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.
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 (> 500ppl/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 (< 500ppl/km2). The drones used must bear a C6 class identification label.
Mandatory Declaration for Operators
As an UAS 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 further information on the distinction between operator and remote pilot, please refer to the section “Operator and Remote Pilot: What’s the Difference?” below.
Determining Population Density
To identify the population density applicable to the operational area, use the platform https://map.geo.admin.ch and activate the “SORA Ground Risk” basemap:
A sparsely populated area corresponds to a population density of ≤ 500 persons/km²
A populated area corresponds to a population density of > 500 persons/km²
Steps for remote pilot STS qualification
The remote pilot must at least hold a valid A1/A3 certificate.
The examination is organised by FOCA and takes place in person, either at FOCA’s premises in Ittigen or at the examination sites in Illnau and Lausanne.
FOCA provides the list of examination subjects (see below). No theoretical training is mandatory.
After successfully completing the practical training, remote pilots must upload the certificate issued by the recognised entity to their dLIS account.
After verification by FOCA, the STS certificate becomes available directly in the pilot’s dLIS account.
The STS certificate is valid for five years, in line with the validity of the theoretical examination.
Before the certificate expires, remote pilots may complete a theoretical refresher training in order to renew it (details on the renewal procedure will be published on this page soon.)
Once the certificate has expired, the pilot must retake the full theoretical examination.
Accreditations of completion issued by recognized entities in other EASA Member States are accepted.
Accreditations of completion issued by declared operators in other EASA Member States in accordance with Appendix 4 of IR (EU) 2019/947 are accepted.
In Switzerland, only entities recognized by FOCA are authorized to conduct practical training for ‘external’ remote pilots. Operators may declare themselves to FOCA under Appendix 4 of IR (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.
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.
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 refers to any person or organisation that owns or leases one or more registered drones. The remote 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.
