STS-01 and STS-02 standard scenarios
The European standard scenarios let you operate in the specific category by submitting a declaration to AESA, without waiting for an authorisation. In return, they require class-marked drones and pilots with the STS certificate:
- STS-01: flight within visual line of sight (VLOS) over a controlled ground area, which may be in a populated environment. Requires a class C5 drone.
- STS-02: flight beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) with airspace observers, over a controlled ground area in a sparsely populated environment. Requires a class C6 drone.
Since 1 January 2026 the Spanish national STS-ES scenarios are no longer valid. If you flew under them, your declarations are no longer valid and your drone probably lacks a C5 or C6 mark. You have two alternatives: the open category, if your flight fits, or a PDRA or a SORA.
PDRA operations
A PDRA (predefined risk assessment) is an assessment already done by EASA, or by AESA in the case of crop spraying, for a specific type of operation. Instead of a full SORA, you just need to show that you meet its conditions and apply for the operational authorisation from AESA. PDRAs do not require a class mark:
- PDRA-S01 and PDRA-S02: cover operations similar to STS-01 and STS-02, but with drones without a C5 or C6 class mark.
- PDRA S01 [F]: plant protection treatments, that is, spraying and spreading of agricultural and forestry products. We explain it below.
- PDRA-G01: BVLOS aerial survey operations in a sparsely populated environment.
- PDRA-G02: BVLOS operations in reserved or segregated airspace.
- PDRA-G03: low-level BVLOS operations close to obstacles, such as inspections of power lines, railways or pipelines.
If your operation fits no scenario or PDRA, the route is a SORA.
PDRA S01 [F] for crop spraying
In May 2024 AESA published a predefined risk assessment specifically for spraying and spreading agricultural and forestry products by drone: PDRA S01 [F]. It is the fastest route to authorise this work, because the operator does not have to carry out or submit their own risk assessment: AESA has already done it. Its conditions are:
- Drones up to 3 m in characteristic dimension.
- Flight within visual line of sight (VLOS), up to 500 m from the pilot.
- Maximum height of 30 m above ground level, except near obstacles.
- Controlled ground area in a sparsely populated environment, in controlled or uncontrolled airspace with a low probability of encountering manned aircraft.
To apply for the authorisation from AESA you must submit:
- The PDRA S01 [F] table, completed and signed by the operator's accountable manager.
- A responsible declaration stating that the standardised operations manual and ConOps templates are used.
- If flying in controlled airspace, the relevant air traffic service provider's EARO template.
We prepare everything for you: the table, the operations manual and the ConOps from the templates, and the coordination with ENAIRE if your fields are in controlled airspace. Bear in mind that AESA's authorisation covers the aviation side: applying plant protection products is also subject to its own agricultural regulations.
What we do for you
- We analyse your operation and tell you which route suits you: STS, PDRA, SORA or the open category.
- We adapt your operations manual and procedures to the chosen scenario.
- We prepare the declaration or the authorisation application and submit it to AESA.
- We check the requirements for your pilots and aircraft: class mark, STS certificate and practical training. If needed, we help you with the certificates.
Price
STS declarations and PDRA operations are quoted individually. With a plan you get a discount on PDRA and AESA authorisations:
- ZONA 40−5 %
- ZONA 80−15 %
- ZONA 120−20 %