A2 vs STS: which drone certificate do you need?
A2 and STS serve different operational needs. Many commercial operators eventually need both.
A2 — open category, closer to people
A2 allows open-category flights at reduced horizontal distance from uninvolved persons compared to A1/A3. Exam: 30 questions, 30 minutes.
STS — specific category scenarios
STS covers declared specific-category operations (STS-01, STS-02). Exam: 60 questions, 60 minutes, deeper risk management.
Decision guide
- Hobby / simple commercial near people → A2 may suffice
- BVLOS, controlled ground areas, complex ops → STS required
- Many UAV service providers → both A2 and STS