AI-supervised online exams for drone pilots possible in Europe for the first time
Frankfurt, 08.07.2025 - In future, drone pilots will be able to take their theory exams around the clock, regardless of location and without human supervision: Droniq GmbH, which specializes in the professional use of drones, is the first company in Europe to offer online proctored exams (OPE[1]), in which an artificial intelligence takes over the exam supervision. This will make online exams easier, faster and more cost-effective in the future.
[1] OPE: Online proctored exams
Drone pilots can use the new exam format to take the A2 remote pilot certificate, among others. The certificate is required to control larger drones weighing 900 grams or more. Such drones are used in the private sector to rescue fawns and in the professional sector for inspection tasks, for example.
"With the test procedure, we are opening a new chapter in the digitalization of the drone market," says Droniq CEO Jan-Eric Putze. "The simplified conditions for completing online exams make access to professional drone use easier than ever before."
The German Federal Aviation Authority (LBA) approved the new testing procedure this June. Prior to this, the LBA worked with Droniq to define processes and procedures to enable the introduction of AI into the field of drone inspections in the first place.
AI supports human supervision
The OPE method simplifies the previous process of online examinations in terms of resource and time management: in online examinations without the use of AI, an examiner is permanently connected via the webcam of the PC or laptop. The examinee also needs an additional camera to film their keyboard during the exam. The exam takes place at a predefined time - usually on weekdays.
In the OPE process, an AI from Proctorio - a US tech company with a focus on the online supervision of examinations - monitors the process. The exam itself takes place on the platform of the second Droniq partner, the Czech company Aviationexam s.r.o., in compliance with the GDPR. The company is a provider of online learning systems that are also used in manned aviation.
All you need for the test is a PC or laptop with a camera and microphone. Before the test begins, a reference image of the examinee is created for comparison. The AI registers conspicuous behavior such as frequent looking away or speaking. The sequences are marked and subsequently evaluated by LBA-certified examiners from Droniq GmbH for possible attempts at cheating. This is followed by an automated evaluation of the test results. The results are available to the examinees within two working days. Thanks to AI supervision, the exam can be taken on any day and at any time. Another advantage: OPE exams are around 50 percent cheaper than previous online exams.
Expansion planned - also in additional languages
Droniq is also planning to use the OPE procedure for other examinations and languages in the future. From August 2025, the new test procedure will also be available for the remote pilot certificate for conducting standard scenarios (STS).
Droniq GmbH
Phil Stephan
Phone: +49 171 6099 747
E-mail: phil.stephan@droniq.de
About Droniq GmbH
Droniq GmbH is a joint venture founded in 2019 by DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung (51% share) and Deutsche Telekom (49% share). Based in Frankfurt am Main, the company's mission is to promote the professional and safe use of drones by public authorities and organizations with security tasks, as well as by companies.
The core of Droniq's product offering is the Droniq Traffic Management System for Drones (UTM). The UTM shows the pilot all surrounding air traffic - manned and unmanned. Furthermore, the other air traffic participants can also see the drone if necessary. With this system, which is unique in Germany, Droniq creates the basis for using drones safely beyond visual range.
Other services offered by Droniq include the sale of drones for commercial and government use, as well as hardware and software solutions for safe operation. Furthermore, the company supports its customers in applying for operating permits and advises on mission planning. With its Drones-as-a-Service division, Droniq also carries out aerial surveys for its customers as needed and handles all related requirements.
With its Droniq Academy, located in Frankfurt and Mönchengladbach, Droniq also offers the opportunity to complete training courses and exams for remote pilots. Droniq's customers include federal and state police units, fire departments, rescue services, and companies in the chemical, logistics, construction, and security sectors.
