Free STS comparison guide
STS-01 vs STS-02: which standard scenario fits your operation?
STS-01 covers visual line of sight (VLOS) flights over a controlled ground area in a populated environment, with a C5 class drone. STS-02 covers beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights over a controlled ground area in a sparsely populated environment, with a C6 class drone. Both are declarative under Regulation (EU) 2019/947: no prior approval, but your declaration and operations manual must be compliant. Pick the wrong scenario and your operations are not legal.
STS Scenario Decision Tool
STS-01 or STS-02?
3 questions to find your correct STS scenario before you file a declaration.
Where will most of your operations take place?
Select the environment that best matches your planned operations
Will you maintain visual line of sight throughout the flight?
Select the option that best describes your operations
What altitude above ground do you need?
Select the altitude range that matches your operations
Your STS scenario
STS-01 vs STS-02 comparison
STS-01 vs STS-02 at a glance
The two standard scenarios differ in line of sight, ground environment, drone class and distance from the pilot. Declaring the wrong one invalidates your operations.
| Criterion | STS-01 | STS-02 |
|---|---|---|
| Line of sight | VLOS | BVLOS |
| Ground environment | Controlled ground area, populated environment | Controlled ground area, sparsely populated environment |
| Drone class | C5 | C6 |
| Maximum height | 120 m | 120 m |
| Distance from remote pilot | Within visual line of sight | Up to 1 km, or 2 km with airspace observers |
| Maximum take-off mass | Below 25 kg | Below 25 kg |
| Pilot competence | STS theory certificate + STS-01 practical training | STS theory certificate + STS-02 practical training |
| Prior approval | No, declaration only | No, declaration only |
Source: Regulation (EU) 2019/947, Appendix 1 (standard scenarios STS-01 and STS-02). Your national aviation authority remains the competent authority.
STS-01: VLOS in populated areas
Visual line of sight operations over a controlled ground area in a populated environment. Maximum height 120 m. Requires a C5 class drone and a pilot holding the STS theoretical knowledge certificate plus STS-01 practical skills training.
STS-02: BVLOS in sparsely populated areas
Beyond visual line of sight operations over a controlled ground area in a sparsely populated environment. Up to 1 km from the remote pilot, or 2 km with airspace observers. Requires a C6 class drone and STS-02 practical skills training.
Equipment: C5 for STS-01
A drone carrying the C5 class identification label, with direct Remote ID and geo-awareness. Only a few C5 models are on the market, so check availability before you plan operations.
Equipment: C6 for STS-02
A drone carrying the C6 class identification label, with direct Remote ID, geo-awareness, a programmable flight geography and a monitored command and control (C2) link.
The declarative advantage
Unlike PDRA or SORA, STS needs no prior approval. You submit your declaration and operations manual to your national aviation authority and can start operating. The authority can inspect at any time.
Which certificate do you need?
EU Drone Port, an Official Designated Training Entity, issues STS-01 and STS-02 training certificates. Theory is online and asynchronous, and the certificate is valid in 31 countries.
The most common STS mistake
Operators declare STS-02 for rural operations, but their drone does not carry a C6 class identification label. Without it, the STS-02 declaration is invalid. EU Drone Port checks equipment eligibility before any declaration is filed.
What you’ll get
The complete STS-01 vs STS-02 comparison guide
- STS-01 vs STS-02 side-by-side criteria table
- Equipment requirements for each scenario
- Training and certificate requirements
- Operations manual differences
- How to file your declaration correctly
Not a substitute for your actual declaration: your national aviation authority is the competent authority.
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From declaration to flight
EU Drone Port covers STS operations manuals, pilot training and flight coordination across 31 countries.
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STS Operations Manual
We write your complete STS operations manual for STS-01, STS-02 or both, tailored to your operation and country.
- All required sections
- STS-01 and/or STS-02 covered
- Country-specific authority format
- Delivered in 5 business days
From €450 + VAT
STS Course
Online theory and practical assessment for STS-01 and STS-02. EU Drone Port issues the STS training certificate directly.
- STS-01 and STS-02 covered
- Online and asynchronous theory
- Certificate issued by EU Drone Port
- Valid in 31 countries
€149 + VAT
Flight Coordination
Send us date, time, coordinates, drone and pilot. We handle the airspace coordination until you have clearance, including in restricted zones.
- Per-flight coordination
- Authority and airspace notifications handled
- Restricted zones included
- 31 countries
€95 per flight + VAT, billed monthly
More free guides
More free guides to prepare your STS declaration
FAQ
Questions about STS-01 and STS-02
Do I need authority approval for STS?
No. STS is declarative under Regulation (EU) 2019/947. You submit a declaration and your operations manual to your national aviation authority and can start operating without waiting for approval. Your declaration must be complete and your manual compliant, because the authority can inspect at any time.
What is the maximum height for STS-01 and STS-02?
Both scenarios are limited to 120 m above the closest point of the earth’s surface. STS-02 also limits the distance from the remote pilot to 1 km, or 2 km when airspace observers are used.
Can the same drone be used for STS-01 and STS-02?
Usually not. STS-01 requires a C5 class drone and STS-02 requires a C6 class drone. Unless the manufacturer has certified the model for both classes, you need a separate drone for each scenario.
How long is the STS pilot certificate valid?
The STS theoretical knowledge certificate is valid for five years. Your operations manual must also define how your pilots keep their practical skills current.
Can I operate in any EU country with an STS declaration?
Your declaration is filed with the authority of the country where you are registered. Before operating in another country, you must also inform that country’s authority. EU Drone Port handles cross-border STS filings across 31 countries.
What happens during an authority inspection?
Inspectors typically check that your operations manual is current, your drone carries the correct C5 or C6 class identification label, your pilots hold valid STS certificates, and your operational area matches your declaration. EU Drone Port structures its manuals and declarations to pass these checks.
Can I hold STS-01 and STS-02 at the same time?
Yes. An operator can declare both STS-01 and STS-02. Each needs its own operations manual section, or a combined manual covering both, and the right drone class for each scenario (C5 for STS-01, C6 for STS-02).
What is the difference between STS and PDRA-S01/S02?
STS scenarios are declarative: no approval is needed, only a compliant declaration. PDRA-S01 and PDRA-S02 are predefined risk assessments that require authorisation before operations begin. STS is usually faster to start but requires C5 or C6 class drones, while a PDRA can allow some operations with drones that carry no class label.
Last updated: October 2026. Source: Regulation (EU) 2019/947, Appendix 1.
Get the STS-01 vs STS-02 comparison guide. Free.
Pick the right scenario, get the right equipment, file a valid declaration.
STS-01 + STS-02
Both scenarios covered
No approval
Declarative scenarios
C5 & C6
Required drone classes
31
Countries