Commercial drone operations in Lithuania

1. When hobby rules stop being enough

Any paid service - real estate, inspections, events, agriculture - usually requires documented competency beyond casual A1/A3.

Flying closer to people, in urban environments or with heavier aircraft pushes you toward A2 and often STS.

2. Certificates commercial operators hold

Typical progression: A1/A3 (foundation) → A2 (near people with C2) → STS (standard specific scenarios). Some operators also need organisational approvals depending on mission risk.

Certificate choice must match your aircraft class and operational volume - not only marketing claims.

3. Insurance, SORA and client contracts

Clients increasingly require proof of qualification and insurance. Even when law sets minimums, contracts may demand higher coverage.

Keep copies of certificates, maintenance logs and flight planning records - they support insurance claims and audits.

4. Airspace, NOTAM and geo-awareness

Commercial flights encounter controlled zones, temporary restrictions and privacy-sensitive areas. Use official geo-awareness tools and local NOTAM sources before every job.

Exam knowledge directly supports commercial compliance - especially airspace and risk mitigation topics in A2/STS.

5. Teams and qualification tracking

Operators with multiple pilots should track expiry dates centrally. A lapsed certificate can invalidate an entire client project.

Build renewal reminders 3-6 months before the 5-year cycle ends.

6. Preparing theory efficiently with A2STS

Use topic analytics to focus on weak areas, then full simulations. Bundle A2+STS is usually best value for commercial operators planning both open and specific-category work.

Book TKA only after stable high scores - retakes cost time and money.

Frequently asked questions

Is A2 enough for wedding filming?

Often not in urban settings - assess distance to people and whether STS or additional authorisation is required.

Do I need a company registration?

Business registration is separate from pilot competency - consult local business and tax rules.

Can I train staff on one account?

Each remote pilot needs their own qualification - use organisational processes, not shared certificates.