Q: What is the A2 CofC?

The A2 CofC (Certificate of Competency) is a remote pilot competency certificate primarily intended to assure safe operations of drones close to uninvolved persons. The A2 CofC allows pilots to fly small drones up to 2kg close to people - maintaining a 50m horizontal separation distance from uninvolved people. It was introduced as part of the new drone regulations, which started in the UK and throughout Europe in December 2020. The A2 CofC is specifically for the Open Category.

Question 1

What is the A2 CofC?

Accepted Answer

The A2 CofC (Certificate of Competency) is a UK CAA-accredited drone training course to fly small drones 'close to people' in the Open Category.

Who Is The A2 CofC For? The A2 CofC can be used by drone pilots flying commercially and recreationally.
Course Delivery Access on-demand online theory learning with live support from our instructors, then sit your exam remotely via webcam. A period of self-guided flying is also required.
heliguy™: Your Drone Training Partner Our in-house instructors have taught 7,000+ candidates, including pilots from Network Rail, National Grid, and UK emergency services. Receive lifetime support with dedicated aftercare.

Question 2

Why do I need an A2 CofC?

Accepted Answer

The A2 CofC enables operators of small drones to fly close to people. It permits the following: A2 Transitional Aircraft: A Transitional Period has been introduced in the UK, running from now until an extended date of up to January 1, 2026. During this time, an A2 CofC enables operators of drones without a class mark and weighing up to 2kg to fly in the A2 subcategory under Transitional provisions. This stipulates that no flights can be flown closer than 50m horizontally of uninvolved people. This applies to the following DJI aircraft: Mavic 3 Series, Mavic 3 Enterprise Series, Mavic 2 Series, Phantom 4 Series, Phantom 3 Series, and the Mavic Air 2, Air 2S, DI FPV, and DJI Avata Series. A1 Transitional Aircraft: Holders of an A2 CofC can operate non-class-marked drones, with a take-off weight of between 250g and 500g, in the A1 subcategory, under A1 Transitional provisions, during the Transitional Period (extended to January 1, 2026). This stipulates that there must not be any intentional flight over uninvolved persons. This applies to the following DJI aircraft: Mavic Air, Spark, and the DJI Mini series if their take-off weight exceeds 250g.

Question 3

What Happens If I Don't Have an A2 CofC?

Accepted Answer

If you haven’t got an A2 CofC, you could find yourself limited in terms of where you can fly your drone. Up until January 1, 2026, if you have a ‘legacy’ drone weighing between 500g and 2kg (such as Mavic 2 Pro/Zoom, Phantom Series, Mavic 3 Series, Air 2S, Air 2) and you don’t have an A2 CofC, you will have to operate in the A3 subcategory (far from people), which stipulates that there can be no uninvolved people present within the area of flight, and no flight within 150m horizontally of residential, commercial, industrial or recreational areas. Likewise, if you have a ‘legacy’ aircraft which has a take-off weight of between 250g and 500g – such as the DJI Spark, Mavic Air and DJI Mini Series (if heavier than 250g) – and you don’t have an A2 CofC, you will be restricted to flying in the A3 subcategory.

Question 4

How Do I Obtain an A2 CofC?

Accepted Answer

You can obtain an A2 CofC by completing a Ground School course with heliguy™, via our Learning Management System. This enables you to complete the modules remotely in your own time and at your own convenience. heliguy™ instructors will be available though to assist if you need help or advice along the way, via our live messenger feed. Once you have covered the syllabus, you can sit your exam remotely. Unlike the GVC, there are no requirements to undergo a Practical Flight Test or complete an Operations Manual for the A2 CofC. However, there is a requirement to complete self-guided practical flight training. The self-practical flight training must be completed before the ground school course, and it is important that you have registered with the CAA and obtained a Flyer ID before conducting the practical flight training. Before conducting the self-practical flight training, you must successfully complete the CAA’s Drone and Model Aircraft Registration and Education Service free online competency test, and be in possession of the Flyer ID number associated with that test.

Question 5

What does the A2 CofC exam cover?

Accepted Answer

The A2 CofC examination comprises a minimum of 30 multiple-choice questions. Topics covered include meteorology; UAS flight performance; and technical and operational mitigations for ground risk. These subjects will be covered in your online learning. Sit your exam remotely using a webcam. Flexible exam slots are available to book a time that suits you. The exam, sat in formal conditions, is a closed-book format (except when questions require reference to charts, or other sources of specific aeronautical information). The exam duration is 75 minutes, but candidates tend to complete the exam much quicker than this timeframe. Any candidate with a recognised disability or additional needs (e.g. dyslexia or dyspraxia) will be given an additional 15 minutes. Practise tests and mock exams are available on heliguy™ LMS. You can resit these as many times as you like until you are confident in your ability to pass.

Question 6

What do I need to sit the A2 CofC exam remotely?

Accepted Answer

For your exam, which is sat remotely, you will require: A quiet, private space Desktop or laptop Webcam Microphone A reliable internet connection Photographic ID (if you don't have photo ID, you will need to complete the exam at heliguy™ HQ during office hours)

Question 7

How Long Does An A2 CofC Last For?

Accepted Answer

The A2 CofC qualification lasts for five years, after which you’ll have to renew it.

Question 8

What Happens If I Fail The A2 CofC Exam?

Accepted Answer

heliguy™ offers free resits if you fail your A2 CofC exam. If you have not completed your practical flight training within a year of passing your exam, you will be required to re-sit the exam.

Question 9

Do I need any kind of insurance before I take the A2 CofC course?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not need insurance for the A2 CofC because it does not require a practical flight assessment. However, candidates must have EC785/2004 compliant insurance to operate in a commercial capacity.

Question 10

Does the A2 CofC allow me to operate commercially?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can use an A2 CofC to fly commercially or recreationally, so long as the flight is conducted within the boundaries of the subcategory you are flying in.

Question 11

What is the difference between the A2 CofC and GVC?

Accepted Answer

There are two types of UK CAA-approved drone training courses: The A2 CofC and GVC. The table below shows the differences between them. A2 CofC GVC Permitted Operational Categories Open Specific Training Requirements Theoretical Learning Theoretical Exam Self-Guided Practical Flight Training Theoretical Learning Theoretical Exam Operations Manual RAE Practical Flight Assessment CAA Fees None Initial application for Operational Authorisation (after passing GVC): £260 Annual renewal for Operational Authorisation: £195. Permitted SUA A1 Transitional (250g - 500g) A2 Transitional (500g - 2kg) 0 - 25kg SUA Example Operations Photography Videography Real estate Roof inspections Industrial inspections Drone mapping Public safety Search and rescue Commercial Activity Permitted Yes Yes Qualification Validity 5 years 5 years Advantage No costs with CAA No Operations Manual No Flight Assessment Reduced Separation Distances (C2) +400ft Structure Inspection Permitted EVLOS Fixed Wing Bolt-on Modules Any SUA (0-25kg) Governance operating procedures Multiple RP permitted Disadvantage Limited to aircraft No recognised qualification Single RP only Longer training pathway Comprehensive Syllabus Longer Examination Ongoing CAA Costs Audit Governance