Requirements for remote pilots in the specific category

This is the perfect training for pilots who want to be trained as comprehensively as possible according to EASA knowledge and skill requirements for conducting UAS operations in the specific category. Do you already have STS theory and practical certificates or an RPA-L licence (expired less than a year)? Check out our special upgrade offer here.

You may be familiar with the standard scenarios (STS) from EASA, for which knowledge and skill requirements for pilots have been established. These are significantly lower than those for the RPCT training. However, if you decide to conduct an operation under a standard scenario, it can be handy to present these certificates to a client or during an audit. Therefore, in addition to your RPCT theory and practical certificate, you will also receive these certificates from Dutch Drone Academy.

Due to some requirements within an STS that are often not met, we frequently use Pre-Defined Risk Assessments (PDRAs) within the Netherlands for applying for an operational authorisation (permit). The STS-01 training (theory and practical) covers the requirements set by the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (dutch aviation authority ILT) for pilots conducting operations under that standard scenario. Since there must also be a reference to a handled PDRA on an STS-01 practical certificate in the Netherlands, you will receive, in addition to the RPCT and STS-01 practical certificate (issued by DDA PRO via the RDW), a PDRA-S01 practical certificate (the latter only applies to operations within Dutch airspace, so use the other certificates abroad).

The Remote Pilot Complete Training consists of a theory and a practical part. Both have their own exam and a separate certificate. You will receive 10 hours of practical training from an experienced instructor. If these 10 hours are not sufficient, it can be extended until the desired level is reached. All theory can be found in our digital learning environment (Moodle LMS). To get an impression of all theory and certificates belonging to this training, you can view the RPCT theory overview by clicking here. When learning the theory, you can make use of conference calls with our experienced theory instructors. You can schedule these via the learning environment. In addition, you will receive numerous documents and links to relevant information, for example, for planning flights, in support of the learning process.

De opleiding in totaal behelst:

The training includes:

1. Digital learning environment with all Remote Pilot Complete Training modules;
2. Remote Pilot Support Package (checklists, logbooks, flight preparation download page, self-training instruction, and glossary);
3. Professional flight simulator including wireless controller and comprehensive training software with exams;
4. Standard 5 x 2 hours of practical training at one of our training locations combined with a self-training program;
5. Theory exam (online proctored or if desired, on paper during practical training);
6. Practical exam at one of our training locations;
7. All applicable certificates.

After successfully passing the theory and practical exam, you will receive the following certificates:

• Theory Certificate STS-01 (issued after training and exam by the RDW);
• Practical Certificate STS-01 & PDRA-S01* (issued by Dutch Drone Academy and recorded in the ILT register);
• Theory Certificate RPCT**;
• Practical Certificate RPCT.

Our specific category courses are scheduled in consultation with the trainee pilot and instructor. The theory usually needs to be completed before starting the practical training. Once the course is ordered, our planning department will contact you within a few days and you will receive access to our digital learning environment. The practical training typically includes 10 hours (5 x 2 hours of practical training with our experienced instructors) combined with a self-training program, followed by a 1.5-hour practical exam. The theory training takes an average of 30 hours of self-study. The theory exam can last up to 1.5 hours.

What does it cost?

The total price of this training is €3,790.00 excluding 21% VAT

The EU Drone Pilot STS-01 Course is theory and practical training that prepares the drone pilot for operations within the specific category that meet the requirements for performing standard scenario 1 (STS-01). The course, materials, and exams are entirely in English, as this is the aviation language in Europe (and often beyond).

Some applicable requirements for an STS-01 operation are:

• The flight must always take place within the pilot’s line of sight;
• The maximum ground speed must be less than 18 km/h (5 meters per second);
• The drone operator must have an approved manual for STS-01 operations;
• The operation must take place over a controlled ground area;
• The pilot must be certified to conduct STS-01 UAS operations.

In addition to these requirements, there are many other requirements for the operation, operator, pilot, and drone. The training provided by Dutch Drone Academy includes the certification of the pilot for STS-01 drone operations. This training consists of a theory and a practical part, both of which are separately certified after successfully passing the respective exams (practical and theory).

Before starting this training, it is necessary to have completed the EASA open category A1/A3 training. The following points are covered in the STS-01 theory exam:

• Aviation regulations
• Human performance limitations
• Operational procedures
• Technical and operational mitigations for ground risk
• UAS general knowledge
• Meteorology
• The flight performance of the UAS
• Technical and operational mitigations for air risks

You may already be familiar with EASA’s Standard Scenarios (STS), for which specific knowledge, skill requirements, and UAS requirements have been established. In some cases, a UAS may not meet certain STS requirements, such as lacking a C5 marking. To still be able to conduct STS-01 operations with such UAs, the Netherlands uses Pre-Defined Risk Assessments (PDRAs). These PDRAs allow us to apply for Operational Authorisation, even though not all STS requirements are met. The STS-01 training, both theoretical and practical, is designed to meet the ILT’s requirements for pilots operating within this standard scenario.

Since there must also be a reference to a handled PDRA on a certificate in the Netherlands, you will receive, in addition to an STS-01 theory certificate (issued via the RDW), a practical certificate for STS-01 and PDRA-S01 (the latter applies only to operations within Dutch airspace).

In addition to the STS and PDRA certificates, you will also receive the Remote Pilot Complete Training (RPCT) certificates (theory and practical). The RPCT theory certificate includes an overview of the covered syllabus, allowing EU aviation authorities to see exactly which topics have been addressed.

The practical part of this training covers the following mandatory topics:

• Pre-flight actions
• In-flight procedures
• Real-time monitoring of the UAS status and endurance limitations
• Flight under abnormal conditions

Post-flight actions – responsibilities of the operator vs. the pilot (before and during flight)

During the optional intake, which lasts about 1.5 hours, we discuss the type of UAS operation you intend to perform and outline the overall picture that comes with it (including the obligations of the UAS pilot and the organisation). Finally, a flight skills test is conducted to create a realistic expectation regarding the duration of the practical training and planning. An intake costs 150 euros excl. VAT. This fee is not charged if you purchase the training within a month after the intake.

To give an idea of the costs, we have put together a package with a fixed price. However, if you need more training, additional costs may arise. The basic package of the STS-01 training consists of the following after the intake and offer acceptance:

• Open category A1/A3 course including exam (if not yet completed)
• EU Drone Pilot Support Package (supporting documents)
• Online STS-01 theory training (e-learning)
• Four webinars with your theory instructor of one and a half hours each
• Access to a set of practice questions for the theory exam
• Theory exam (40 multiple-choice questions), one attempt (re-exam: 195 euros excl. VAT)

• Practice assignments to be performed independently during the training;
• Various drones provided by DDA for flight lessons;
• 3 flight training sessions of 2 hours each
  (extra sessions of 2 hours at €295 excl. VAT);
• Professional drone simulator software including wireless controller (becomes property of the student);
• Practical exam, one attempt (re-exam: €295 excl. VAT).

• EASA Standard Scenario training
• Theory and practical (STS-01/02)
• €1,995.00 excl. 21% VAT