Level 2 Remote Pilot Certificate
Level 2 Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC-L2)
The Level 2 Remote Pilot Certificate is the next step up for experienced pilots who want to fly beyond visual line of sight, or BVLOS. The CAA has published what it involves, but no training provider can deliver it yet. Register your interest and we will let you know when that changes.
You need a valid RPC-L1 before you can start RPC-L2. Start here.
- No new GVCs issued after 31 December 2027
- CAA-approved training provider
- 12,000+ pilots trained since 2016
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Tell us where you are now and we will contact you when dates and pricing are confirmed.
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We will be in touch as soon as RPC-L2 training is available and our dates are confirmed.
The qualification
What is the RPC-L2?
RPC-L2 builds on RPC-L1. It is for pilots moving into BVLOS flying in places where you are very unlikely to meet another aircraft, such as close to buildings and structures, or in airspace that has been set aside to keep other traffic out.
The CAA calls this type of airspace ARC-a. RPC-L2 also covers normal line of sight flying, so it adds to what you can already do rather than replacing RPC-L1.
It proves you are competent to fly these operations. Your organisation still needs permission from the CAA for each operation, which is a separate thing.
RPC-L2 does not authorise BVLOS on its own
The certificate says you are competent. It does not give you permission to fly. Your organisation also needs an operational authorisation from the CAA covering that specific job and the conditions you fly it under.
You need both before a BVLOS flight can go ahead. Coptrz can help with the authorisation side through our SORA Success Service.
Requirements
RPC-L2 at a glance
The CAA has published what RPC-L2 will involve. No training provider can deliver it yet.
Minimum age
18
Operations covered
Line of sight flying, plus BVLOS where you are very unlikely to meet another aircraft
Entry conditions
A valid Flyer ID, a valid RPC-L1, and at least 50 logged flight hours
Also required to fly BVLOS
Permission from the CAA covering the specific flight
Theory subjects
BVLOS procedures, airspace and risk, and radio communications
Flight training
At least 5 hours, of which up to 2 hours may use a simulator for emergency procedures
Practical assessment
At least 30 minutes of BVLOS assessment across a minimum of two flights
Theory pass mark
75% in every theory exam
Validity
3 years
Currency requirement
At least 2 hours of live flight within the last 90 days
Nobody can deliver RPC-L2 training yet. The details above come from what the CAA has published so far and could still change. Register your interest and we will keep you posted.
The airspace
Where you can use it
ARC-a is the CAA’s label for the lowest level of air risk. In practice it means places where you are very unlikely to meet a crewed aircraft.
Atypical Air Environment
Places aircraft rarely go
Somewhere a crewed aircraft would almost never fly, usually because of what is around it. For example:
- Within 30 m (100 ft) of a building or structure
- Within 15 m (50 ft) of a permanent linear structure, such as a railway, road or power line
- Within 15 m (50 ft) on private land, such as an industrial site perimeter
Managed or segregated airspace
Airspace kept clear for you
Airspace that has been formally restricted or managed to keep other aircraft out of your operating area. For example:
- Danger Area (DA) or Temporary Danger Area (TDA)
- Temporary Segregated Area (TSA)
- Temporary Reserved Area (TRA), where access is controlled
Training and assessment
What the course will involve
The CAA has set out what the course will cover. No provider can run it yet.
Ground and theory
Planning and decision-making
Covers what you need to plan and fly BVLOS safely: planning, airspace, ground risks, preparing the aircraft and what to do when things go wrong.
Flight instruction
At least 5 hours
At least 5 hours of flying with an instructor, covering normal flying and emergencies. Up to 2 of those hours can be in an approved simulator for the emergency scenarios.
Practical assessment
At least 30 minutes
At least two BVLOS flights, 30 minutes or more in total. You are assessed on preparation, awareness, handling, decision-making and managing risk.
Using the qualification
It works alongside CAA permission
You use RPC-L2 where the CAA permission for that job asks for Level 2 competence. On its own it does not let you fly BVLOS.
Currency
2 hours every 90 days
You need at least 2 hours of real flying every 90 days, and a flight log to show it.
Revalidation
Valid for 3 years
RPC-L2 lasts 3 years. You renew it in the 3 months before it runs out, and what that involves depends on whether you have kept your hours up.
The RPC-L2 is not where you start. The RPC-L1 is.
If RPC-L2 is where you want to get to, the useful thing to do now is pass RPC-L1 and build your hours. You need a valid RPC-L1 and 50 logged hours before you can start Level 2.
Why this matters now
The GVC is being phased out
Issuance of the GVC will be discontinued on 31 December 2027. From that point, all remote pilot training and assessment will be conducted under the RPC framework: RPC-L1, RPC-L2 and RPC-L3.
The RPC route is where UK drone qualifications are heading. If Level 2 is the goal, use the time before it launches to get RPC-L1 done and build the hours you will need.
Common questions
RPC-L2 FAQs
What is the RPC-L2 certificate?
What is the difference between RPC-L1 and RPC-L2?
Can I fly BVLOS as soon as I have my RPC-L2?
What are the entry requirements for the RPC-L2?
How long is the RPC-L2 valid for?
Is the RPC-L2 replacing the GVC?
When will the RPC-L2 be available from Coptrz?
Be first to know
Get ahead of the RPC-L2
Register your interest and we will contact you as soon as RPC-L2 training is available and our course dates are confirmed. No obligation, no charge.
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