GVC Drone Training Course

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Full Description GVC Drone Training GVC (General VLOS Certificate) Training Course. General Visual Line of Sight Certificate The GVC is a remote pilot competency certificate, suita ble for VLOS (Visual Line of Sight) operations within the Specific Category. It enables you to apply for an Operational Authorisation, issued by the CAA and crucial for Specific Category missions. The GVC/Operational Authorisation are aimed at commercial drone pilots, ideal for operations with aircraft such as the DJI M300 RTK, Matrice 200 Series, and Inspire 2. GVC drone training involves a multiple choice theory examination, a practical flight assessment, and the completion of an Operations Manual. Take the theory course online with heliguy™, and learn from a team which has trained more than 3,000 candidates and delivered training to the likes of Network Rail, National Grid, and the UK emergency services. Read GVC Reviews GVC Course FAQs "The training course was very professional, very well structured and very well delivered. I know the Heliguy instructors are great at what they do. For me, the most important part is the flying aspect, so I know the candidates are in safe hands.” Paul Lindup - Network Rail Who We've Trained GVC Drone Training Benefits Learn why our training is the best rated in the industry. CAA-approved GVC course delivered by our experienced in-house instructors who have trained drone-pilot teams from the likes of Network Rail, National Grid, Sellafield Sites, Manchester City FC, and Phillips 66. Flexible and on-demand online learning through the heliguy™ Learning Management System, with engaging course content and interactive support from our training team. Sit your theory test remotely, with flexible exam slots available. Streamlined Operations Manual creation process, as well as annual renewal service and guidance. Conduct your bespoke flight assessment - tailored to your commercial operation - at any of our UK venues. Unlimited free resits for the theory exam and flight assessment, and dedicated aftercare support. Partner discounts, bonus material, regulation updates, and additional industry courses through heliguy™ Learning Management System. Industry-specific closed courses and on-site learning provide your organisation with tailored learning. Operate beyond Standard Permissions with the heliguy™ Operating Safety Case consultancy. heliguy™ Operations Manual framework judged to meet the highest drone industry standards, endorsed by IQ Verify against the requirements of BS ISO 21384-3: 2019. “I was really impressed with the training we received. I have been through lots of training courses online and the remote training we received through Heliguy was fantastic and the training team was always available when we had questions. Both our pilots were novices and had never flown a drone before, but thanks to Heliguy, they are now confident in the role moving forward.” Sam Dell - Senior Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officer, Southern IFCA GVC Drone Training Process Find out more about passing your GVC exam with heliguy™ 3 Part GVC Course Process The GVC drone course is a three-step process: Theory exam, Practical Flight Assessment, and the creation of an Operations Manual. It sets the foundations for your commercial drone journey and enables you to become a qualified and competent remote drone pilot who can operate safely and legally. Our experienced team of in-house instructors will be on hand to help you throughout the GVC process, and continue to offer support and advice long after you've passed. GVC Theory Test The first stage of the GVC: Prepare for the GVC exam through our online training, and then sit the theory test remotely. The examination covers air law/responsibilities; UAS airspace operating principles; and Airmanship and aviation safety. The heliguy™ team will support you throughout your online learning. GVC Practical Flight Assessment After passing the GVC theory exam, conduct the Practical Flight Assessment at one of our UK venues. Demonstrate your ability to control your drone, safely and accurately, through a series of manoeuvres. Our practical flight assessment is tailored to your operational needs, ensuring you have the right skills for the right job. Drone Operations Manual This important document, submitted to the CAA, explains how you will conduct operations in the Specific Category under UKPDRA-01. It covers areas such as safety, incident reporting, flight planning, and emergencies, as well as information about your drones and pilots. heliguy™'s streamlined Operations Manual creation process shaves days off this once time-consuming task and has been judged to meet the highest industry standards against the requirements of BS ISO 21384-3: 2019 "Our team are experts in search and rescue, but not in paperwork! Thankfully, when we turned to Heliguy for support with updating our Operations Manual, they were only too happy to help. They helped us to include night authorisation for flights outside of daylight hours and to bring the Operations Manual up to date with all the new regulations. I’m pleased to say after sending the manual off to the CAA and thanks to the help of Heliguy we quickly received our renewed Operational Authorisation." Rob Stordy - Deputy Team Leader, Buxton Mountain Rescue Team GVC Commercial Drone Operations Grow your commercial drone programme with heliguy™ Our expert instructors have created rich course content to help you pass the GVC exam and embrace a commercial drone programme. But that is only the beginning. We offer an ecosystem beyond the GVC syllabus to enable you to scale your drone enterprise, enhance pilot capability, and conduct missions outside the confines of Standard Permissions. Closed Courses Industry-specific closed courses are a major part of the heliguy™ training ecosystem. We have delivered tailored training to the likes of Network Rail, Phillips 66, and many of the UK's emergency services. Private drone training courses Multiple candidates at once A tailored yet standardised approach CPD courses and application-specific training, such as surveying and inspection heliguy™ Ecosystem heliguy™ offers an integrated end-to-end solution of services, including: Consultancy Hardware support Supply from a vast stock inventory Drone-defence solutions In-house repairs and crash support from DJI-trained technicians Rental equipment and service level agreements Large logistics network for rapid supply OSC Consultation Gain the competitive edge with an Operating Safety Case (OSC), enabling you to push the boundaries of your missions by operating outside Standard Permissions. Our OSC consultancy service is led by Josh, who previously evaluated, developed and approved OSCs at the CAA. Save time in creating a compliant OSC Reduce the need to go through costly reviews/rewrites with the CAA Pre-submission review of OSC Dedicated project manager Download the FREE Drone Training Brochure We've trained more than 3,000 candidates, including pilots from major organisations like Network Rail, BBC and UK police forces. Download the GVC training brochure and start your drone training journey with us today. Download the free brochure UK Drone Training Accreditations We hold a wide range of commercial, industry and service based accreditations and awards. Still confused about training? Alternative courses and more information on UK drone laws A2 CofC Course for pilots of small drones A2 CofC (Certificate of Competency) Learn more about the A2 CofC drone training course A2 CofC is a remote pilot competency certificate which provides a single qualification that is suitable for VLOS (Visual Line of Sight) operations. The A2 CofC facilitates operations within the A2 Subcategory of the Specific Category; useful for enhancing permissions flying smaller legacy DJI aircraft. A2 CofC Drone Training GVC Fixed Wing Drone Training GVC for Fixed-Wing Drones heliguy™ also delivers GVC training for fixed-wing drones. This specialist module enables Remote Pilots to apply for a Fixed Wing Operational Authorisation. GVC Fixed Wing Drone Training Combined A2 & GVC Course Combined A2 & GVC Drone Training Course Learn more about the Combined A2 & GVC course The Combined A2 CofC and GVC drone training course gives you the chance to complete both modules in one package. This is a more cost-effective option than completing both courses separately and provides flexibility to operate across the Open and Specific Categories. Combined A2 & GVC Which course is right for me? Which drone training do I need? Learn more about which drone training is right for you. UK drone laws blog Read about UK drone laws and which qualifications are relevant to different drones and operations. UK Drone Laws Talk to heliguy™ training team Request a callback and cut out the confusion by talking to our expert team who will happily steer you in the right direction. Request Callback DJI drone training calculator Select the DJI drone model or family you own and find out which training is relevant to your operation. Drone License Calculator CAA Drone Registration Drone Registration Register to fly with the CAA (UK Civil Aviation Authority). Drone Pilot Registration The majority of drone pilots will need to register with the CAA (UK Civil Aviation Authority) and get an operator ID and/or flyer ID. Operator ID If you’re responsible for a drone or model aircraft, you are required to register as a drone operator to get an operator ID. This costs £9. Flyer ID If your drone weighs over 250g, the drone pilot must register and get a flyer ID. There is a 40 question multiple choice exam. This is completely free. Register with CAA Click the button below to open the CAA website in a new window and complete your drone registration. You will be able to choose further options and pay for your operator ID registration on the CAA website. CAA Drone Registration Registration Exemptions You do not need to register if your drone is a toy below 250g, or your drone is below 250g and does not have a camera. Combined A2 & GVC Drone Training heliguy™ runs a combined course to help you achieve the A2 CofC and GVC. This is a more cost-effective option than sitting both courses separately and enables you to operate across the Open and Specific Categories. View the Course Course Specification Compatible Aircraft A GVC is best suited to the following DJI drones: DJI M300 RTK DJI M30 Series DJI M200 Series DJI Inspire 2 DJI M600 Series The GVC is an advanced level of drone training/qualification compared to the A2 CofC. Operators of drones such as the DJI Phantom 4 Series, Mavic 2 Enterprise Series and Mavic 3 may opt to do the GVC, instead of the A2 CofC, to enhance their permissions. Certification Details Valid for 5 years Suited to commercial drone pilots Allows for operations in the Specific Category Course Details Remote learning through online platform (closed courses available) Live support from instructors via online messenger, telephone or 1-2-1 video link Online theory test, via webcam Practical Flight Assessment Operations Manual Additional modules available, including fixed wing Flight Assessment Modules Candidates must complete 1 required flight assessment module and at least 1 of 3 optional modules. Optional modules will align with the operations you want to undertake as listed in your operations manual Required modules: Basic manoeuvres flight module - take-off, landing, 45 degree ascent and descent, figure of 8. GPS and/or ATTI mode flight. Optional modules: Drone photography flight module - how to use the camera and gimbal to take professional quality photographs. Drone videography flight module - how to use the camera and gimbal to shoot video both while stationary and in motion. Autonomous drone flight module - how to direct and manage autonomous pre-planned drone missions. Frequently Asked Questions GVC Drone Training FAQs Answers to your most frequently asked questions about the GVC drone training course. What Is The GVC? The GVC (General Visual Line of Sight Certificate) is a remote pilot competency certificate, introduced as part of the new drone regulations, which started in the UK and throughout Europe at the end of December 2020. It provides a single qualification that is suitable for VLOS (Visual Line of Sight) operations within the Specific Category.Mainly aimed at enterprise drone pilots, the Specific Category covers operations that present a greater risk than that of the Open category, or where one or more elements of the operation fall outside the boundaries of the Open category. Drones such as the DJI M300 RTK, Matrice 200 Series, and Inspire 2 will fall into this category. Depending on operational requirements, there may also be pilots of aircraft such as the Phantom 4 RTK or Mavic 2 Enterprise Series who choose to do the GVC instead of an A2 CofC (for operation in the Open Category). The Specific Category hinges on an Operational Authorisation being held by the drone operator, which has been issued by the CAA, before the operation can commence. Please note, a £290 fee to the CAA applies when applying for a UKPDRA-01 Operational Authorisation. An annual renewal of £217 also applies. The GVC is acceptable for all VLOS operations conducted under a PDRA (Pre-Defined Risk Assessment) and, in most circumstances, it will be considered an acceptable level of remote pilot competency within an operational risk assessment for any other VLOS operation. For more details, read our UK Drone Laws blog. What Is An Operational Authorisation? The Operational Authorisation – which has replaced the term PfCO – is based upon a risk assessment that is completed by the UAS operator, or through a series of Pre-Defined Risk Assessments (PDRA). This means that individuals or organisations that wish to operate a drone within the Specific Category must either provide a risk assessment to the CAA (by following the OSC – Operating Safety Case – process), or adhere to the requirements of the PDRA.Please note, a £290 fee to the CAA applies when applying for a UKPDRA-01 Operational Authorisation. An annual renewal of £217 also applies. How Do I Obtain a GVC? You can obtain a GVC by sitting a two-day Ground School course with heliguy™ via our online Learning Management System. This enables you to complete the modules remotely in your own time and at your own convenience. The GVC course syllabus will cover topics such as airlaw/responsibilities, UAS airspace operating principles, airmanship/aviation safety, meteorology, and navigation/charts, among other things. The GVC course will culminate in a theory test. As a Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE), we now have dispensation from the CAA to allow us to invigilate the GVC theory examination remotely using your webcam to maintain virtual exam conditions within heliguy™ Learning Management System. All candidates will also be required to complete a practical flight test, which will be taken on a separate date following successful completion of the Ground School course. The completion of an Operations Manual is also required. heliguy™ has a streamlined Operations Manual creation process to assist candidates with this task. What Do I Have To Do In The GVC Exam? The GVC examination – sat in formal conditions – will comprise a minimum of 40 multiple-choice questions. There will be a minimum of five questions in each of the following subject areas: Air law/responsibilities; UAS airspace operating principles; Airmanship and aviation safety. The exam will be a closed-book format (except when questions require reference to charts, or other sources of specific aeronautical information) and the minimum overall pass mark is 75%. The duration of the examination can be determined by the RAE and is subject to acceptance by the CAA. Any candidate with a recognised disability or additional needs (e.g. dyslexia or dyspraxia) should be granted an extra 10% of the allocated assessment time to complete the examination. What Do I Have To Do In The GVC Practical Flight Test? 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. Do I Need To Do Anything Other Than My GVC? Yes. You must successfully complete the CAA’s Drone and Model Aircraft Registration and Education Service free online competency test, and be in possession of the Flyer ID number associated with that test. Are There Bolt-on Modules For The GVC? Yes, there are. The GVC can be augmented by a number of additional modules. Currently, one additional module has been developed; this is the GVC Module 1, which covers operations that involve an unmanned aircraft being flown beyond the VLOS of the remote pilot but make use of visual observers for the purpose of avoiding collisions (ie Extended VLOS operations). These bolt-on modules will allow you to complete more complex missions with your drone, similar to what is now granted through an OSC (Operating Safety Case). heliguy™ will be releasing more information on these bolt-on modules in due course. How Long Does My GVC Last For? The GVC, along with any additional modules that are attached to it, is valid for a period of five years from the date that the examination was taken. What Happens If I Have A Valid PfCO? Pilots with a valid PfCO (which runs beyond December 31, 2020) don't need to panic, as their PfCO did not become null and void at the start of the new drone regulations. Rather, operating conditions on valid PfCOs will be amended to bring them into line with the Operational Authorisation. This ensures that all relevant UAS operators hold the same privileges. This special permission is applicable until the expiry date of a remote pilot’s PfCO/standard permission. Once a PfCO renewal application is submitted, the applicant will receive an Operational Authorisation and individuals with NQE qualifications may continue to renew that Operational Authorisation until January 1, 2024, before which, they’ll be required to undertake the PfCO to GVC Conversion course. What Happens If I Fail The GVC Exam/Flight Assessment? heliguy™ offers free resits. If you have not completed your practical flight assessment/Operations Manual within a year of passing your exam, you will be required to re-do the exam. Do I need any kind of insurance before I take the course? No - heliguy™ offers free insurance for your practical flight assessment through our partners at Coverdrone. Once you're operating commercially of course, you'll need to have insurance in place to protect your operations and your equipment. Do I need any experience with Drones before attending the courses? No. Whether you have experience or not - our drone training school helps take you from novice to commercial pilot, regardless of any existing drone experience. Our curriculum is well-paced to ensure that those more recently entering the industry can get up to speed, while experienced pilots will still be getting value at every stage. What are the Open, Specific and Certified drone categories? Under the new drone laws, three categories will define where drones can be flown. These categories are: Open: Operations that present a low (or no) risk to third parties. Specific: Operations that present a greater risk than that of the Open category, or where one or more elements of the operation fall outside the boundaries of the Open Category. Holding an Operational Authorisation allows you to fly in this category. Certified: Operations that present an equivalent risk to that of manned aviation. This category is for high-complexity missions. The Open Category is broken down into three subcategories: A1: Fly over people. A2 : Fly close to people. A3 : Fly far from people. Each of these subcategories has more specified criteria of where/how your drone can be operated. More Information On New UK Drone Regulations What Are The New Drone Classes? As part of the new regulations, a new class system for drones was introduced. Each make of drone will have its own class rating – from C0 to C4 – which will be based on certain criteria, such as weight, maximum speed and other features based around safety and geo-awareness. Specific classes of drone can be flown in specific subcategories of the Open Category. However, the UK CAA has announced that class marks on drones (ie C0-C4) issued in the EU are currently not recognised in the UK. This is because no relevant designated standards, Market Surveillance Authority, or conformance assessment bodies have been established in the UK, so it is currently not possible to comply UK class marking requirements. This came into force from December 23, 2022. As a result, non-class-marked drones (ie, current drones on the market without a class mark, or without a UK-recognised class mark) can continue to be flown based on Transitional provisions, which have been extended to January 1, 2026. What Is The Transitional Period? A Transitional Period is currently running in the UK up to January 1, 2026, to give manufacturers the chance to bring out C0-C4 drones which are recognised by the UK CAA. Currently, no class markings are recognised in the UK, including drones which have received a class marking in the EU. The Transitional Period was due to finish in the UK at the end of 2022, but has subsequently been extended. This means that you can continue to fly your current DJI drones - to become known as legacy aircraft - in accordance with Transitional provisions. In the UK, ignore all references to class markings on drones. A2 CofC vs GVC - Which Do You Need? I have a Ground School Certificate, Flight Assessment or Operations Manual. Can I finish my training with heliguy™? In the past - heliguy™ was happy to assist candidates who had started their training elsewhere. However, due to the improvement in the structure of the A2 CofC and GVC courses when compared to the PfCO, there is no longer the chance to switch midway through your training. If you're in the position where you have completed some part of your training, please give the training team a call on 0191 296 1024 to discuss what options you may have. Do I need a Commercial Drone License or a Hobbyist Licence? As of the time of writing, there is no hobbyist drone license in the UK. Whether or not you'll need some form of qualification depends on the circumstances of your flight. Use the button below to learn more about the "categories" of flight. Open Category Drone Flights Show more