BLOG POSTS
A1/A3, A2 and STS Drone Courses: What Will You Learn?
This guide explains what you will learn in A1/A3, A2 and STS drone pilot courses under Regulation (EU) 2019/947.
A1/A3 Drone Course: The Essential Starting Point
The A1/A3 theoretical examination covers subjects such as:
- Air safety and basic operational principles.
- Airspace restrictions and drone geographical zones.
- Aviation regulations.
- Human performance limitations.
- Basic operational procedures.
- General knowledge of UAS and drone systems.
- Privacy, data protection and insurance.
- Security and safety awareness.
The purpose of the A1/A3 course is to ensure that the remote pilot understands the rules, limitations and basic safety principles that apply before carrying out a drone operation.
A2 Drone Course: Flying Closer to People
In addition to the knowledge covered in A1/A3, A2 training includes:
- Basic meteorology for UAS operations.
- UAS flight performance and limitations.
- Technical and operational mitigations for ground risk.
The A2 certificate is designed for pilots intending to operate closer to uninvolved people, provided that all applicable operational conditions are met. It also requires the pilot to complete and declare practical self-training before taking the additional theoretical examination.
STS Drone Courses: Training for Standard Scenarios
These scenarios cover operations that involve a higher level of operational complexity than the open category. For example:
- STS-01: VLOS operations over a controlled ground area in a populated environment, using a class C5 UAS.
- STS-02: BVLOS operations over a controlled ground area in a sparsely populated environment, using a class C6 UAS.
The exact requirements depend on the standard scenario, but STS training combines advanced theoretical knowledge with structured practical training and assessment.
STS Theoretical Training
Key subjects include:
- Aviation regulations.
- Human performance limitations.
- Operational procedures.
- Technical and operational mitigations for ground risk.
- General UAS knowledge.
- Meteorology.
- UAS flight performance.
- Technical and operational mitigations for air risk.
The aim is not only to understand how to fly a drone, but also how to prepare, manage and complete an operation in line with the applicable STS requirements.
Pilots who already hold an A2 certificate may benefit from a reduced STS theoretical examination syllabus, as some subjects have already been assessed during their A2 qualification.
STS Practical Training
Practical exercises normally include:
- Mission preparation and planning.
- Pre-flight checks and UAS configuration.
- Normal operational procedures.
- In-flight monitoring and control.
- Contingency and emergency procedures.
- Coordination with airspace observers or other team members, where applicable.
- Post-flight actions and reporting.
This practical element is essential because it confirms that the pilot can apply structured procedures, manage operational risks and maintain control of the UAS throughout the operation.
How Do A1/A3, A2 and STS Training Levels Progress?
- A1/A3: Fundamental drone safety, regulations and operational awareness.
- A2: Greater focus on ground-risk management, meteorology and flight performance.
- STS: Advanced operational planning, risk mitigation and practical skills for standard scenarios.
Each step introduces additional technical and operational complexity, helping remote pilots prepare for increasingly demanding drone operations within the EASA framework.
The main difference is the type and level of risk associated with the intended operation. A1/A3 is the basic qualification for lower-risk operations in the open category. A2 provides additional competence for operations closer to uninvolved people within the open category. STS training applies to defined standard scenarios in the specific category, where the operational requirements and risk mitigations are more demanding.
Yes. An A1/A3 proof of completion is required before obtaining the A2 remote pilot certificate. The pilot must also complete practical self-training and pass the additional A2 theoretical examination.
A1/A3 knowledge forms the foundation of the STS training pathway. The STS theoretical examination is designed around the remote pilot’s previous qualifications: pilots holding A1/A3 take the full STS theoretical examination, while pilots who already hold A2 may take a reduced examination covering the additional STS subjects.
Yes. STS operations require both a theoretical knowledge certificate and practical skills training for the relevant scenario. The practical assessment confirms that the remote pilot can apply normal, contingency and emergency procedures safely.
This depends on the drone, the operating environment and the level of risk involved. A1/A3 or A2 may be suitable for many lower-risk recreational and professional operations in the open category. More complex operations, including certain controlled urban operations or BVLOS operations, may require STS training or an operational authorisation under the specific category.