Choosing the right drone training course depends on what you want to do, the UA you intend to fly, where you want to operate, and how close you need to fly to uninvolved people. In the UK, the key distinction is whether your operation remains within the Open Category or requires a Specific Category Operational Authorisation.

I fly for fun, with a lightweight drone, and stay within the Open Category rules
You may only need a Flyer ID and Operator ID. A Flyer ID is required if your UA weighs 100g or more. An Operator ID is required if your UA weighs 100g or more and has a camera. No formal training course is required for basic Open Category flying, although training can help build confidence and understanding.

I want to fly closer to uninvolved people in built-up areas
The A2 Certificate of Competency, known as the A2 CofC, may be suitable. It allows you to operate in the Near People (A2) sub-category, subject to the UA type, class mark or weight, and the applicable separation distances.

I want to operate in the Specific Category
You will usually need either a General VLOS Certificate, known as the GVC, or a Level 1 Remote Pilot Certificate, known as the RPC-L1, depending on the Operational Authorisation you are working under. For PDRA01 operations, the CAA recognises either the GVC or RPC-L1 as evidence of Remote Pilot competence.

I want a recognised professional qualification
You may wish to consider an Ofqual-regulated qualification alongside your operational certificates, where this is relevant to your career pathway or employer requirements.

The A2 CofC is aimed at Remote Pilots who want to operate in the Open Category Near People (A2) sub-category. It is suitable for certain smaller or class-marked UA and allows closer operation to uninvolved people than A3, subject to the relevant rules. It involves a theory-based assessment and does not include a practical flight test.

The GVC is an established route into VLOS operations in the Specific Category. It includes theory and a practical flight assessment and can support operations under a CAA Operational Authorisation, including PDRA01 where applicable. The CAA has confirmed that the GVC will stop being issued after 31st December 2027, although existing GVCs may continue to be accepted until expiry where the Operational Authorisation states that a GVC is acceptable evidence of competence.

The RPC-L1 is part of the CAA’s updated Remote Pilot competency framework. RPC-L1 Part A is for VLOS operations in the Specific Category. RPC-L1 Part B is an optional additional element for BVLOS operations with Visual Mitigation. If you already hold a valid GVC, you may not need to complete the RPC-L1 theory test as part of the conversion route.

The right route depends on the UA you intend to fly, whether the operation is Open Category or Specific Category, and how close you need to operate to uninvolved people or built-up areas. Tell us what you fly and what you want to achieve, and we can point you towards the most appropriate course.

Call 0330 111 7177 or email [email protected].