Free C5 and C6 drone guide
Which drones are STS compatible? What a C5 or C6 drone must have
STS-01 requires a drone with the C5 class identification label and STS-02 a drone with the C6 label. Few models hold these labels, and many drones sold as “STS ready” do not. This guide explains what the regulation requires, how to verify a label, and what to ask before you buy.
Is my drone STS-compatible?
3-question STS drone eligibility check
Answer these three questions to find out whether your drone meets the minimum requirements for STS operations under EU 2019/945.
What class identification label does your drone carry?
Select the option that describes your drone
Does your drone have an operating remote identification (RID) module active?
Select the option that describes your drone
Is your drone registered with your national CAA operator account?
Select the option that describes your registration status
Your STS drone eligibility
Review the C5/C6 requirements below
Download the free guide for the complete C5 and C6 requirements and the questions to ask before buying for STS operations.
C5 and C6 class requirements
What the regulation actually requires
C5 and C6 are drone classes defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/945. They are legal classifications backed by a conformity assessment, not marketing terms.
| Requirement | C5 | C6 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard scenario | STS-01 (VLOS) | STS-02 (BVLOS) |
| Maximum take-off mass | Below 25 kg | Below 25 kg |
| Direct Remote ID | Required | Required |
| Geo-awareness | Required | Required |
| Programmable flight geography | Not the key feature | Required |
| Conformity assessment | With a Notified Body | With a Notified Body |
| Proof | Label on the drone + EU declaration of conformity | Label on the drone + EU declaration of conformity |
Source: Regulation (EU) 2019/945, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2020/1058.
How to verify C5 or C6 status
Ask for the EU declaration of conformity: it must cite Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and state the class. The class identification label must be affixed to the drone itself. A sticker added by a reseller is not proof.
Why few models exist
A class label requires the manufacturer to complete a conformity assessment with a Notified Body, including testing and a technical file. That investment is why the C5 and C6 market is still small, though it is growing.
What to ask before buying
Is the C5 or C6 label on the drone? Can you send the EU declaration of conformity? Which Notified Body was involved? Is the geo-awareness data current for my country? Does it broadcast direct Remote ID?
C5 and accessory kits
Some C5 drones reach the class through an accessory kit fitted to a labelled base model. Check that the exact drone and kit combination is the one covered by the declaration of conformity.
The most expensive STS mistake
Buying a drone described as “STS ready” or “C5 compatible” that does not carry the actual class identification label. Without the label and a matching EU declaration of conformity, it cannot be used under STS. Check the documents before you pay.
What you’ll get
The free C5 and C6 drone guide
- What C5 and C6 require under Regulation (EU) 2019/945
- How to read an EU declaration of conformity
- Questions to ask the manufacturer or reseller
- How to check whether a model is labelled
- Next steps once you have the right drone
EU Drone Port is a Notified Body and does not recommend specific drone models. This guide explains the requirements so you can verify any drone yourself.
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Contact ops@eudroneport.com →EU Drone Port STS services
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.
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- 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.
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- Authority and airspace notifications handled
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€95 per flight + VAT, billed monthly
More free guides
More free guides to prepare your STS declaration
FAQ
Questions about C5 and C6 drones
Can I use any drone for STS operations?
No. STS-01 requires a drone with the C5 class identification label and STS-02 a drone with the C6 label. A drone without the right label cannot be used under STS, whatever the brand or reseller claims.
What is the difference between C5 and STS-01?
C5 is a drone class defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/945. STS-01 is a standard scenario in the specific category, defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/947. STS-01 requires a C5 drone, so your STS-01 declaration must reference a drone with a valid C5 label.
Can an importer grant a C5 or C6 label?
No. The label results from the manufacturer’s conformity assessment with a Notified Body under Regulation (EU) 2019/945. An importer or reseller cannot create it, but must check that the drone carries the label and comes with its declaration of conformity.
How do I find the declaration of conformity?
The manufacturer must provide it with the drone or make it available online. It must cite Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and identify the class. If you cannot get it, treat the drone as unlabelled.
Does my C5 or C6 drone need specific settings?
Yes. Direct Remote ID must be active and geo-awareness data must be up to date for your country. Your operations manual should include these checks in the pre-flight procedures.
What if my declaration references a drone without the label?
Then the declaration has no valid basis, and you would be operating in the specific category without a valid declaration or authorisation. That can lead to suspension and enforcement action.
Are C5 and C6 labels valid in every EU country?
Yes. Regulation (EU) 2019/945 applies in all 31 countries. A labelled C5 or C6 drone can be used under STS anywhere, subject to local airspace restrictions and each authority’s declaration process.
Does EU Drone Port certify C5 and C6 drones?
Yes. EU Drone Port is an official Notified Body (Drone Certification Lab) for classes C0 to C6. Manufacturers can find the process on our UAS certification page.
Last updated: October 2026. Source: Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and Regulation (EU) 2019/947.
Know what to check before you buy. Free C5/C6 guide.
The requirements, the documents to ask for, and the questions that protect your STS operations.
C5
For STS-01
C6
For STS-02
Below 25 kg
Maximum take-off mass
31
Countries