificates
The STS theoretical knowledge certificate is valid for five years, and pilots must keep their practical skills current. Fix: track expiry dates and recurrent training for every pilot listed in the manual.
Mistake 3: Generic emergency procedures
Procedures copied from a template instead of written for your drone and scenario. Fix: describe what your crew does on loss of C2 link, loss of navigation, fly-away and flight termination, for your specific drone.
Mistake 4: Missing drone class documentation
Flying a drone without the required C5 or C6 class identification label, or not documenting it. Without the label, the declaration has no basis. Fix: keep the class documentation and serial numbers in the manual.
Mistake 5: No occurrence reporting procedure
Your manual must describe how accidents and incidents are reported to the authority. Fix: add a reporting procedure stating who reports, what, and by when.
Bonus: No version control
A manual without revision dates or a change log cannot show which procedures applied on the day of a flight. Fix: version every change and keep the history.
What triggers an inspection
Occurrence reports, complaints from the public or other airspace users, routine oversight, and changes you notify. Inspectors go straight to the operations manual, so any of these gaps can lead to a corrective action, and serious findings can suspend operations.
What you’ll get
The free STS risk guide
- The 5 mistakes with real examples
- A fix for each one
- A self-audit checklist for your manual
- What happens after a corrective action request
- How to prepare for an inspection
Get the Free STS Risk Guide
Spot the 5 mistakes before a CAA inspector does. With corrective actions.
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More free guides
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FAQ
Questions about STS manual compliance
How often do authorities inspect STS operators?
It depends on the country and the operator. Inspections can follow occurrences, complaints or routine oversight, and oversight of STS operators is increasing as authorities build capacity. Be ready at any time.
Can I fix my manual after a corrective action?
Yes. A corrective action is a written request to fix a specific gap by a deadline, and you submit the corrected section. Depending on how serious the finding is, the authority may limit or suspend operations until it is fixed. EU Drone Port can support you through the process.
What is the difference between a corrective action and a suspension?
A corrective action requires you to fix a specific deficiency within a deadline. A suspension halts operations immediately, usually when the authority sees an unacceptable safety risk. Corrective actions can escalate to a suspension if they are not addressed in time.
Does EU Drone Port audit existing STS manuals?
Yes. We review your manual against Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and typical inspection criteria, list every gap and give you a corrective plan. Contact ops@eudroneport.com.
Do the same mistakes appear in every country?
Yes. The content requirements come from the same EU regulation in all 31 countries, so the same gaps appear everywhere. Some authorities add their own templates or formatting expectations, which we track country by country.
Is there a minimum manual length?
No. Authorities evaluate content, not length. A short but complete manual is better than a long, vague one. The risk is in missing required sections, not in being brief.
How often should I update my STS operations manual?
Whenever your operation changes materially: a new pilot, a new drone, a new operational area, updated procedures or regulatory changes. A formal annual review with a change log is good practice even when nothing changes.
Last updated: October 2026. Source: Regulation (EU) 2019/947, Appendix 1.
Spot the 5 mistakes before an inspector does. Free guide.
The five gaps, a fix for each, and a self-audit checklist for your manual.
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