Specific category of STS-01 drones: what it is

From 1 January 2026, European drone regulations will enter a fully consolidated phase. One of the most significant changes directly affects many professional operators: the use of the European standard scenario STS-01, which falls within the specific category of drones.

In this article, we will clarify exactly what the specific category of STS-01 drones is, how it differs from the old STS-ES-01, why this type of flight does not belong to the open category, what differences exist with STS-02, and what requirements are necessary to operate legally under this scenario.

What is the STS-01 Specific Category for drones?

The specific category of STS-01 drones is a standard European scenario defined in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and applied in Spain under the criteria of AESA as the competent authority.

This scenario allows for operations with drones that:

• They fall under the specific category, not the open category of drones.
• They are carried out in VLOS (within the pilot’s visual range).
• They take place in populated areas.
• They are developed in a controlled terrestrial area.
• They are covered by an operational declaration, without the need for prior individual authorisation.

The objective of STS-01 is to provide a predefined and standardised operational framework for operations that present a higher level of risk than that permitted in the open category, but sufficiently limited so as not to require an individual SORA analysis.

Difference between STS-01 and the former STS-ES-01 as of 1 January 2026

Until 31 December 2025, Spain permitted operations under standard national scenarios, such as the well-known STS-ES-01, which many pilots used for flights in urban environments.

We can say that the STS-01 has definitively professionalised the specific category of drones.

We will only be able to fly drones with a C5 rating, whereas previously we could fly drones with lower ratings, which were therefore more affordable.

Do you know which drone has the C5 class rating we need to fly in STS-01?

From 1 January 2026:

• STS-ES are no longer legally valid, which means that all EAROs you have, prior to 1 January 2026, from the different types of air service providers that exist in Spain, such as ENAIRE, SAERCO and Skyway, are now invalid. This means that you have to renew your EAROs, both open and specific categories. Please, ask me for a quote.
• Only European Standardised Scenarios (STS) may be used.
• The equivalent scenario for urban flights in VLOS becomes exclusively STS-01.

Although the type of operation may appear similar, the change is not just a matter of nomenclature. The European STS-01 is part of a common framework for all Member States, with uniform criteria and less scope for national interpretation.

In practice, this means:

• Regulatory harmonisation at European level.
• Greater clarity regarding the boundaries of the scenario.
• Definitive end of national scenarios.

Why does this type of flight belong to the specific category and not to the open category?

A transaction falls into the specific category when it does not meet the low-risk conditions required by the open category.

The open category is designed for flights:

• With very limited risk on land.
• No need to control the environment.
• With clear restrictions on proximity to people and populated areas.

In contrast, an operation under STS-01:

• It is carried out in populated areas.
• Requires active risk management on the ground.
• Requires the definition and control of a controlled land area.
• Clearly exceeds the operating limits of A1, A2 or A3.

Therefore, it is not a subjective decision by the operator:
The type of flight determines that we are in a specific category, and within that category, in scenario STS-01 if its conditions are met.

Differences between Specific Category STS-01 and STS-02

Within the specific category, European regulations cover two standard scenarios: STS-01 and STS-02. Although they are sometimes mentioned together, they are designed for very different operations.

STS-01

• VLOS operations
• Populated environments.
• Controlled land area.
• Risk mainly focused on people on land.
• More spatially limited operations.

STS-02

• BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) operations, where we may need observers with us.
• Sparsely populated areas.
• Longer distances and greater technical complexity.
• Risk focused on navigation, linking and airspace management.

In summary:

• STS-01 is associated with controlled urban flights.
• STS-02 to more extensive technical operations, such as linear inspections or extended flights.

They are not equivalent or interchangeable scenarios.

Requirements for flying in the specific STS-01 drone category

In order to operate legally under the specific STS-01 drone category, AESA establishes a series of clear requirements that affect both the operator and the pilot.

From 1 January, you will need a C5 drone to fly in a specific category of STS-01 drones.

Operator requirements

1. Be registered as a UAS operator and be declared as an operator (which is not the same as being an operator).
2. Submit an STS-01 operational declaration via the UAS operator profile on the AESA website.
3. An operational authorisation shall be requested from the authority of the Member State in which it is registered, including a risk assessment with mitigation measures. The authorisation may refer to:
   • One or more operations (‘ConOps’ concept of operation).
   • The approval of a LUC.
4. Have operational procedures in place that are appropriate for the scenario, such as:
   • Have a valid EARO for a specific category
   • Make a flight plan with ENAIRE PLANEA when flying drones in Mallorca (as in my case), or with the contact provided in the information bar that appears when you click on the area where you want to fly on the Enaire drones map.
5. Operations manual, which is an internal document of the operator containing:
   • Operating procedures in accordance with STS-01.
   • Management of the controlled land area.
   • Emergency procedures.
   • Operation in VLOS.
     If you do not have one, you can also request a quote from me to have one made for you.
6. UAS documentation: you must be able to prove that the drone meets the requirements for the scenario. Although it is not always requested in the field, it is part of the required documentation:
   • Manufacturer’s manual.
   • Identification of the UAS.
   • Operating configuration suitable for STS-01.
7. Civil liability insurance, compulsory for specific categories:
   • Coverage appropriate to the type of operation.
   • It must cover damage to third parties.
8. Operation assessment and planning. For each STS-01 flight, you must have a formal document or operational record, but it must exist:
   • Advance planning of the operation.
   • Identification of the controlled land area.
   • Confirmation that the operation complies with STS-01.

Pilot requirements

1. Valid UAS operator number
2. Specific theoretical and practical training for specific category STS-01 and certificate issued by a recognized entity.
3. Knowledge of the European and national regulatory framework.
4. Ability to manage controlled ground areas and security procedures.
5. Keep operations strictly within the limits of the scenario.

AESA reminds operators that the operational declaration does not exempt them from liability: operators declare that they comply with all requirements and may be inspected at any time.

What documents should I bring with me on the flight?

Although the regulations refer to availability, in practice it is highly recommended to carry (in paper or digital format):

• Operational Statement STS-01.
• STS-01 pilot certificate.
• Civil liability insurance.
• UAS operator registration.
• Summary of operating procedures and photocopy of all types of permits complementary to STS-01: Communication to the Ministry of the Interior, CECAF, Lep145…

This greatly facilitates any inspection or control.

If you have any questions about this category and the things you need to fly safely, please do not hesitate to contact me or ask your question below.

Bibliography: https://www.seguridadaerea.gob.es/sites/default/files/A-DUAS-FOR-CO01_v4_Formacion.curso_.conversion.teorico.practico.pdf