Coptrz Expands RPC-L1 Flying Locations to Edinburgh and Birmingham
Coptrz has added two new practical flying locations for its Level 1 Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC-L1) Part A course, in Edinburgh and Birmingham.
The new sites join Coptrz’s established primary training hubs in Leeds and Kent, giving Coptrz the largest number of RPC-L1 training sites of any provider in the UK.
Both Edinburgh and Birmingham are designated as flying locations only. Theory training continues to be delivered online, or as in-person classroom sessions at the Leeds and Kent centres. The new sites extend the choice of where pilots can complete the practical flight instruction and assessment element of the qualification.
More Choice for Pilots in Scotland and the Midlands
By adding dedicated flying locations in Scotland and the Midlands, Coptrz is making RPC-L1 Part A practical training more accessible for pilots based in those regions.
For many operators, travel time can be a real barrier when training new pilots or upskilling existing teams. The addition of Edinburgh and Birmingham helps reduce the time away from work involved in completing the practical element of the qualification.
Pilots can continue to complete the theory side of the course online, or attend classroom-based theory sessions at Leeds or Kent, before completing their hands-on flight instruction and independent practical assessment at one of the available flying locations.
About the RPC-L1 Part A
The RPC-L1 Part A is the first level of the Civil Aviation Authority’s new pilot competence qualifications. It is aligned to the UK Specific Operations Risk Assessment, known as UK SORA, and forms part of the move towards a more competency-based approach to drone pilot training.
Built around practical operational competence, the RPC-L1 Part A combines robust theoretical knowledge with structured ground instruction, practical flight instruction and an independent practical flight assessment.
The emphasis is on real pilot capability, decision making and operational competence, rather than theory alone.
The qualification is available for both rotorcraft and fixed-wing platforms, with approved bridging options between the two. All practical instruction and assessment is conducted on Coptrz-owned aircraft under Coptrz insurance, helping ensure a safe, consistent and fully compliant training environment.
For a full breakdown of what the qualification covers and what it gives pilots, read our guide: Know exactly what RPC-L1 Part A gives your pilots before you invest.
Supporting the Rollout of the New Standard
The RPC-L1 was first announced by Coptrz in January 2026 as a new service for customers. Coptrz was among the first Recognised Assessment Entities for Pilot Competence, or RAE(PC)s, approved to deliver the qualification within the UK drone market.
With the CAA expecting RPC certificates to underpin UK SORA-based Operational Authorisations, demand for accessible, high-quality drone training has grown across the UK.
For operators and pilots, the RPC-L1 Part A provides a clear pathway into Specific Category operations and a solid stepping stone towards more complex Visual Line of Sight and Beyond Visual Line of Sight activity as the UK regulatory framework continues to evolve. Existing GVC holders looking to transition to the new standard will also find the RPC-L1 Part A the logical next step.
As one of the first RAE(PC)s approved to deliver the qualification, Coptrz continues to lead its rollout as it becomes the new industry standard.
Book Your RPC-L1 Part A Training
RPC-L1 Part A practical flight training is now available at Coptrz flying locations in Edinburgh, Birmingham, Leeds and Kent.
Theory training can be completed online, or in person at the Leeds and Kent training centres. Edinburgh and Birmingham are currently available for the practical flight instruction and assessment element only.
Find out more and book your RPC-L1 Part A training.
Download Our FREE RPC-L1 Guide
Understand everything you need to know about moving towards commercial drone operations with our RPC-L1 guide.
- Understand what RPC-L1 is and who it is for
- Learn how the CAA transition impacts operators and training routes
- Get a clear breakdown of requirements, costs and next steps
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