In this article, you will learn:
1. Why the new wordings in the LBA OM suggest a silent upgrade of the STS qualification.
2. Which minimum requirements for Remote Pilots (RP/RPIC) are currently mentioned in the OM – explained concisely and practically.
3. Whether it is worth waiting to get the STS license (short answer: no) – and why.
4. What the standard scenarios STS-01/STS-02 enable in practice (VLOS/BVLOS, classes C3/C5/C6, controlled ground area).
1) Context: Subtle Hint – or New Standard?
In many sections of the OM template, the LBA describes how organization, procedures, operational sites, or training should be presented. For a long time, the minimal recommendation for drone pilots was OPEN A2 competence, supplemented by in-house operational training components (Part D of the OM). Meanwhile, the section on minimum pilot requirements has evolved. The current wording suggests that the STS qualification is becoming the de facto reference for operations requiring authorization – a silent course correction, not a loud revolution.
2) What the OM Specifically Requires Today (RP/RPIC)
Currently, the OM template mentions the following points for Remote Pilot (RP) or Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC):
- At least the theoretical STS certificate and a confirmation of the STS practical training.
- Successfully completed training according to the Training Manual (Part D).
- ERP Refresher: Emergency procedure training within the last 12 months.
- Recency: Flights in the last 90 days with a UAS of the same configuration (e.g., multicopter or fixed-wing aircraft).
Taken together, this signals that for operations requiring authorization, STS is becoming the new baseline level of qualification – supplemented by operational training, ERP training, and recent flight experience.
3) Your License Strategy: Wait or Go for STS Now?
Working groups of EASA are working on the further development of UAS regulation, including the training of UAS pilots. Against this background, the OM adjustments suggest that the STS license will in future be considered the standard basis for pilots who operate with authorization.
Our assessment is clear: Do not wait. The STS license is currently the highest official EU qualification for drone pilots, recognized EU-wide, and a signal of competence to authorities and insurers in many authorization procedures. Increasing demand could also lead to higher training prices – qualifying early is therefore strategically smart.
4) Practical Benefit: What STS-01 and STS-02 Enable
STS-01 (VLOS): Flights within visual line of sight up to 120 m AGL over a controlled ground area, operated with C5 or C3 + C5 conversion kit. No overflights of uninvolved persons.
STS-02 (BVLOS): Flights beyond visual line of sight up to 120 m AGL over a controlled ground area, up to 1 km from the pilot or up to 2 km with an airspace observer, operated with C6.
Result: With STS, you gain access to standardized VLOS/BVLOS profiles, reduce the single-case effort compared to individually SORA-based authorizations, and establish a clear qualification basis within the team.
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