Standard scenarios are intended for operators who wish to conduct drone operations with a moderate and well-defined level of risk, for which the operational conditions are already established. By meeting strict technical and operational requirements, operators can fly their drones more easily. Currently, two standard scenarios are available.
Reminder
As a drone operator, you must submit an operational declaration to FOCA before operating drones under the standard scenarios. If you are only a remote pilot operating on behalf of an operator, you are not required to submit a declaration. For more information on the distinction between operator and remote pilot, please refer to the section “Operator and Remote Pilot: What’s the Difference?” below.
The STS-01 standard scenario is used for flights up to 120 meters above ground level in visual line of sight (VLOS). The flight takes place over a controlled area, i.e., only persons involved in the flight may be present in this area on the ground, and may take place over populated environment (>300ppl/km2). The drones used must bear a C5 class identification label (or C3 with a C5 accessory kit).
The STS-02 standard scenario is used for flights beyond the visual line of sight between the pilot and the UAS below 120 meters above ground level. The flight takes place over a controlled ground area, i.e., only people involved in the flight may be present in this area on the ground, in a sparsely populated environment (<300ppl/km2). The drones used must bear a C6 class identification label.
Remote pilot qualifications
Prerequisites
STS Theoretical exam
STS Practical training and assessment
Obtaining the STS certificate
Important notes
The remote pilot must at least hold a valid A1/A3 certificate.
- The theoretical exam is organized by FOCA and takes place in person: either at FOCA in Ittigen or at the examination centres in Illnau and Lausanne (see Certificates page).
- FOCA provides a list of exam subjects and the corresponding learning objectives: List of STS theoretical subjects (PDF, 367 kB, 01.01.2024). There is no mandatory preparatory theoretical training.
- The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions across 8 subjects. For remote pilots who already hold an A2 certificate, the exam includes 30 questions across 5 subjects.
- To pass the exam, the candidate must score at least 75%.
- Exam fee: CHF 20
- Registration: Candidates must register for the STS exam through their dLIS account (see dLIS - Digital License Application System page).
STS Practical Training
- STS practical training is provided by entities recognized by FOCA (see below).
- Candidates must contact and register directly with the recognized entity of their choice.
- Training cost: varies depending on the recognized entity.
| Recognised Entities registered in Switzerland |
|---|
| Vertical Master |
- After passing the theoretical exam and completing the practical training, the remote pilot must upload the training certificate via their dLIS account.
- Once verified by FOCA, the STS certificate will be available directly in the pilot’s dLIS account (see dLIS - Digital License Application System page).
- Validity: The STS certificate is valid for 5 years (duration of the theoretical exam validity).
- Renewal before expiration: Remote pilots will be able to complete a theoretical refresher training course to renew their STS certificate before it expires. Further details on the renewal process will be published soon.
- Renewal after expiration: Remote pilots will need to retake the theoretical exam. Further details on the renewal process will be published soon.
- Practical training certificates issued by recognized entities in other EASA Member States are accepted.
- Practical training certificates issued by declared operators in other EASA Member States in accordance with Appendix 4 of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 are accepted.
- In Switzerland, only entities recognized by FOCA are authorised to conduct practical training for 'external' remote pilots. Operators may declare themselves to FOCA under Appendix 4 of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 for the purpose of conducting STS practical training for their own remote pilots only (please contact FOCA).
Requirements for STS operators
Before being authorized to operate C5 or C6 drones under the standard scenarios, operators must fulfil several requirements.
Comply with regulatory responsibilities
Prepare a compliant operations manual
Develop an Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
Define robust operational procedures
Submit an operational declaration to FOCA
Operators must comply with the responsibilities defined in points UAS.SPEC.050 and UAS.STS-01.030 (for STS-01) and/or UAS.STS-02.030 (for STS-02).
The operations manual must include, at a minimum, the elements specified in Appendix 5 of Regulation (EU) 2019/947.
The Emergency Response Plan must be effective and tailored to the intended operation. Operators must refer to AMC3 UAS.SPEC.030(3)(e). The ERP may be included within the operations manual or provided as a separate document.
The procedures described in the operations manual must be developed in accordance with AMC2 UAS.SPEC.030(3)(e).
Once the above requirements are fulfilled, operators must submit an operational declaration to FOCA using the dedicated form below, along with the required supporting documents (cost: CHF 80). If the submission is complete, FOCA will issue a Confirmation of Receipt and Completeness (CoRC), which is valid for 2 years.
STS cross-border operations
STS Operations within another EASA Member State
STS Operations from another EASA Member State
To operate drones under the STS framework within another EASA Member State, operators declared to FOCA must submit to the competent authority of the concerned Member State a copy of their operational declaration, and a copy of the Confirmation of Receipt and Completeness (CoRC) issued by FOCA.
If you are an operator declared under the STS framework to the authority of another EASA Member State, and wish to operate in Switzerland, you must submit to FOCA (rpas@bazl.admin.ch) a copy of the operational declaration submitted to that authority, and a copy of the Confirmation of Receipt and Completeness (CoRC) issued by that authority.
Operator and remote pilot: what's the difference?
It is essential to distinguish between the roles of operator and remote pilot. The operator (sometimes also called the “UAS operator”) refers to any person or organisation that owns or leases one or more registered drones. The remote pilot (sometimes referred to as the “drone pilot”) is the person who actually flies the drone, and may not necessarily own or lease it. You can be both an operator and a remote pilot if you own or lease a drone and also fly it yourself. All combinations are possible. An operator may choose not to be a remote pilot but will still be responsible for the drone(s) and their use. For instance, an operator could manage a fleet of drones on behalf of a small company and employ one or more remote pilots. Conversely, a person can be only a remote pilot without owning any drone, and therefore not be considered an operator. The responsibilities differ depending on the role. For more information, please refer to the EASA page Drone operators & pilots.
Further information
Last modification 03.09.2025
