EASA drone rules - EU regulation summary

Part-UAS essentials for EU pilots - what to know before flying and before your exam.

What is EASA Part-UAS?

Part-UAS is the EU regulation governing unmanned aircraft operations. It defines categories, pilot qualification requirements, aircraft technical standards and operator responsibility.

In each member state Part-UAS is implemented through the National Aviation Authority.

EASA categories explained

EU drone operations are classified by risk. Open Category covers A1, A2 and A3 subcategories - each with different distance and environment limits.

When standard Open Category rules do not allow your planned operation, you need Specific Category - typically STS scenarios with a risk assessment.

A1 and A3

A1 allows certain operations closer to people with compliant aircraft (e.g. C0, C1). A3 covers flights further away (≥50 m) from uninvolved persons, often in industrial areas.

A2

A2 lets you fly closer to people than A1/A3 in Open Category - but requires an additional theory exam and usually a C2-class aircraft.

STS (Specific Category)

STS-01, STS-02 and other scenarios apply to commercial operations needing deeper risk management and procedural knowledge.

Aircraft classes and mass categories

C0 - C6 classification defines permitted operations. Light aircraft (<250 g) have additional exemptions but may still require registration with a camera.

  • C0 - very light
  • C1/C2 - Open Category
  • C3/C4 - larger aircraft
  • Specific - individual assessment

EASA rules in national context

EU regulations form the base; your NAA may add national restrictions (GEO zones, flight procedures). Always check both sources.

EU drone exam formats (NAA)

Across the EU, remote pilot qualifications are assessed by your National Aviation Authority. Each category has a different test format - prepare for the exact exam you plan to sit.

A1/A3: 40 questions in 40 minutes (renewal: 20/20). A2: 30/30 min. STS: 60/60 min. All require ≥75% to pass.

  • A1/A3: 40 q, 40 min, 75% threshold
  • A2: 30 q, 30 min, 75% threshold
  • STS: 60 q, 60 min, 75% threshold
  • 5-year renewal - shorter formats per NAA rules

Why prepare with A2STS?

  • Official-format exam simulations

    A1/A3, A2 and STS practice tests match official question counts, time limits and the 75% pass threshold - you prepare for the real exam, not a random quiz.

  • 545++ question bank

    Comprehensive questions with explanations, topics and spaced repetition (SRS). See weak areas and track progress in real time.

  • Free A1/A3 foundation

    Sign up in about a minute. Full A1/A3 theory and tests are free with no expiry. Premium unlocks A2/STS full simulations only.

  • Prepare anywhere

    Study on phone, tablet or desktop. You still take the official exam at your National Aviation Authority (NAA) - A2STS helps you prepare more efficiently.

Prepare for your NAA exam today

Start free with the A1/A3 foundation. Premium A2 and STS simulations - one-time payment, no subscription.

Trust and transparency

Not an NAA partner - clear role
A2STS is a preparation platform. Official certificates and exams are organised by your National Aviation Authority. We are not affiliated with any NAA.
EASA regulations kept current
Content follows EU Part-UAS requirements and common NAA practice. Transparent information on categories, validity and renewal.
9 in 10 candidates pass
Structured preparation with simulations and topic drills delivers stable results. Start free and benchmark your level before booking the official test.

Frequently asked questions

Do EASA rules apply after Brexit?
The UK has its own system. In EU member states - EASA Part-UAS applies.
Where is the official Part-UAS text?
On EASA and EUR-Lex websites. A2STS simplifies learning - it does not replace official documents.
Do rules change often?
Updates happen - check EASA and your NAA for amendments before booking exams.

Pilot reviews

  • The timed simulator mirrors the official 30-question, 30-minute session. I passed A2 on the first attempt after two weeks of topic drills - far more reliable than scattered PDFs.

    Marcus W. - A2 passed

  • Question wording and pacing felt like the real exam. Wrong-answer explanations fixed my airspace gaps in days, not weeks - I walked in knowing exactly where I stood.

    Sofia R. - First attempt

  • The learning hub kept STS prep alongside A2 without juggling tools. Progress tracking and one-time access - no subscription churn - made it easy to justify to my team.

    James P. - A2 + STS

Register and start learning

Sign-up takes about a minute. You still take the official exam at your NAA - A2STS helps you prepare more efficiently.