Roles & responsibility
Who decides what? Remote pilot, operator and airspace observer have clearly separate tasks.
STS · Specific category
STS-01 and STS-02: flying in the specific category
With the STS remote pilot certificate you fly standard scenarios that are not permitted in the open category, for example beyond visual line of sight. You sit the theory exam with us as a designated examination body. The courses are in preparation: join the waitlist and you will be the first to know when they start.
In brief
STS stands for the European standard scenarios in the specific category: STS-01 is operation in visual line of sight over a controlled ground area, STS-02 is operation beyond visual line of sight with airspace observers in a sparsely populated area. Remote pilots need, in this order, the A1/A3 proof of competency, a theory exam with 60 questions at a designated examination body and then practical training. Blue Aviation is a designated examination body for the STS theory exam; the STS courses are in preparation.
Your proof of competence
The STS remote pilot certificate
Once you have passed the theory exam and completed the practical training, the German Federal Aviation Office adds the STS category to your remote pilot certificate (highlighted in yellow on the right). A1/A3 and A2 appear on the same certificate.
Content
What STS training adds
In the specific category you need more than control of the drone. You have to show who is responsible for what during an operation, which limits apply and what happens in an emergency. That is what we practise.
Procedures
Briefing, checklists, operating limits and emergency procedures, as they will later appear in the operations manual.
Scenarios
You practise on the standard scenarios themselves: STS-01 within visual line of sight, STS-02 with an airspace observer.
Process
Four stages: theory first, then practice
A1/A3 proof of competency
Online with the Federal Aviation Office. It is the prerequisite for everything else.
Theory exam
Learn the rules, STS requirements and documentation, then take the exam at the designated examination body.
Practical training
After passing theory: procedures, roles and flight exercises for the scenario, with practical assessment.
Certificate and operational declaration
The certificate is issued by the Federal Aviation Office. Before the first operation, the operator submits the operational declaration there.
Practice
Training that works in real operations
Once you have practised the procedures at the airfield, nobody has to stop and think about who does what during an operation.
Exam at a glance
The STS theory exam in numbers
Note: There is currently no LBA-mandated syllabus for an official extension/renewal of the STS certificate. A failed exam can be retaken after one week. Blue Aviation is a designated examination body (DE.PStF.015). The online exam runs with live proctoring – process & requirements right below.
Before you register
Online exam: process, requirements & live proctoring
So there are no surprises on exam day, please read this information before booking.
Participation requirements
- Sequence as set out by the LBA: first the EU A1/A3 proof of competency, then the STS theory exam at a designated examination body, followed by practical training with assessment for the relevant scenario (STS-01 or STS-02). Passing the theory exam is the prerequisite for the practical part; we arrange the practical date with you individually.
- Prior experience from the open category (A2 or comparable) makes getting started easier, but is not a formal requirement for the STS theory exam itself.
- Minimum age 16, valid official photo ID on exam day.
- To operate in the specific category, you additionally need an operational declaration submitted to the competent authority – see Consulting.
Live proctoring: what it means
The online theory exam is supervised via live proctoring (webcam and screen monitoring) – like an in-person exam with supervision, just digital.
- Before the start: identity check using a photo ID in front of the camera.
- During the exam: continuous video and, where applicable, screen recording, no leaving the camera frame, no other people in the room, no aids.
- Technical requirements: working webcam & microphone, stable internet connection, quiet private room, supported browser (you'll receive details by email before your appointment).
- Recordings are processed exclusively for exam supervision – details in our privacy policy.
As of June 2026, without guarantee. This overview does not replace legal advice; the currently applicable requirements of the LBA and EASA, as well as the terms and conditions of the online exam platform, are decisive.
Frequently asked questions
STS in brief
What are STS-01 and STS-02?
STS-01 is operation within visual line of sight (VLOS) over a controlled ground area with a class C5 drone. STS-02 is operation beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) with airspace observers over a controlled ground area in a sparsely populated area with a class C6 drone. In both cases the flight height is limited to 120 metres.
What do I need for the STS remote pilot certificate?
Three steps in this order: first the EU A1/A3 proof of competency, then the STS theory exam at an examination body designated by the Federal Aviation Office, followed by practical training with assessment at an entity recognised for it. The certificate is issued by the Federal Aviation Office.
Does theory or practice come first for STS?
Theory first. The Federal Aviation Office provides for the theory exam at a designated examination body to be taken before the practical training; passing theory is the prerequisite for the practical part.
How does the STS theory exam work?
The exam consists of 60 single-choice questions in 90 minutes. The pass mark is 75 per cent, i.e. at least 45 correct answers. The exam language is German or English.
Is the STS certificate enough to start flying?
No. Before the first operation the operator must also submit an operational declaration for the respective standard scenario to the Federal Aviation Office. Once it is confirmed, operations may begin. Our consulting supports you with the operations manual and the declaration.
How much do the STS courses cost?
Planned prices are €349 for STS theory online, €749 for in-person STS practice and €999 for the complete package, each including VAT. The Federal Aviation Office currently charges €30 for issuing the certificate.
Can I book STS already?
Not yet. The STS courses are in preparation.
As of October 2026, without guarantee. The authoritative sources are Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and the guidance of the German Federal Aviation Office (Luftfahrt-Bundesamt) and EASA.
STS in your company
Still missing the operations manual?
For STS the operator needs an operations manual and an operational declaration. We prepare both with you in our consulting.