GVC Course Training (E-Learning)
SKU: GVC-Course Brand: DJI
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- 100% Online Self-Study
- 24/7 Examination (Including Mock Exams)
- CAA Approved (RAE 7391)
- Valid for 5 Years
- 100% Pass Rate
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GVC Course Training (E-Learning)
The General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) is the CAA remote pilot competency for Specific Category flying within visual line of sight. Paired with a PDRA01 Operational Authorisation, it permits flights with aircraft from 250g to 25kg in residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas. The certificate is valid for five years, covers both multirotor and fixed-wing aircraft, and has no minimum age.
Study the theory online at your own pace and sit the exam at any hour, with mock exams included. Your access code is emailed as soon as your order is processed.
Complete Your GVC 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. GVCs issued before that date remain acceptable until they expire, 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.
What the 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.
- Scale up to enterprise airframes such as the Matrice 4 Series and Matrice 400 for inspection, survey and public safety tasks.
- Progress towards the RPC-L2 and BVLOS work, with the RPC-L1 theory test waived while your GVC remains valid.
What the GVC Does Not Do on Its Own
The GVC proves pilot competence; it does not grant flight privileges by itself. Those come from a separate CAA Operational Authorisation, most commonly the PDRA01, which costs £524 per year and lasts 12 months. You will also need an operations manual and suitable insurance to apply.
Under a PDRA01, uninvolved people may only be overflown when unavoidable, and overflight must be kept to a minimum. Assemblies of people must never be overflown, and you must keep at least 50m horizontally from them.
How the GVC Is Assessed
A CAA-recognised assessment entity (RAE) signs off three elements before the certificate is issued:
- Pass the theory examination, with a minimum pass mark of 75%.
- Complete a practical flight assessment covering mission planning, site risk assessment, normal flight and emergency procedures within VLOS.
- Submit an operations manual describing your organisation, aircraft, procedures and risk management.
The only entry requirement is a Flyer ID. You do not need an A2 CofC first.
Course Contents
- Meteorology and Planning
- UK Air Law and Responsibilities
- Drone Flight Performance and Operations
- Drone Operating Principles
GVC vs A2 CofC vs RPC-L1
| A2 CofC | GVC | RPC-L1 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Open: Near People (A2) | Specific | Specific |
| Needs a CAA authorisation to use | No | Yes (e.g. PDRA01) | Yes (e.g. PDRA01) |
| Aircraft | UK2/C2 up to 4kg; legacy under 2kg | 250g to 25kg under PDRA01 | 250g to 25kg under PDRA01 |
| Separation from uninvolved people | 30m (5m low-speed) for UK2/C2; 50m for legacy | 50m in flight; 30m take-off and landing | 50m in flight; 30m take-off and landing |
| BVLOS option | No | No | Part B (BVLOS with visual mitigations) |
| Entry requirement | Flyer ID | Flyer ID | Flyer ID |
| Validity | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years |
| Availability | Ongoing | Issued until 31 December 2027 | Available now |
UK Drone Rules Since 1 January 2026
| 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 |
| Night flying | No lighting requirement | Green flashing light must be switched on |
Why Buy Your Training from Drone Safe Store
Your course code arrives by email once your order is processed, so study can start the same day. Business buyers can spread the cost with iwocaPay, and Klarna is available for pay-in-3. Our Chichester team, operating the UK's largest indoor DJI store, answers training, authorisation and aircraft questions by phone six days a week; for hands-on flight preparation, book 1-1 In-Person Drone Training at the showroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the GVC to fly commercially?
Not in itself. UK rules no longer separate commercial and recreational flying; the GVC is needed when your work falls outside the Open Category, such as flying closer to buildings and people than A2 or A3 allow.
Can I fly under the Specific Category with the GVC alone?
No. The GVC proves competence; you also need a CAA Operational Authorisation, most commonly the PDRA01, before flying under Specific Category conditions.
Is the GVC being withdrawn?
The CAA stops issuing the GVC on 31 December 2027. Certificates issued before then remain acceptable until expiry wherever the Operational Authorisation accepts a GVC, and a valid GVC exempts you from the RPC-L1 theory test.
Should I take the GVC or wait for the RPC-L1?
The CAA describes the two as broadly similar in competency level. The RPC-L1 adds an optional Part B for BVLOS with visual mitigations; if you only need VLOS work under a PDRA01, the GVC meets that requirement for its full five-year validity.
Do I need an A2 CofC before the GVC?
No. A Flyer ID is the only entry condition.
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.
Can I fly at night?
Yes, provided a green flashing light is switched on and your Operational Authorisation and operations manual cover night flight. If your aircraft has no built-in green light, fit one; its weight counts towards the aircraft's total mass.
How long does the GVC last?
Five years from issue.
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