If you already dominate the skies in the Open category and feel it’s time to take your operations to a more complex and demanding level, this article is for you! Discover how the future of professional drone operations lies in the Specific Category, and how licenses for the STS-01 and STS-02 declarative operation scenarios are the key to unlocking a world of new possibilities and regulatory requirements in Europe.
For more information about our courses, go directly to: https://academy.hp-drones.com
What are declarative operating scenarios (STS)?
Declarative operational scenarios, or standard scenarios, are a set of harmonized European standards that define how higher-risk operations can be performed in a specific category without the need for case-by-case operational authorization, provided that the operator and pilot fully comply with the established standards.
Essentially, STS-01 and STS-02 licenses qualify the pilot for operations that require a much higher level of safety and competence than the Open Category, allowing, for example, the use of heavier aircraft, flights in more populated areas, or beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations.
The STS-01 scenario: Flying closer, safely.
The STS-01 (Visual Line of Sight – VLOS) has been designed for visual operations in controlled ground areas (populated areas, among others). For this scenario, C5 class aircraft are typically used. This scenario allows the pilot to operate in denser environments, with specific risk management and equipment (such as parachutes or flight termination systems) that guarantee a robust level of safety in accordance with European regulations.
The STS-02 scenario: Flying beyond the line of sight.
STS-02 (Beyond Visual Line of Sight, BVLOS) is the real challenge. This scenario allows for operations beyond the line of sight, with airspace observers, in controlled and sparsely populated areas, generally with C6 class aircraft. Opening the doors to BVLOS means being able to carry out long-range inspections, surveillance of large infrastructures, or mapping of vast areas much more efficiently. A giant leap towards professionalization.
- Declarative operating scenarios (STS-01): https://academy.hp-drones.com/courseactions/show/67.html
- Declarative operating scenarios (STS-02): https://academy.hp-drones.com/courseactions/show/68.html
Practical training: where theory comes to life.
To obtain the certificate of competence to operate in scenarios STS-01 and STS-02, the theoretical component must be completed and validated by the competent authority, ANAC (National Civil Aviation Authority).
However, it is in the practical part where training becomes competence, and the choice of training provider is crucial. It is here that pilots acquire the skills, knowledge of advanced safety procedures, and confidence to handle larger aircraft and the complex safety systems required in these scenarios.
HPDRONES Academy: Your certified partner for professional flying.
In the field of training in Portugal, HPDRONES Academy plays a prominent role: it is an entity recognized and certified by ANAC to provide training and practical assessment of Declarative Operation Scenarios (STS-01 and STS-02).
Why choose HPDRONES Academy?
Official ANAC certification: HPDRONES is legally authorized to provide the “Practical Training Completion Accreditation” that pilots need for the corresponding STS.
State-of-the-art equipment: Training is carried out with aircraft and safety kits that are suitable and required for STS operations, such as the DJI Matrice 350 and Dock 3, FTS systems, and parachutes.
Focus on practice and procedures: Hands-on courses focus on mission planning, risk assessment, proper application of contingency procedures, use of flight termination systems, and legal compliance for operating in complex environments.
From STS-01 to STS-02: HPDRONES not only trains for STS-01 VLOS operations in more populated environments, but also provides the advanced training necessary for STS-02 BVLOS missions, which require complex planning and flight coordination.
If your goal is to fly safely, legally, and with a professional response to the most demanding operations in the Specific Category, it is essential to ensure that your practical training is provided by an ANAC-recognized entity that effectively prepares you for the real challenges of the industry.
With HPDRONES’ practical STS license training, the sky is not the limit—it’s just your new workplace.
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