The General VLOS Certificate
What is the GVC?
The GVC is a remote pilot competency certificate, suitable for VLOS
(Visual Line of Sight) operations within the Specific Category of UAS operations. It replaces the now defunct PfCO qualification and benefits from a Pre-Determined Risk Assessment (called UKPDRA-01) with which the GVC course syllabus fully complies.
- It enables you to operate any UAS up to 25Kg
- Additional 'bolt-on' modules will be available without the need for a specific and expensive Operational Safety Case (OSC)
- Multiple pilots can be incorporated into one Operations Manual for GVC holders who use more than pilot in their organisation
- Provides a CAA recognised qualification to the Professional Drone Operator who is looking to offer a comprehensive service to their clients
- The GVC lasts for five years from the date of issue (an annual fee is required to be paid to the CAA for the Operational Authorisation)
The GVC certification process comprises the successful completion of our online and invigilated theory exam, the creation of a Company Operations Manual and the passing of a Practical Flight Assessment with one of our accredited Assessors. The Flight Assessment is conducted at our training and assessment site in Chawton, Hampshire .
Once all these aspects are completed and you have been awarded your GVC Certificate you then apply to the CAA for your annual Operational Authorisation.
GVC - Online Course & Exam
Our GVC online course is provided by 3iC who are a CAA approved UAS Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE) NO.1625.
The course covers the theory syllabus as set by the CAA comprising Air Law/Responsibilities, UAS Airspace Operating Principles, Airmanship and Aviation Safety, Human Performance Limitations, Meteorology , Navigation/Charts, UAS General Knowledge, Operator Responsibilities and Operating Procedures.
On average it takes around 12-15 hours to complete the course, which you can complete at your own pace. When you're ready contact us and we will arrange your online theory exam at a time that suits you.
We are available by 'phone or email to answer any questions you may have during the course.
The exam is held online in accordance with CAA requirements and you invigilator will assist you to set this up. The exam comprises 40 multi-choice questions. On successful completion of the theory exam you are then ready to conduct the Practical Flight Assessment part of the GVC syllabus.
GVC - Operations Manual
One of the most important aspects of your GVC certification process is the creation of your Operations Manual (OM). This document explains to the CAA how you will conduct yourself when you are operating within the Specific Category under UKPDRA-01.
The OM comprises important sections covering Safety Training & Nominated Personnel through to Aircraft Systems & Incident Reporting. Flight Planning, Procedures & Emergencies also need to be covered along with all the necessary documentation needed for UAS Operations in the Specific category under UKPDRA-01. Information about the operations you will be undertaking, the aircraft you will be flying
& the pilots you will be using will also need to be included.
We provide you with our excellent OM template resources to assist you in writing this CAA required document and will guide and support you through the process of shaping the document to suit your operations.
This document will need to be uploaded on the CAA portal to enable you to obtain your Operational Authorisation (OA), with your inital application and annually therafter.
GVC - Practical Flight Assessment & Certification
The Practical Flight Assessment (PFA) is primarily safety focussed and tests your flying skills and safe operational ability. This is set against your Operations Manual, which means that you will need to be fully conversant with its contents. Your assessor will be looking for safe and competent flying and not amazing hand flying skills.
The PFA will assess the following aspects of your operations:
- Planning & Risk Assessment
- Pre-Flight Procedures
- In-Flight Procedures & Emergencies
- Post-Flight Actions & DeBrief
We will provide you with close support and guidance documents so that you are fully prepared for the PFA, which will take approximately 1hr.
We can also provide additional bolt-on, in-person training modules to take you thoroughly through the process of preparing for and undertaking the GVC PFA. More information on these is provided below.
After you have passed the PFA you will be awarded the GVC certificate, which will enable you to then apply on the CAA portal for your annual Operational Authorisation.
Our GVC Course & Training Options
- Option 1 -
GVC Only
£399
3iC accredited GVC drone pilot training course comprising:
- Online theory course
- Online theory examination via Zoom
- Practical Flight Assessment
- Operations Manual template
- Telephone & email support
- Option 2 -
GVC + Pre-Assessment Training
£519
As Option 1 and including one-to-one training via Zoom to cover Pre-Deployment Planning & comprising:
- Ground & Air Picture survey/analysis
- NATS AIP (FRZ, Danger Areas etc)
- NOTAMs
- Obtaining contact(s) information
- Flyaway bubble calculation
- Risk analysis & mitigation strategies
- Assessment preparation and equipment list
- Option 3 -
GVC + Pre-Assessment Training
+ 1hr Flight Training
£639
As Option 2 and including 1hr one-to-one flying training at our Chawton flying site & comprising:
- Pre-flight procedures
- Take-off and recovery profiles
- Emergency procedures
- Return To Home at differing height settings
- Flight training will be on your drone
Our Flight Assessment & Training Location
Flight Level Drones has exclusive access to the grounds of Chawton House near Winchester in Hampshire. It is famous by association with Jane Austen and is located in the village of Chawton just off the A31/A32 roundabout South West of Alton. Training sessions will be in a room in the house followed by flying in an adjacent field providing fantastic photo opportunities around this truly historic and picturesque site.