UAS radio operator certificate
Aeronautical communications for drone operations in controlled airspace. 40 h of online theory and 1 h of practice, in person or by video call.
- Complete study material on aeronautical phraseology and procedures
- Preparation for the official AESA theory exam
- 1 h of aeronautical communication practice with an instructor
Who is it for?
Leisure
You fly as a hobby and far from aerodromes. You do not need it: start with the A1/A3.
Professional in controlled airspace
You operate near airports or in areas where AESA requires coordination with air traffic services.
STS operator
You work in standard scenarios and want the complete profile for complex operations with the tower.
What you can and cannot do
The radio operator certificate proves the competence in aeronautical communications that AESA requires for certain operations. It does not replace any pilot licence.
- Communicate with air traffic services (ATC) using official phraseology
- Operate in the controlled airspaces where AESA requires this qualification
- Read the VAC chart and the visual approach procedures of an aerodrome
- Coordinate complex professional operations with the tower and other airspace users
- Add the qualification to your STS profile to work near aerodromes
- Fly a drone with this certificate alone: you also need your pilot licence (A1/A3, A2 or STS)
- Enter controlled airspace without the required coordination and permits
- Operate in the specific category without the STS certification or an operational authorisation
- Use aeronautical frequencies outside a coordinated operation
How it works
Enrol and start right away
Pay online and enter the virtual classroom immediately. No previous licence needed.
Online theory and practice with an instructor
40 h of phraseology, procedures and VAC chart, plus 1 h of real aeronautical communication simulation, in person or by video call.
AESA exam and certificate
Official theory exam on phraseology and procedures. When you pass, AESA issues your certificate.
Three exam questions
Questions of the same type as the AESA radio operator theory exam. This is how you study in the Vister classroom: question, answer and explanation.
The AESA exam is free. Why train with Vister rather than alone?
It is free and it will stay free: Vister does not charge for the exam. What you pay for is arriving prepared and practising with an instructor on the other end of the radio.
Talk to the tower with confidence
Official phraseology and procedures, practised in a real communication simulation with an instructor.
Theory in order and real practice
40 h of online theory and 1 h of practice, in person or by video call, with no unnecessary travel.
A pilot who answers
Your questions are answered by an active instructor, during business hours, by email or WhatsApp. Not a bot.
VAT-exempt training
Regulated training: the price you see is the final price, with no VAT added.
What our pilots say
placeholder
[Real Google review · replace]
[Real Google review · replace]
[Real Google review · replace]
[Real Google review · replace]
Active instructors
Pilots who fly every day in Mallorca with Mavic, Inspire and Matrice, and who answer your questions throughout the course.
Martin Llatas
Judit Marcé
Price and what is included
A single payment, VAT exempt. No subscriptions and no charges to download the certificate: AESA issues it and it is free.
- Requirements
- None. No previous pilot licence required.
- Fees
- No AESA fees. The official exam is free; the price covers the training, the study material and the exam preparation.
- Validity
- The UAS radio operator certificate is the one AESA requires to operate with aeronautical communications in controlled airspace.
UAS radio operator certificate
41 h of training- 40 h of theory: phraseology, communication procedures, VAC chart and ATC coordination
- 1 h of aeronautical communication practice with an instructor, in person or by video call
- Theory exam mock tests with explained corrections
- Guide to requesting the exam at AESA
- Instructor support by email and WhatsApp
Complete your professional profile
STS 01/02
Qualification to operate in European standard scenarios. Online theory and a practical flight exam with certified instructors.
A1/A3 + A2 pack
Both open-category licences in a single enrolment. 10 h of training. From age 16.
Frequently asked questions
It is mandatory to operate in certain controlled airspaces. For uncontrolled zones it is not strictly necessary, but it is a common requirement in complex professional operations.
Yes. It can be carried out in person or by video call, subject to the student's availability.
The VAC chart (Visual Approach Chart) sets out the visual approach procedures to an aerodrome. It is worked on during the practice as part of the real operation simulation.
It is not a mandatory requirement for the STS, but it is highly recommended for any pilot operating in environments with ATC coordination.
The theory exam assesses knowledge of phraseology and procedures. The practice consists of a real aeronautical communication simulation where everything learned is put into practice.
No. AESA does not charge a fee for the exams: they are free. What you pay for is the training, the study materials and the exam preparation, which AESA does not provide.
Your turn to take off
Online enrolment, instant access and an instructor on the other end of the radio. In a month you can be coordinating with the tower.
Enrol now
