STS-01 - standard VLOS scenario
STS-01 allows VLOS operations with C5-class aircraft under declaration.
STS-01 requirements
C5-class aircraft, declaration of use to your NAA, FTS, Direct Remote ID, controlled ground area, low-speed mode (5 m/s).
Typical STS-01 use cases
Commercial VLOS operations in controlled environments - inspections, mapping, media - where Open Category limits are insufficient.
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
STS preparation plan - 6-8 weeks
Structured STS preparation typically takes 6-8 weeks with 15-30 minutes daily. Week 1-2: review 8 STS syllabus areas and topic tests. Weeks 3-4: strengthen weak areas. Final weeks: full timed simulations.
Never book the NAA exam until you consistently score ≥80% in simulations. A failed attempt costs extra fees and wasted time.
Weeks 1-2
Review all topics; use learning mode with explanations.
Weeks 3-4
Topic tests; focus on weakest areas from your stats.
Week 5+
Full simulations, mistake review, repeat registration and rules questions.
How A2STS helps with STS preparation
A2STS is a specialised preparation platform with a 1395+-question bank, topic learning, explanations and NAA-format simulations. Free A1/A3 lets you start risk-free; premium unlocks full A2 and STS exam simulations.
The most effective model: regular topic tests (15-30 min daily), wrong-answer review (SRS) and full simulations in the final weeks. Aim for a stable ≥80% before booking your NAA exam.
- Learning mode with explanations after each answer
- Quick tests - time pressure and focus
- Full exam simulation - exact question count and timer
- Topic statistics - see weak areas
- Mistake review - SRS for long-term retention
Common STS exam mistakes
These errors cause most STS failures. Address them in practice before you pay for the official test.
- Treating STS like a longer A2 exam - procedural topics are separate
- Skipping human factors and air law (11 questions each)
- Ignoring multi-statement questions - evaluate each statement
- Underestimating the 60-minute endurance requirement
How to book your NAA drone exam
First, register as a drone operator in your national UAS portal and obtain an operator registration number. Without it you cannot fly registered aircraft legally or book a qualification exam.
When ready, select the qualification level (A1/A3, A2 or STS), pay the NAA fee and receive your exam slot. Format (online or in-person) depends on your authority.
- Register operator and aircraft in the national UAS system
- Choose qualification level (A1/A3 → A2 → STS as needed)
- Prepare with timed simulations (A2STS)
- Book the official exam and follow NAA rules on the day
EASA and your NAA - official sources
A2STS content aligns with Regulation (EU) 2019/947 (Part-UAS), EASA AMC/GM and common NAA practice. Official certificates and exams are organised by your National Aviation Authority - A2STS is preparation only.
Always verify current requirements on your NAA website before booking - national procedures may be updated.
- EASA Easy Access Rules for UAS
- National UAS portal - registration and exams
- GEO zones and NOTAM - before every flight
- 5-year renewal - shorter exam formats
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.
1395+ 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
- Does STS-01 need individual authorisation?
- No individual permit - a declaration is sufficient.
- C5 vs C2?
- C5 is for Specific Category STS-01; C2 is for Open Category A2.
- BVLOS allowed?
- No - STS-01 is VLOS only. See STS-02 for BVLOS.
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.