PfCO to GVC Conversion Course
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PfCO to GVC Conversion Course
A fast-track route to the General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) for pilots who trained under the old PfCO system and hold NQE certificates. Eligible pilots complete the GVC theory online and skip the practical flight assessment required on the full GVC course. The result is a full GVC, valid for five years and accepted for a PDRA01 Operational Authorisation.
Check Your Eligibility Before You Buy
You must be able to send us both of the following before starting the course:
- Provide your original NQE certificates: the theory certificate and the practical flight assessment certificate are sufficient.
- Evidence at least 2 hours of logged flying in the 3 months before you sit the GVC theory exam, using your flight logs.
If you purchase the conversion without these documents, you will need to pay the difference between the conversion price and the current GVC Course Training (E-Learning) price to move onto the full course.
Why NQE Holders Need to Convert
NQE certificates of recommendation stopped being accepted as a basis for new Operational Authorisations after 31 December 2020, and the transitional renewals for PfCO-era authorisations have since ended. To fly under a PDRA01 or other Specific Category authorisation today, the CAA expects the remote pilot to hold a GVC or RPC-L1. The conversion recognises your existing training and flight experience so you do not repeat the full assessment.
Convert Before 31 December 2027
The CAA will stop issuing the GVC on 31 December 2027, after which only the Level 1, 2 and 3 Remote Pilot Certificates (RPC-L1, L2, L3) will be available. A GVC issued before that date remains acceptable until it expires, wherever the Operational Authorisation lists the GVC as valid evidence of competence. Holding a valid GVC also exempts you from the RPC-L1 theory test, giving converted pilots a shorter route into the new certificate structure.
What the Converted GVC Allows
- Qualify for a PDRA01 Operational Authorisation, covering rotary and fixed-wing aircraft from 250g to 25kg.
- Deploy into residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas, which the Open Category A3 sub-category restricts to a 150m standoff.
- Work within 50m of uninvolved people in flight, reducing to 30m during take-off and landing.
- Operate legacy (non-class-marked) drones over 2kg near built-up areas, which the Open Category limits to the A3 sub-category.
- Retain the certificate for five years, across multirotor and fixed-wing aircraft.
The GVC proves pilot competence; flight privileges come from the separate CAA authorisation. A PDRA01 costs £524 per year, lasts 12 months, and requires an up-to-date operations manual and suitable insurance.
What the Course Covers
- Refresh your theory knowledge against the current GVC syllabus.
- Update your operations manual to meet current PDRA01 requirements.
- Sit the GVC theory examination online, at any hour, with unlimited re-sits.
UK Drone Rules Since 1 January 2026
Much has changed since the PfCO era. The rules below apply to every pilot, whatever their qualification.
| Rule | Before 2026 | From 1 January 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Flyer ID | Required from 250g | Required from 100g, and the entry condition for the GVC |
| Operator ID | Required from 250g | Required from 100g with a camera, or from 250g without one |
| Class marks | EU C0 to C6 recognised | UK0 to UK6 introduced; EU C-class drones recognised until 31 December 2027 |
| Remote ID | Not mandatory | Mandatory on UK1, UK2, UK3, UK5 and UK6 drones; legacy and home-built drones of 100g or more with a camera from 1 January 2028 |
| A2 sub-category name | Open A2 | Near People (A2) |
| Night flying | No lighting requirement | Green flashing light must be switched on |
Conversion vs Full GVC
| PfCO to GVC Conversion | Full GVC Course | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | Pilots holding NQE theory and practical certificates | New Specific Category pilots |
| Entry requirements | Flyer ID; NQE certificates; 2 hours logged flying in the previous 3 months | Flyer ID |
| Practical flight assessment | Not required for eligible pilots | Required |
| Theory exam | Required | Required |
| Operations manual | Update existing manual | Write or submit a new manual |
| Result | GVC, valid 5 years | GVC, valid 5 years |
| Price | £332.50 | £499.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't have my NQE certificates?
You will need the full GVC Course Training (E-Learning), which includes the practical flight assessment. Call us before ordering and we can advise on the right route.
What if I haven't flown 2 hours in the last 3 months?
Log the hours before you sit the theory exam. The requirement applies to the 3 months before your exam date, not your purchase date.
Do I need a Flyer ID?
Yes. Anyone flying a drone of 100g or more needs a Flyer ID, and it is the entry condition for the GVC. It replaces nothing from your PfCO; take the free CAA test if you do not already hold one.
Can I keep flying on my old NQE certificates?
Not under a new or renewed Operational Authorisation. The GVC or RPC-L1 is now the expected remote pilot competency for a PDRA01.
Is the conversion route closing?
The CAA stops issuing the GVC on 31 December 2027, so the conversion must be completed before then. A GVC issued before that date remains valid until it expires, wherever the authorisation accepts it.
Does the conversion include the A2 CofC?
No. The A2 CofC is a separate Open Category qualification. If you also want to fly class-marked drones close to people without an Operational Authorisation, see the A2CofC Online Training Course.
Does my drone need Remote ID?
UK1, UK2, UK3, UK5 and UK6 class-marked drones must broadcast Remote ID now. Legacy and home-built drones of 100g or more with a camera must do so from 1 January 2028.
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