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How to become an EU Drone Pilot in the Open & Specific Category
This article offers a concise and authoritative overview of the training requirements for drone operators under European Union regulations, focusing on both Open and Specific categories. It elucidates the theoretical and practical competencies necessary for compliance with STS-01 and STS-02 scenarios.
What Type of Training is Required to Operate a Drone in the Open Category?
The training you need to fly your drone in the open category varies based on the drone type. As of January 1, 2024, the training requirements for remote pilots will be as outlined below.
C-Class | Max take off Mass | Subcategory | Operational Restrictions | Drone Operator Registration? | Remote Pilot Qualifications | Remote Pilot Minimum Age |
| Privately Build | <250g | A1 Avoid flying over gatherings of people (also applicable for flights in subcategory A3) | Usage of the drone is subject to operational constraints. | Yes (No for toys or drones without cameras/sensors) | Read user’s manual | No minimum age (Certain conditions apply) |
| Legacy <250g | <250g | A1 Avoid flying over gatherings of people (also applicable for flights in subcategory A3) | Usage of the drone is subject to operational constraints. | Yes (No for toys or drones without cameras/sensors) | Read user’s manual | No minimum age (Certain conditions apply) |
| C0 | <250g | A1 Avoid flying over gatherings of people (also applicable for flights in subcategory A3) | Usage of the drone is subject to operational constraints. | Yes (No for toys or drones without cameras/sensors) | Read user’s manual | No minimum age (Certain conditions apply) |
| C1 | <900g | A1 Avoid flying over gatherings of people (also applicable for flights in subcategory A3) | Usage of the drone is subject to operational constraints. | Yes | A1/A3 Training | 16 |
| C2 | <4kg | A2 Permitted to operate near people (also applicable for flights in subcategory A3) | Usage of the drone is subject to operational constraints. | Yes | A2 Training | 16 |
| C3 | <25kg | A3 Operate at a distance from individuals | Usage of the drone is subject to operational constraints. | Yes | A1/A3 Training | 16 |
| C4 | <25kg | A3 Operate at a distance from individuals | Usage of the drone is subject to operational constraints. | Yes | A1/A3 Training | 16 |
| Privately Build | <25kg | A3 Operate at a distance from individuals | Usage of the drone is subject to operational constraints. | Yes | A1/A3 Training | 16 |
| Legacy Drones (art 20) | <25kg | A3 Operate at a distance from individuals | Usage of the drone is subject to operational constraints. | Yes | A1/A3 Training | 16 |
Should you require guidance or have concerns regarding the final examination for your drone pilot training, we invite you to explore the resources available on our Training Website. We offer professional assistance to enhance your preparedness and make sure you are completely ready for the final exam.
What Type of Training is Required to Operate a Drone in the Specific Category?
Theoretical Knowledge and Practical Skill Assessment for Remote Pilots in STS-01 Scenarios
- Theoretical Knowledge Examination
The exam will consist of a minimum of 40 multiple-choice questions designed to evaluate the remote pilot’s understanding of technical and operational risk mitigation measures, covering the following subjects:
(i) Aviation regulations
(ii) Human performance limitations
(iii) Operational procedures
(iv) Technical and operational mitigations for ground risk
(v) UAS general knowledge
(vi) Meteorology
(vii) The flight performance of the UAS
(viii) Technical and operational mitigations for air risks.
- Practical Skill Training and Assessment
For operations under any standard scenario, the training and evaluation of practical skills must encompass the subjects and areas outlined in the table below:
| Subject | Areas to be covered |
| (a) Pre-flight actions | (i) Operational Planning, Airspace Considerations, and Site Risk Assessment: (A) Determine the objectives of the planned operation. (B) Ensure the operational area and safety buffers, like the ground risk buffer, are appropriate for the planned operation. (C) Identify any obstacles within the operational area that may impact the operation. (D) Assess if wind speed or direction might be influenced by local topography or obstacles. (E) Gather and analyze relevant airspace information, including UAS geographical zones, that could affect the operation. (F) Confirm the suitability of the UAS for the planned operation. (G) Check the compatibility of the selected payload with the UAS. (H) Enforce measures to adhere to the operational volume’s limitations and ground risk buffer as outlined in the operations manual for the specific scenario. (I) Develop procedures for operation within controlled airspace, including establishing communication protocols with Air Traffic Control (ATC) for necessary clearances and instructions. (J) Verify the availability of all essential documents needed for the operation on site. (K) Conduct a briefing for everyone involved regarding the details of the operation. (ii) UAS Pre-Flight Inspection and Setup: (A) Evaluate the overall condition of the UAS. (B) Verify that all detachable parts of the UAS are securely attached. (C) Confirm the compatibility of the UAS’s software settings. (D) Calibrate all instruments on the UAS. (E) Identify any defects that could compromise the operation. (F) Check that the battery’s power level is adequate for the operation. (G) Ensure the UAS’s flight termination system and its activation mechanism are functional. (H) Test the efficiency of the command-and-control communication link. (I) If available, activate the geo-awareness function and update its information. (J) Adjust the UAS’s height and speed limit controls, if such features exist. (iii) Understanding the essential steps to handle emergency scenarios, including dealing with UAS issues or potential mid-air collision risks during the flight. |
| Subject | Areas to be covered |
| (b) In-flight procedures | (i) Maintain an effective look-out and keep the unmanned aircraft within visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times to include: situational awareness of the location in relation to the operational volume and other airspace users, obstacles, terrain, and persons who are not involved at all times. (ii) Perform accurate and controlled flight manoeuvres at different heights and distances representative of the corresponding STS (including flight in manual/non-GNSS-assisted mode or the equivalent, where fitted). At least the following manoeuvres shall be performed: (A) Hovering in place (for rotorcraft) (B) Transitioning from hover to forward flight (for rotorcraft). (C) Climbing and descending in level flight. (D) Turning during level flight. (E) Controlling speed in level flight. (F) Responding to motor/propulsion system failures. (G) Taking evasive actions to avoid collisions. (iii) Monitoring UAS Status and Responding to Abnormal Conditions: (A) Deal with a reduced or total loss of power in the drone’s propulsion system, prioritising the safety of bystanders. (B) Navigate the drone safely during unexpected flight conditions. (C) Handle situations where the drone’s positioning system is not functioning correctly. (D) Respond to unauthorised individuals entering the flight area or controlled ground zone, taking necessary steps to ensure safety. (E) Implement corrective measures if the drone risks moving beyond the pre-defined flight area or operational limits, as per contingency and emergency plans set during flight preparation. (F) Manage scenarios where another aircraft enters the drone’s operational space. (G) Exhibit the ability to regain control following a deliberate or simulated disruption of the command and control link. |
| (c) Post-flight actions | (i) Powering Down and Securing the UAS. (ii) Post-flight inspection and recording of any relevant data relating to the general condition of the UAS (its systems, components and power sources) and crew fatigue. (iii) Conduct a debriefing about the operation. (iv) Identify situations where an occurrence report was necessary and complete the required occurrence report. |
Theoretical Knowledge and Practical Skill Assessment for Remote Pilots in STS-02 Scenarios
- Theoretical knowledge examination
The exam for STS-02 scenario is the same as the STS-01 scenario. This exam will consist of a minimum of 40 multiple-choice questions designed to evaluate the remote pilot’s understanding of technical and operational risk mitigation measures, covering the following subjects:
(i) Aviation regulations
(ii) Human performance limitations
(iii) Operational procedures
(iv) Technical and operational mitigations for ground risk
(v) UAS general knowledge
(vi) Meteorology
(vii) The flight performance of the UAS
(viii) Technical and operational mitigations for air risks.
- Practical skill training and assessment
In addition to the areas defined in the table about STS-01 scenario, the following areas shall be covered:
| Subject | Areas to be covered |
| (a) BVLOS operations conducted under STS-02 | (i) Pre-Flight Procedures – Planning, Airspace Analysis, and Site Risk Assessment. Include these key elements: (A) Scanning the airspace for potential hazards. (B) Coordinating with Airspace Observers (AOs): Strategically positioning AOs and establishing a deconfliction plan, which encompasses specific communication phraseology, coordination tactics, and means of communication. (ii) In-Flight Operations. Execute the procedures outlined for STS-01, as mentioned in the table above, under both Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) conditions. |
Conclusion
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