Not immediately, but it is worth planning for.

The CAA will stop issuing new GVCs on 31 December 2027. Existing GVCs continue to be accepted until they expire, provided your Operational Authorisation states that a GVC is acceptable evidence of remote pilot competence.

The decision usually comes down to when your certificate runs out. If your GVC has a few years left, you can carry on as you are. If it is close to expiry, converting is normally the better move than renewing, because a renewed GVC will still leave you on a qualification that is being retired.

We run a GVC to RPC-L1 conversion course. It allows GVC holders to transition without sitting the RPC-L1 theory exam, while still completing the theory learning, flight instruction and assessment.

Give us a call on 0330 111 7177 with your expiry date and we will talk you through whether converting or renewing makes more sense for you.