For STS-01 flights under European drone regulations, you need a drone with C5 classification. Many professional drones do not come with this classification as standard. In that case, a technical modification is required.
With a C5 modification through Dronavia Systems , your drone will be equipped with certified safety features. This allows you to fly safely, in compliance with regulations, and fully in accordance with the STS-01 standard scenario.
STS stands for Standard Scenario and is a framework established by EASA within the “Specific” category of European drone legislation. A Standard Scenario (STS) is a scenario predefined by EASA that includes detailed safety measures, operational restrictions, and preconditions for a specific type of drone operation.
EASA has currently defined two standard scenarios: STS-01 and STS-02. Each scenario is intended for a specific type of operation and has its own technical and operational requirements.
STS-01 (Standard Scenario 01) is intended for drone operations with an elevated risk profile within the pilot’s line of sight (VLOS), particularly in or near populated areas. Under STS-01, flights may be conducted over a controlled area, which means that the entire flight area must be free of persons not involved in the operation.
To minimize the risk to people and infrastructure, STS-01 establishes fixed operational limits and technical requirements.
Key Terms and Conditions in STS-01
Maximum flight altitude: 120 meters
Maximum speed: 5 meters per second
Flights are permitted in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace
In controlled airspace, continuous communication with air traffic control is required
Permitted only with drones that have a C5 classification
STS-02 (Standard Scenario 02) is intended for drone operations beyond the pilot’s line of sight (BVLOS) over sparsely populated areas. Under STS-02, flights may only be conducted over a controlled area, which means that the operational area must be free of persons not involved in the operation.
Key Terms and Conditions in STS-02
Maximum distance from the pilot:
up to 1 km without airspace observers
up to 2 km with Airspace Observers
Maximum flight altitude: 120 meters
Maximum speed: 50 meters per second
Flights are permitted in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace
Continuous communication with air traffic control is required
Permitted only with drones that have a C6 classification
A C5 conversion is a technical modification in which an existing professional drone is equipped to comply with the EASA C5 classification. This class imposes specific safety requirements on drones used in the Specific category.
The conversion involves adding certified safety systems, such as a parachute system and a Flight Termination System (FTS). This significantly reduces the risk to people and infrastructure on the ground in the event of a malfunction or emergency.
A C5-classified drone is required to conduct flights in accordance with the STS-01 standard scenario. The C5 conversion therefore makes it possible to use existing drones for STS-01 operations without an extensive individual risk analysis (SORA).
See also: Which Cx label does my DJI drone have?
Dronavia is a European manufacturer specializing in certified safety solutions for professional drones. Their systems are used to technically modify existing drones so that they meet the requirements of the EASA C5 classification.
Two core systems are typically used in a C5 retrofit.
These systems have been developed in accordance with the Means of Compliance (MoC) and are an essential part in demonstrating that the drone meets the required safety standards for STS-01 operations. Through the integration of Dronavia systems, a drone can be deployed as a C5 in a verifiable and regulatory-compliant manner.
The use of a C5-classified drone within STS-01 offers operators clear operational benefits. STS-01 is a standard scenario established by EASA in which the risks and associated safety measures are defined in advance. When an operation falls entirely within the conditions of STS-01, it isnot necessary to conductan individual SORA analysis or request an operational authorizationfor each separate flight. Instead, the operator certifies that all STS conditions are met, which significantly simplifies the administrative process.
In addition, STS-01 makes it possible to deploy drones in built-up or more complex environments where the Open category is insufficient. This broadens the scope of professional operations, such as inspections and measurements in urban areas.
Finally, working within a standardized scenario ensures more efficient flight preparation and execution. Operators know in advance what requirements must be met, leading to predictable, repeatable, and scalable drone operations.
DroneDepot supplies the Dronavia Kronos parachute system with Flight Termination System (FTS) for various professional DJI drones. These C5 solutions allow existing drones to be retrofitted so that they comply with the EASA C5 classification and can be deployed within STS-01.
Next Dronavia Kronos PRS & FTS combinations are available at DroneDepot:
With these solutions, drones from the DJI Matrice series, DJI Inspire series, DJI Mavic series and DJI Dock series are being upgraded to the C5 class, enabling professional and regulation-compliant STS-01 operations.
On some drone platforms, the FTS module is soldered onto the motherboard , while on other models this is not necessary and the system can be installed as a plug-and-play solution. In all cases, the installation is tailored to the specific drone platform, ensuring that the system can be deployed quickly and reliably without requiring any structural modifications to the drone.
Once installed, the drone is quickly ready for operation, minimizing downtime. Annual maintenance of the system is recommended and can be performed by DroneDepot, ensuring that users can count on proper inspection and continued reliability of the Dronavia components.
This combination of speed and ease of use makes the Kronos solution particularly well-suited for professional applications such as inspections, mapping, emergency services, infrastructure monitoring and industrial operations. Operators can quickly switch between missions without adding extra complexity to the preparation process.
With a C5 conversion using Dronavia systems, you can adapt your existing drone compliance with current European regulations, without complex SORA procedures. You’ll fly more safely, more efficiently, and with greater operational freedom in challenging environments.
Would you like to know if your drone is eligible for a C5 conversion, or which Dronavia Kronos solution best suits your application? Check out the available systems or contact us for personalized advice. That way, you’ll be ready for professional STS-01 operations in no time.
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