GVC Drone Training Course
99% pass rate
12,000+ pilots trained
CAA-accredited
General Visual Line of Sight Certification
The General “Visual Line of Sight” Certificate, or GVC, is the drone training and qualification required to apply for Operational Authorisation with the CAA. Your operational authorisation enables you to operate a UAS in the specific category as defined by UAS regulations.
Our GVC drone training course, accredited at OFQUAL Level 4, guarantees you’ll be learning from the best, providing you with a recognised certificate to showcase your expertise.
Finishing the GVC course earns you the General Visual Line of Sight Certificate, which enables you to apply for an Operational Authorisation from the CAA.
The Operational Authorisation application fee is £290, payable directly to the CAA, for issuing your Authorisation.
*CAA application is separate and not included in the prices.
Why Take The GVC?
Operational Authorisation
To legally and safely fly drones up to 25 kg in built-up areas, obtaining a GVC qualification is essential for acquiring Operational Authorisation from the CAA.
Recognised Industry Wide
The GVC is an industry-recognised mark of your competence and safety in drone piloting, vital for monetising your skills, and is attained through CAA-approved training and assessment.
Show Your Expertise
Holding a GVC enhances your attractiveness to businesses increasingly looking for skilled and professional drone operators.
Course Format
The online or classroom based syllabus will prepare you for 40-question multiple-choice exam.
Complete your practical flight assessment at any of our 6 UK locations with our training team. It's recommended to have 10 hours of flying experience prior.
You'll receive a template and have your operations manual reviewed by an expert before submission to the CAA.
The Classroom GVC Course
Fast-track your certification with our 3 day in person training course. The classroom course is an interactive and hands-on experience, with expert instructors guiding you every step of the way.
- 2 days in the classroom
- Theory exam taken on second day
- 1 day Flight Assessment
- Access to templates on Operations Manual, logbooks etc.
- Free Operations Manual Reviews
- Award of a General Visual Line of Sight Certificate
The Online GVC Course
Learn in your own time and at your own pace from anywhere with an internet connection. Complete all online modules to unlock exam booking. After passing your online theory exam, we can book your practical flight test at any of our 6 UK venues. The Flight Test typically takes about 2 hours.
*Complete the Online Theory Exam prior to booking a flight assessment at one of our 6 UK venues.
- E-Learning of GVC syllabus
- CAA Approved virtual Theory Examination
- 1 day Flight Assessment at chosen location
- Free Operations Manual Reviews
- Award of a General Visual Line of Sight Certificate
Cohort Training
Should your entire group need training, we can provide an on- site GVC at your location. Our services are designed to meet your group's specific needs, ensuring that each participant receives the highest level of instruction tailored to your operational requirements.
Training Locations
We offer Classroom GVC Courses and Flight Assessments across six UK locations. To view available dates, please visit our website. For those enrolled in an Online GVC, our training coordinator will work with you to schedule a Flight Assessment at a date and location convenient for you once you are ready to book.
- Leeds
- Rugby
- Hampshire
- Kent
- Cardiff
- Edinburgh
Book a GVC
Training Course
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FAQs
You need a 75% score to pass. Resit fees are £97+VAT for theory and £174+VAT for practical flight assessment. Don’t worry though, you’re unlikely to fail with Coptrz, as we have a stellar 99% pass rate.
Yes, current or ex-military personnel can use ELCAS credits.
GVC replaces PfCO, needed for drones under 25kg. GVC is required by January 1st, 2024.
Yes, public liability insurance and a CAA application fee.
You can book the course on the Coptrz website.
It's a certification needed to apply to the CAA for Operational Authorisation to operate UAS in specific categories.
There are 40 multiple-choice questions
The pass mark is 75%. Our teaching means that you'll be easily able to achieve this, just like the thousands of other successful pilots before.
The GVC is valid for a period of five years from the date that the examination was taken. After 5 years you will need to renew it for £217 (July 2024) payable to the CAA.
Yes. You must successfully complete the CAA’s Drone and Model Aircraft Registration and Education Service free online competency test, which will earn you your Flyer ID number. Each person or each organisation needs to purchase an Operator ID, which you can use for all your drones and model aircraft and is valid for 1 year.
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.
Why choose Coptrz academy?
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Empower Your Team: Monitor progress, track performance, and manage your team efficiently with our intuitive employee dashboards.
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Course Library
Access a wide range of courses across multiple disciplines to expand your knowledge and skills.
Curriculum
Our curriculum is constantly updated to reflect the latest trends, tools, and best practices in the industry.
Resources
Resources are included for a comprehensive learning experience.
