The General “Visual Line of Sight” Certificate, often referred to as GVC, is the necessary drone training and credential to seek Operational Authorisation from the CAA. This authorisation permits you to operate a UAS within the Specific Category. 

The GVC is an OFQUAL Level 4 accredited qualification, crucial for those aiming for advanced drone operations. Securing this certificate allows you to apply for the CAA’s Operational Authorisation, essential for flying in the Specific Category, which has higher operational risks. With the GVC, you gain permissions to:

• Fly up to 400ft above ground.
• Operate within 500m of yourself.
• Use drones in urban settings.
• Safely operate near uninvolved people.

The General “Visual Line of Sight” Certificate (GVC) is typically required for drone operations that fall under the Specific Category, which involves higher-risk activities compared to standard Open Category operations. Here are some examples of drone applications that might necessitate a GVC:

1. Industrial Inspections: Drones used to inspect infrastructure like power lines, pipelines, and bridges where proximity to hazards and the public might be a concern.

2. Surveying & Mapping: Precision work, especially in populated or sensitive areas, often requires advanced permissions.

3. Construction Site Monitoring: Drones used to oversee progress and ensure safety might fly close to workers or machinery.

4. Public Safety & Emergency Services: Usage by law enforcement, fire departments, or search and rescue teams, especially in urban contexts or near crowds.

These applications might require the pilot to operate in scenarios where there’s a greater potential risk to the public or property, hence the need for a GVC and the accompanying Operational Authorisation from the CAA.

The A2 CofC qualifies pilots to fly certain drones under specific conditions in the Open Category.

It allows you operate in A2 or A1 subcategories based on aircraft specifications. With it, pilots can fly C2 drones close to uninvolved people, given distance limitations.

No, however you will be more limited to where you can fly your drone.

Holding an A2 CofC allows you to fly ‘Legacy Drones’ in either the A1 or A2 Subcategory of the Open Category, depending on their weight.

Without the A2 CofC, you’re restricted to the A3 Subcategory which mandates a 150m distance from residential, industrial, and other areas and ensures no uninvolved persons are nearby.

For those operating smaller, low-risk aircraft, the A2 CofC is an ideal certification. However, for more substantial aircraft with a higher associated risk, securing an Operational Authorisation is essential. To apply for this authorisation, you’ll require a General “Visual Line of Sight” Certificate (GVC).

Pilots can now operate in the open category with no qualifications as long as they have read the user manual and completed their DMARES online training and exam to receive their flyer and operator IDs.

If you are wanting to operate closer to people and potentially within congested areas you would need to obtain your A2 CofC or your GVC. It is recommended to do your research before operating and make sure you understand the subcategories and the aircraft.

In the A2 subcategory, you can operate C2 drones and transitional aircraft under 2kg, like the DJI Mavic Enterprise Series or Parrot ANAFI Ai/ USA.

C2 aircraft should have a maximum take-off mass under 4kg, a low-speed mode (max 2m/s or 6.7mph), and features to minimise injury, geo-awareness, and low noise levels.

If using ‘legacy’ aircraft, you’ll be restricted to the A3 subcategory, meaning flying away from uninvolved people and avoiding specific areas like residential zones.

If you need to renew your PfCO, the process is now different. Instead of simply renewing the PfCO, you’ll be granted an “Operational Authorisation.” For those who have NQE (National Qualified Entity) qualifications, they can keep renewing this Operational Authorisation. However, this renewal process will only be available until January 1, 2024.

By January 1, 2024, anyone with NQE qualifications who wishes to continue operating will need to undergo a specific training. This is referred to as the “PfCO to GVC Conversion course.”

A Legacy Drone is a drone sold in the EU and the UK prior to 1st January 2023 without a designated Class marking (such as C0, C1, C2, C3, or C4).

Examples include: DJI Mavic 3, DJI Mavic 2 Pro/Zoom, DJI Mavic Pro, DJI Mavic Air, DJI Mavic Air 2/2s, DJI Phantom 4, DJI Spark, Parrot ANAFI.