The regulations of the AESA (State Aviation Safety Agency) continue to evolve, and it is essential for professional drone pilots to keep up to date with the new requirements.
If you already have the old radio operator course, remember that it expires in June 2026, so it is advisable to get ahead of the game so that you do not lose your licence.
In this post, I will summarise the training options available to update your licences and continue flying legally and safely.
Renewal of the radio operator course for drone pilots
All currently valid Radio Operator Certificates will expire in June 2026. As indicated by AESA:
‘Radio operator certificates issued by an approved training organisation (ATO) or by an ultralight school, in accordance with Article 33.1.e) of Royal Decree 1036/2017 of 15 December, shall be valid for certifying the knowledge and skills necessary for the use of the aeronautical band only until 25 June 2026.’
Price of radio operator course: Theory + Practical (100% online) €249/training VAT exempt (20% discount included)
If you would like to take advantage of this offer, during July and August 2025, a 20% discount is available on the enrolment fee for the full course (theory + practical) under the following conditions:
- Enrolment fees for full THEORETICAL + PRACTICAL course
- Enrolments made during the months of July and/or August 2025
- You need to pass the theory test in order to take the practical test.
- THEORETICAL TRAINING. With a new specific syllabus that you can complete with our help using our official syllabus and test exams to pass the official exam at the AESA electronic headquarters as soon as possible. This Theoretical Training, which is valid indefinitely, is mandatory before you can do the Practical Training.
- PRACTICAL TRAINING. With AESA examiner, 100% online. This video call lasts approximately 2 hours, during which the AESA examiner will give a presentation and lead a participatory discussion among the students (there is no exam). Upon completion and passing the course by the AESA examiner, the student will obtain their practical Radio Operator certificate.
As soon as we receive proof of payment, we will get started and give you access to our training platform so you can begin the theoretical and practical parts of the course. To do this, we need you to fill in your personal details on the form we will send you.
Radio operator training course
This Official Radio Operator Course provides you with the necessary skills to communicate correctly with the control tower and operate in controlled airspace. Upon completion, you will obtain official certification from AESA (Spanish Aviation Safety Agency), which will allow you to fly in environments close to airports and coordinate your operations with other drones in flight.
During the training, you will acquire knowledge about:
- The different categories of messages.
- Air-to-ground communications in RTF format.
- R/T call signs for aircraft and stations.
- Meteorological terminology in VFR conditions.
- Emergency protocols.
- Principles of propagation in VHF and use of frequencies.
The entire syllabus is designed to ensure that you are fully prepared for the official AESA theory exam.
Theoretical Syllabus – Radio Broadcaster UAS
The theoretical part covers fundamental topics such as:
- Specific phraseology for UAS.
- Airspace classification and air traffic services.
- Principles of radiotelephony and communications.
- Radio procedures.
- Emergency protocols.
Practical Training – Radio Broadcaster UAS
The practical training is conducted entirely online, in small groups of no more than 15 students, with examiners authorised by AESA. To access this phase, you must have previously passed the theoretical part.
The sessions, lasting between 2 and 3 hours, include a participatory class with the examiner and students. There is no practical exam: upon completing the training and being assessed as PASS, you will receive your official Radio Operator certificate.
This year, you also need to convert your STS-01 to a European STS-01. Have you done so yet? If not, here’s how to convert your STS-01 licence to a European STS-01, which is mandatory in order to continue operating drones legally in standard scenarios.
Further information on renewing the radio operator course
We are also an official sub-dealer for DJI Enterprise and Agriculture, with equipment such as:
- Mavic 3 Thermal
- Mavic 4
- Matrice 400
- Matrice 350 RTK
- Mavic 3 Multiespectral RTK
- Matrice 4 Enterprise
- Matrice 4 Thermal
- FlyCart 30
- Agras T25 and T50
If you require further information about terms and conditions or prices, please contact us directly.
Have you already renewed your radio operator course and converted to the European standard STS-01?
