Overview
Three certificates, three operating frameworks
A1/A3
EU proof of competency
Mandatory in the open category from 250 g take-off mass. Online training and online exam directly with the LBA.
A2
EU remote pilot certificate A2
For class C2 drones closer to uninvolved people. Requires the A1/A3 proof of competency.
STS
EU remote pilot certificate STS
For operations in the specific category under the standard scenarios STS-01 and STS-02.
All three build on each other. According to the LBA, the A2 and STS remote pilot certificates are each valid for 5 years.
A2 remote pilot certificate
You need the A2 if you want to fly closer to people
In subcategory A2 you may fly a class C2 drone at a horizontal distance of at least 30 m from uninvolved people. With low-speed mode active, the distance can be reduced to 5 m. Without A2, a C2 drone stays in subcategory A3: at least 150 m from residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas.
Distance
30 m from uninvolved people
Without A2, C2 drones in A3 must keep at least 150 m from residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas.
Low-speed mode
Down to 5 m
In low-speed mode the distance to uninvolved people may drop to 5 m.
Path to A2
3 steps
A1/A3 proof of competency, practical self-training and an additional theory exam at a test centre designated by the LBA.
Anyone buying a class C2 drone, such as the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, only gets the full use out of it with the A2.
STS remote pilot certificate
You need the STS if you fly professionally in the specific category
According to the LBA, standard scenarios are an alternative way to operate in the specific category. Instead of an operational authorisation, the UAS operator submits a declaration to the LBA.
STS-01
Within visual line of sight (VLOS)
Class C5 drone or C3 with accessory kit, up to 120 m height, over a controlled ground area without uninvolved people.
STS-02
Beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS)
Class C6 drone, with an airspace observer, controlled ground area in a sparsely populated area.
Remote pilot
Theory + practice
STS theory exam at a designated test centre and practical training at a test centre recognised by the LBA (PStF-P).
For companies and authorities that use drones regularly, the STS is therefore the standard route into the specific category.
Thermography & inspection
The licence says where you may fly. Not how to inspect.
If you inspect PV systems, roofs, buildings or industrial sites with a drone, you need expertise on top of the licence: reading thermal images correctly, planning route flights and documenting results properly. That is exactly what our 2-day bundle of thermography and inspection with DJI Enterprise drones trains.
Day 1
Thermography with drones
Basics and practice of thermal image analysis, with ProFlyCenter thermography certificate.
Day 2
Drone inspection
Route flights, zoom and thermal imaging with DJI Enterprise, with DJI User Certification.
Important: these certificates prove expertise and do not replace a flight authorisation. You need the matching licence as well.
Black Month
Save for a whole month at ProFlyCenter
From 30 Oct to 30 Nov 2026 there is a new drop every Friday: an exclusive bundle of training and hardware, for one week only. Plus more Black Month deals all month long.
Live now · Drop 1 · 30 Oct – 5 Nov
STS online upgrade + free landing pad
For A2 holders: get your STS licence online, your A2 is extended by 5 years. Plus the ProFlyCenter landing pad worth €129 for free. For €329.
Go to the drop of the weekOngoing Black Month deals
−20 % with code LBA20
A2 drone licence on site (LBA)
+€100 drone voucher
STS practical training on site
−€100 with code KITZ100
Fawn rescue video course
−€150 with code UAV150
UAV Editor user training
Included for free
Online drone basics course with every consumer drone
All conditions, prices and run times are on the Black Month page.
A new drop every Friday
Get the deal of the week before it is gone
The licence that fits your operation, plus hardware for free or at a lower price. Only during Black Month at ProFlyCenter, the LBA-registered test centre and DJI Gold Partner.
Go to the Black Month pageAre you interested in this topic? Check it out!
