STS certificates for drones: are they really needed? How and when to obtain them?

The EU-STS certificates (Standard Scenarios), divided into EU-STS-01 and EU-STS-02, fall within the specific category (Specific) of drone operations, as defined by the regulations of EASA (the European Union Aviation Safety Agency). The specific category makes it possible to manage operations that present a higher risk than those normally permitted in the open category (Open).
The STS scenarios are designed to cover a wide range of drone operations, from those in urban areas to those in open spaces, and are an extremely important step towards flexible yet safe regulation of drone use. By outlining specific operational scenarios for drone flight, the STS certificate can include specific provisions for flying in or near red zones, that is, geographic areas where flight operations are subject to greater restrictions due to safety, privacy or other regulatory concerns: in particular, obtaining the certificates will allow you to carry out your drone activities by requesting permission to fly in VLOS even in airport red zones (i.e. within the ATZ) and to fly close to uninvolved people with drones up to 10 kg.

How can I obtain an EU-STS certificate?

To obtain the EU-STS-01 and EU-STS-02 certificates you must already hold an A2 certificate. To fly in the Specific category, you also need to combine the CRM (Crew Resource Management) certificate, the radiotelephony certificate (aeronautical communications) and the SORA certificate with the STS certificates.
In Italy, STS certificates can be obtained at several centres across the country. For example, Aerialclick – one of the few certified training centres in southern Italy – can issue not only EASA-recognized certificates in the Open categories, but also certificates for the Specific category (and therefore CRM and radiotelephony).

Why obtain an EU-STS certificate if I already hold an A2 certificate?

While a certificate such as the A2 focuses on verifying the pilot's skills to conduct flights in the open category, and therefore only with drones of certain specifications and in environments more or less close to uninvolved people, the STS scenarios allow operations that go beyond the aforementioned limits imposed by the open category, entering the specific category.
If you already hold an A2 certificate, the decision to additionally obtain an STS certificate for piloting drones is based on an assessment of your operational needs and specific professional goals. Here are some key reasons why a drone operator holding an open category certificate might consider obtaining an approval to operate under the STS scenarios:

• Access to regulated zones: some operations may require access to zones with flight restrictions (red zones). STS scenarios can include procedures and risk mitigation measures that allow flights in certain regulated areas, thus broadening operating possibilities.
• Expanded operational capabilities: STS scenarios make it possible to carry out more complex flight operations and in conditions that are not permitted in the open category, such as flights beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and operations over uninvolved people without the need for a safety area.
• Regulatory compliance: some commercial or research operations may require regulatory compliance that goes beyond what can be achieved with an A2 certificate. Adopting a specific STS scenario may be necessary to meet these regulatory requirements, and consequently obtaining an STS certificate can bring greater competitiveness and credibility in the market.

In conclusion, obtaining an EU-STS certificate considerably expands the operator's operational capabilities, allowing them to overcome the limits imposed by Open category certificates and to fly the drone even inside red zones. It is therefore a very important opportunity: the choice of whether or not to pursue it is up to the individual operator, and it is an assessment that depends exclusively on their needs and professional goals.

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