Drone license, STS and Specific Category explained
When do you need STS? Open Category, Specific Category, VLOS and BVLOS explained
Many drone pilots start in the Open Category. But as soon as operations become more professional, more demanding or extend beyond simple visual line of sight flights, the Specific Category and the STS Standard Scenarios become relevant.
If you only use a drone occasionally for simple photo or video flights, the Open Category is often sufficient. However, if you want to earn money with drones, perform technical missions, cover larger areas or operate more professional platforms, you will eventually reach a point where additional requirements become important.
This guide explains when the transition from Open Category to Specific Category makes sense, what VLOS and BVLOS mean and why STS-01 and STS-02 are a logical next step for many professional drone pilots.
In short: When does STS become relevant for drone pilots?
STS becomes relevant when your drone operations move beyond simple standard flights. This is especially the case when range, location, drone class or customer requirements no longer fit neatly into the Open Category.
| Open Category is often enough For simple photo and video flights, recreational flying, small drones and low-risk operations. |
| Specific Category becomes relevant For more demanding operations, controlled ground areas, professional drones, larger areas, BVLOS operations or projects with a higher level of risk. |
Understanding the basics
What is the difference between Open Category and Specific Category?
The Open Category is designed for simpler drone flights with lower risk. The Specific Category is intended for operations that require more planning, more proof of competence and structured operational procedures.
Open Category: The entry point for many drone pilotsThe Open Category covers typical drone operations with limited risk. This includes many recreational flights, simple photo and video work and basic commercial operations using suitable drones.
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Specific Category: When operations become more professionalThe Specific Category applies to drone operations that involve a higher level of risk or no longer fit within the limits of the Open Category. This is where Standard Scenarios such as STS-01 and STS-02 or individual operational authorisations come into play.
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When should you move from the Open Category to the Specific Category?
Many pilots only notice this transition point when a real customer project appears. That is often too late. It is better to check early whether your planned operations still fit within the Open Category in the long run.
You want to fly further away from the pilot
As soon as the flight can no longer be conducted clearly within visual line of sight, or the pilot can no longer properly assess the aircraft and the operating area, BVLOS becomes relevant. This is where many professional use cases begin.
You want to use more professional drones and more complex operations
Technical inspections, infrastructure work, mapping, industrial applications and demanding customer projects often require more capable drones and structured operational concepts. STS provides a clear framework for this.
You want to position yourself as a professional drone pilot
STS is not just another certificate. For many companies, it is a sign that you can plan drone operations not only technically, but also legally and operationally.
Visual line of sight and operational range
VLOS and BVLOS: What is the difference?
VLOS and BVLOS are among the most important terms when dealing with STS-01, STS-02 and professional drone operations.
VLOS: Flying within visual line of sightVLOS stands for Visual Line of Sight. The pilot must be able to see the drone with their own eyes throughout the operation and assess the surrounding area sufficiently. Example: You are standing on a field, an industrial site or a controlled area and can see your drone without optical aids during the entire operation. |
BVLOS: Flying beyond direct visual line of sightBVLOS stands for Beyond Visual Line of Sight. The pilot can no longer continuously observe the drone or the relevant operating area directly with their own eyes. Example: The drone flies behind a building, across larger areas or so far away that continuous visual observation is no longer possible. These operations are particularly relevant for inspection, mapping and infrastructure. |
EU Standard Scenarios
STS-01 and STS-02: What do they mean?
STS stands for Standard Scenario. The EU Standard Scenarios give drone operators a predefined framework for certain operations in the Specific Category.
STS-01: VLOS over a controlled ground area
STS-01 is designed for more demanding VLOS operations. The flight is conducted within visual line of sight and over a controlled ground area.
- operations within visual line of sight
- controlled ground area
- structured safety procedures
- relevant for professional operations with a clearly defined operating area
STS-02: BVLOS over a controlled ground area
STS-02 significantly expands the operational scope. It covers BVLOS operations under defined conditions and with clear requirements for planning, safety and execution.
- operations beyond direct visual line of sight
- controlled ground area
- particularly relevant for larger areas, infrastructure and technical missions
- suitable for operators who want to scale professionally
In simple terms: STS-01 is the next step for more demanding VLOS operations. STS-02 opens the door to BVLOS operations and therefore to more advanced professional applications.
Your path to STS in 5 steps
Many pilots assume that STS is complicated. In practice, the path is manageable when theory, practical training and operational preparation are structured properly.
| 1. Choose your training: You select the STS path that matches your goals and operations. |
| 2. Understand the theory: You learn safety rules, procedures, planning, VLOS, BVLOS and operational requirements. |
| 3. Train practically: You practise real procedures, flight routines and safe operational decision-making. |
| 4. Complete the assessment: Theory and practice show that you can handle drone operations professionally. |
| 5. Become STS-ready: After completion and the required operator obligations, you can work more structurally in the Specific Category. |
Ready for the next step?
Our STS landing page explains the path to the STS drone license, including requirements, process and operational possibilities in the Specific Category.
View STS drone licenseWhy is STS valuable for professional drone pilots?
For many operators, STS is not just another certificate. It is the entry point into a more professional way of working with drones. Pilots who understand STS no longer think only in flight minutes, but in operations, risk, operating areas and customer value.
- more possibilities for commercial drone operations
- better preparation for professional customer projects
- clearer understanding of VLOS, BVLOS and operational planning
- stronger positioning towards customers and companies
- next step towards Specific Category and operational authorisation
Conclusion: The Open Category is the start. STS is the next professional step.
The Open Category is an excellent starting point in the drone world. For many simple applications, it is enough. But as operations become larger, more demanding or more professional, drone pilots should consider the Specific Category and the STS Standard Scenarios.
STS-01 is suitable for more demanding VLOS operations. STS-02 becomes particularly relevant when BVLOS, larger areas or more technical missions matter.
Anyone who wants to work professionally with drones should not see STS as a burden, but as an opportunity: more possibilities, more structure and a significantly more professional appearance towards customers.
FAQ: Common questions about STS, VLOS, BVLOS and the Specific Category
Do I need STS for every commercial drone flight?
No. Many simple commercial operations can still be performed in the Open Category. STS becomes relevant when the operation goes beyond the limits of the Open Category or when more professional scenarios are planned.
What is the difference between STS-01 and STS-02?
STS-01 refers to VLOS operations, meaning flights within visual line of sight, over a controlled ground area. STS-02 refers to BVLOS operations under defined conditions and is particularly interesting for larger ranges and technical missions.
Is BVLOS automatically allowed when I have STS?
No. BVLOS is only permitted under the correct conditions, procedures and requirements of the relevant scenario. STS does not replace careful operational planning or airspace checks.
What does controlled ground area mean?
A controlled ground area is an area on the ground that is controlled and secured for the drone operation. The goal is to prevent uninvolved persons from entering the risk area during the flight.
Is STS enough or do I need an individual operational authorisation?
It depends on the intended operation. If your operation fully fits within a Standard Scenario, STS may be the right path. If the operation goes beyond that framework, an individual operational authorisation may be required.
Who benefits most from STS training?
STS is especially useful for pilots who want to use drones professionally, for example in inspection, mapping, infrastructure work, technical documentation, complex customer projects or BVLOS-related applications.
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