Standard Scenarios (STS)

Last update

  • The standard scenarios (STS) are low risk operational scenario defined by EASA and the member states to facilitate operation in the SPECIFIC category.
  • No need to apply for an authorization.
  • Compliance with the conditions of a standard scenario must be declared to perform operations in the SPECIFIC category (no operational authorization).
  • To start its operations, the operator shall obtain a confirmation of receipt and completeness from DAC after submitting an operational declaration of compliance with a STS.
  • To declare a STS, you must:
    • Submit a declaration using the form DAC UAS432;
    • In addition to the declaration, you must provide the following additional documents:
      • STS theoretical training certificate of your remote pilot(s);
      • The declaration of compliance of your “C” class marked drone used;
      • Your operational manual;
  • Currently, two standard scenarios are available:
    • STS-01 – VLOS over a controlled ground area
    • STS-02 – BVLOS with/without airspace observers over a controlled ground area
  • What is a Controlled ground area?
  • The controlled ground area is composed of:
    • The flight geography,
    • The contingency area, and
    • The ground risk buffer.

 

STS-01 – VLOS OVER A CONTROLLED GROUND AREA

  • Which UAS can be used in the STS-01?
  • What are the operational requirements in the STS-01?
    • VLOS operation;
    • The maximum height is 120m;
    • Flight over a controlled ground area only (that might be  located in a populated area);
  • What training is needed to operate in the STS-01?
    • The STS theoretical examination;
    • The practical skill training for STS-01

 

STS-02 – BVLOS WITH/WITHOUT AIRSPACE OBSERVERS (AO) OVER A CONTROLLED GROUND AREA

  • Which UAS can be used in the STS-02?
  • What are the operational requirements in the STS-02?
    • BVLOS operation;
    • The maximum height is 120m;
    • Flight over a controlled ground area only (that might be  located in a sparsely populated area);

Case 1: without an Airspace Observer (AO)

In addition to the general operational requirement of the STS-02, the conditions are:

  • You must operate your UAS no further than 1 km from you when no AOs are used for the operation. (BVLOS 1km);
  • only involved people should be in your controlled ground area;

Case 2: with an Airspace Observer (AO)

In addition to the general operational requirement of the STS-02, the conditions are:

  • You must operate your UAS no further than 2 km from the remote pilot when AOs are used for the operation. More precisely, the distance between your airspace observer(s) and you must not be more than 1 km and you must operate your UAS no further than 1 km from your AO;
  • only involved people should be in your controlled ground area;
  • What training is needed to operate in the STS-02?
    • The STS theoretical examination;
    • The practical skill training for STS-02