Specific category — STS-01
STS-01 — VLOS in Populated Areas
Fly a C5 drone within visual line of sight over a controlled ground area in a populated environment — events, urban inspections, and cinematography above crowds. Requires practical training with an approved centre.
Drone class
C5 — up to 25 kg
Operation type
VLOS only
Max speed over people
5 m/s within CGA
Max height
120 m AGL
Prerequisites
A1/A3 + STS theory
Practical training
Approved centre required
What STS-01 allows
Fly over populated environments — operate within a controlled ground area (CGA) in areas where uninvolved people may be present nearby
Events and public gatherings — aerial photography, cinematography, or inspection at concerts, festivals, sports events and urban worksites
C5 drones up to 25 kg — heavier and more capable platforms than what the Open category allows, with built-in safety mitigations
Urban inspections — building façades, infrastructure, and construction sites within populated areas where A1/A3 and A2 operations are insufficient
What drone do I need?
STS-01 requires a C5 class drone. This is a specific EU certification label — not all drones qualify. Here is what defines a C5 drone:
Legacy drones (without a CE class label) are not eligible for STS-01 regardless of their weight or capabilities. If your drone does not carry a C5 label, you will need to purchase a compliant aircraft before sitting the practical assessment.
How to get your STS-01 declaration
-
1
Hold a valid A1/A3 certificate
Required before any STS exam. Free and fully online — takes a few days to prepare.
-
2
Pass the STS theory exam
A single theory exam unlocks both STS-01 and STS-02. Taken on your national aviation authority's platform — cost and format vary by country.
-
3
Complete STS-01 practical training
Book a practical training session with an approved training organisation (DTO or ATO). The assessment covers CGA setup, C5 drone handling, emergency procedures, and the specific STS-01 operational requirements.
-
4
Receive your STS-01 declaration of competency
Once you pass the practical, the approved training centre issues your STS-01 declaration. Valid for 5 years across all 31 EASA member states.
Practical training
Find a training centre near you
STS-01 practical training must be completed with an EASA-approved organisation — a Declared Training Organisation (DTO) or Approved Training Organisation (ATO). Only organisations approved for STS operations can issue your declaration of competency.
DTO
Declared Training Organisation
Lighter approval process. Most STS practical training providers operate as DTOs. Check their STS-01 approval specifically.
ATO
Approved Training Organisation
Full EASA approval. Often associated with aviation schools offering a broader range of certifications alongside STS.
Training centre directory coming soon
We are building a searchable directory of approved STS-01 training centres by country. In the meantime, use the official EASA register.
Find approved centres on EASA ↗Frequently asked questions
What exactly does STS-01 allow?
STS-01 allows you to fly a C5 drone (up to 25 kg) within visual line of sight over a controlled ground area (CGA) in populated environments. You can operate in areas where uninvolved people may be present — provided the CGA is properly established and managed — at a maximum speed of 5 m/s over people. This covers use cases such as events, festivals, urban inspections, and cinematography that would otherwise be impossible under the Open category.
What is a controlled ground area (CGA)?
A controlled ground area is the defined surface area on the ground directly below and around the drone's flight path, secured by the remote pilot to mitigate ground risk. It can be defined using barriers, marshals, or other means to exclude uninvolved people from the area immediately below the drone. You must establish and maintain the CGA throughout the operation — it is your responsibility, not the event organiser's.
Can I use my existing drone for STS-01?
Only if it carries an EU C5 class identification label. Legacy drones — including popular models like DJI Matrice or Freefly Alta — are not eligible for STS-01 unless they have been formally classified as C5 by their manufacturer and carry the label. Check your drone's documentation carefully. If your drone is not C5-labelled, you will need a compliant aircraft before taking the practical assessment.
Do I need STS-01 if I already have A2?
It depends on your mission. A2 covers a C2 drone (up to 4 kg) at a minimum 30 m horizontal distance from uninvolved people — you cannot fly directly over them. STS-01 goes further: it allows you to fly over a controlled ground area in a populated environment with a much heavier C5 drone. If your operations require flying above crowds or within densely populated urban areas with a larger aircraft, STS-01 is necessary — A2 is not sufficient.
How long does the practical training take?
Duration varies by training centre and your prior experience, but most STS-01 practical programmes take one to three days. Training covers CGA establishment, C5 drone operations, emergency procedures, and the practical assessment itself. Contact your chosen DTO or ATO for their specific programme and pricing.