Remote pilot training
A remote pilot must undergo formal training. Training and an examination are not required for operating a purchased or privately built drone weighing less than 250 grams. Nor is formal training required if the drone bears the C0 class identification label (you only need to be familiar with the manufacturer’s instructions). If the drone weighs more than 250 grams and does not have a C0 identification label, obtaining a remote pilot competency is mandatory in order to fly the drone.
If you have obtained a remote pilot competency certificate in another EASA Member State, it is not necessary to take an examination here to fly in Estonia under the same certificate. Certificates of competency obtained in Estonia are also valid in other EASA Member States.
Remote pilots of unmanned aircraft must carry their certificate when operating an aircraft, as the competent authority has the right to check that it is valid.
‘Open’ category remote pilot certificates of competency are valid for five years.
A1/A3 competency
To obtain an A1/A3 remote pilot competency, a remote pilot must study the materials and take a multiple-choice test online. The test assesses the basic knowledge necessary for the remote pilot to be able to operate an A1/A3 subcategory unmanned aircraft safely and knowingly. You can find the training materials for the remote pilot A1/A3 competency below.
To obtain a subcategory A1 and A3 remote pilot certificate, you must submit an application at https://lois.transpordiamet.ee/, pay a state fee of 10 euros and then proceed to the online examination.
The A1/A3 examination consists of 40 multiple-choice questions; you need a score of at least 75% to pass.
For now, learing materials are only available in Estonian.
A2 competency
To apply for a remote pilot competency in the ‘open’ subcategory A2 or in the ‘specific’ category, the remote pilot must comply with the requirements set out in paragraph 2 of point UAS.OPEN.030 of Part A or point UAS.STS-01.020 or UAS.STS-02.020 of Part B of the Annex to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947. The required theoretical knowledge examination for the demonstration of the remote pilot competency is conducted by the Estonian Transport Administration or by an organisation providing remote pilot training certified by the Estonian Transport Administration. At the moment A2 exam is only available at Transport Administration service bureaus in Tallinn and Tartu.
A state fee of 10 euros must be paid for a remote pilot certificate of competency in subcategory A2. You can apply for the certificate at https://lois.transpordiamet.ee/. When you apply, you must prove that you have passed the A1/A3 examination. If the examination was taken in Estonia, the system will automatically provide the result. If you have taken the examination abroad, you must upload your A1/A3 certificate of competency during application. Once your application is granted, you will be able to register for the examination, which will take place at the Estonian Transport Administration’s service bureaus. You will be sent a link to registration after the application has been submitted.
The A2 examination consists of 30 multiple-choice questions; you need a score of at least 75% to pass.
For the A2 exam, it is currently possible to log in to the exam environment using Smart ID or Mobile ID services. If you are unable to use these services, please contact the Estonian Transport Administration no later than two working days before the examination.
For now, learing materials are only available in Estonian.
Certificates of competency in the ‘specific’ category
While the training requirements for Standard Operating Scenarios (STS) are laid down in the Implementing Regulation, for other ‘specific’ categories of flights, the training depends on the kinds of operation planned. If the operator wishes to apply for an operational authorisation, the operator must, following a risk assessment, suggest a relevant training course to the Estonian Transport Administration for approval. STS examinations are not currently offered by the Estonian Transport Administration but can be taken at any approved establishment in an EASA Member State.
STS remote pilot certificate gives the right to operate according to standard scernarios if UAS operator have done required steps. STS can also be used as valid remote pilot certificate in some other cases in specific category if operator has used this option in their operations manual and this certificate is relevant to their operations. More information can be found here.
A person who has completed training and obtained a certificate of competency in another EU Member State is not required to undergo training in Estonia. The certificate serves as the basis for the Estonian Transport Administration to issue a certificate of competency or authorisation for the relevant category.
Remote pilot training organisations
In Estonia the open category exams (A1/A3 and A2) are arranged by Transport Administrations. To learn for exams you can use learning material and exam questions are created in coordination with learning materials. Even though it’s not mandatory you can also use traning provided by anyone who has had experience with drones, since all extra knowledge can help you with safely operating your drone. Studying materials are only available in Estonian at the moment and can be found here.
In specific category there are requirements only for STS Training and exams. In Estonia there is only one certified STS traning and exam provider that Transport Administration approves, which is Estonian Aviation Academy. If you have passed traning and exam there, you can apply for STS certificate via LOIS. You will receive completion document from Estonain Aviation Academy which you need to provide via LOIS when making the application. More information can be found here.Last updated: 25.11.2024
