Question 1

What Is The GVC?

Accepted Answer

The GVC (General Visual Line of Sight Certificate) is a remote pilot competency certificate. It provides a single qualification that is suitable for VLOS (Visual Line of Sight) operations within the Specific Category. Mainly aimed at enterprise drone pilots, the Specific Category covers operations that present a greater risk than that of the Open category, or where one or more elements of the operation fall outside the boundaries of the Open category. Drones such as the DJI M350 RTK, DJI M300 RTK, DJI M30 Series, and Inspire 3, fall into this category. Depending on operational requirements, there may also be pilots of aircraft such as the Phantom 4 RTK or Mavic 3 Enterprise Series who choose to sit the GVC instead of an A2 CofC (for operation in the Open Category). The Specific Category hinges on an Operational Authorisation being held by the drone operator, which has been issued by the CAA, before the operation can commence. Please note, a £290 fee to the CAA applies when applying for a UKPDRA-01 Operational Authorisation. An annual renewal of £217 also applies. The GVC is acceptable for all VLOS operations conducted under a PDRA.

Question 2

What Is An Operational Authorisation?

Accepted Answer

The Operational Authorisation – which has replaced the term PfCO – is based upon a risk assessment that is completed by the UAS operator, or through a series of Pre-Defined Risk Assessments (PDRA). This means that individuals or organisations that wish to operate a drone within the Specific Category must either provide a risk assessment to the CAA (by following the OSC – Operating Safety Case – process), or adhere to the requirements of the PDRA. Please note, a £290 fee to the CAA applies when applying for a UKPDRA-01 Operational Authorisation. An annual renewal of £217 also applies.

Question 3

What Do I Have To Do In The GVC Drone Exam?

Accepted Answer

The GVC examination – sat in formal conditions – will comprise a minimum of 40 multiple-choice questions. There will be a minimum of five questions in each of the following subject areas: Air law/responsibilities; UAS airspace operating principles; Airmanship and aviation safety. The exam will be a closed-book format (except when questions require reference to charts, or other sources of specific aeronautical information) and the minimum overall pass mark is 75%. The examination is 60 minutes in length. Any candidate with a recognised disability or additional needs (e.g. dyslexia or dyspraxia) should be granted an extra 10% of the allocated assessment time to complete the examination. Sit your GVC drone exam remotely using a webcam. For your exam, 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 4

What Do I Have To Do In The GVC Practical Flight Test?

Accepted Answer

The GVC practical flight test is designed to provide assurance that the remote pilot being examined can safely undertake a wide range of VLOS operations within the Specific Category, including those conducted under a published PDRA, whilst adhering to a set of procedures contained within an Operations Manual. The test will be conducted outdoors and candidates must sufficiently show competence in a range of pre-and-post-flight actions, and in-flight procedures. All candidates must complete the practical flight test. The practical flight examination can be conducted at one of our UK training venues, or at a venue of your choice if you are undertaking a closed course training programme.

Question 5

Do I Need To Do Anything Other Than My GVC?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You must 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. This must be done before you start the heliguy™ GVC training.

Question 6

How Long Does My GVC Last For?

Accepted Answer

The GVC is valid for a period of five years from the date that the examination was taken.

Question 7

What Happens If I Fail The GVC Exam/Flight Assessment?

Accepted Answer

heliguy™ offers free resits. If you have not completed your practical flight assessment/Operations Manual within a year of passing your exam, you will be required to re-do the exam.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

No - heliguy™ offers free insurance for your practical flight assessment through our partners at Coverdrone. Once you're operating commercially of course, you'll need to have insurance in place to protect your operations and your equipment.

Question 9

This is an FAQ Question

Accepted Answer

No. Whether you have experience or not - our drone training school helps take you from novice to commercial pilot, regardless of any existing drone experience. Our curriculum is well-paced to ensure that those more recently entering the industry can get up to speed, while experienced pilots will still be getting value at every stage.

Question 10

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

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