Regulatory changes 2025: Disappearance of STS ES scenarios and obligation to operate under STS EU in Spain

Since June 25, 2024, Royal Decree 517/2024 marked a turning point in the regulation of drones in Spain, adapting national legislation to the European framework. One of the most significant changes for drone pilots is the gradual disappearance of the national standard scenarios STS ES 01 and STS ES 02 and the obligation to migrate to the European standard scenarios STS 01 and STS 02 (STS EU).

What does the disappearance of the STS-ES scenarios mean?

The STS ES 01 and STS ES 02 scenarios were national standard scenarios that allowed drones to be operated in the specific category under a Spanish regulatory framework, with certain training and operating requirements, and without the obligation for aircraft to have Class marking. However:

• As of August 31, 2024, new applications or operational declarations based on these scenarios will no longer be accepted, but those already submitted may be modified.
• Operations declared under STS ES 01 and STS ES 02 are only valid until December 31, 2025.
• As of January 1, 2026, it will be mandatory to operate under the European standard scenarios STS 01 and STS 02 (STS EU).

What changes does operating under STS-EU scenarios entail?

Operating under STS EU involves updates in several key areas:

• Drones certified with class C5 marking for STS01 or C6 for STS02: These drones comply with European technical and safety standards for specific operations.
• AESA Level 3 training and theory exam: To operate in these scenarios, it is necessary to pass an STS theory exam and complete practical training at accredited and recognized training providers.
• Certification and renewal: Certificates have a limited validity and must be renewed in accordance with the new European standards.

What about pilots currently operating under STS-ES?

Pilots currently working with national scenarios must:

• Use your current operational declarations only until December 2025.
• Prepare for the mandatory transition to STS EU before January 2026.
• Begin the training required to comply with the new training and practical requirements.
• Ensure that your drones comply with the new European technical specifications with their corresponding Class C5 and C6 markings.

What other changes does Royal Decree 517/2024 bring?

• Civil liability insurance is ONLY mandatory for operations in the open category and subcategory A2 and specific category.
• Elimination of the clear legal distinction between recreational and professional use, with more restrictions on flights in urban environments.

Risks and penalties for non-compliance

Failure to adapt to this transition may result in very severe administrative penalties, with fines of up to €225,000, as well as a ban on operating drones and the loss of certificates for serious penalties.

What should drone pilots do now?

1. Review your current operational declarations and plan your transition before the end of 2025.
2. Prepare for practical training in the new European scenarios.
3. Update your equipment to use approved drones with C5 or C6 class marking, depending on the scenario.

Do you want to prepare for the transition and fly safely in 2025?

The disappearance of the national STS ES scenarios and the obligation to operate under the standard European STS EU scenarios represent a momentous change in Spanish drone regulation, as well as harmonization with European regulations and those of other member states. Pilots, companies, and operators must adapt before December 31, 2025, to avoid penalties and ensure safe and legal operations starting in 2026.

At GRUPO UAS, we offer courses to prepare for the theoretical exam and practical STS EU training for scenarios STS01 and STS02, with accredited instructors and the necessary and mandatory equipment for such training.