New CAA Change Makes the Switch From GVC to RPC-L1 Faster for Some

If you already hold a GVC and fly regularly, moving to the RPC-L1 could now take less time in the air. Here’s what the CAA has changed, who qualifies and how it works in practice.

What’s changed for GVC to RPC-L1 conversions

The CAA has published RAE Safety and Information Circular 2026/04. It gives approved training providers, known as Recognised Assessment Entities (RAEs), new flexibility when experienced GVC holders train for the Remote Pilot Competence Level 1 (RPC-L1).

Until now, every RPC-L1 trainee needed at least two hours of practical flight instruction, however much flying they’d already done. Approved providers can now reduce that two-hour minimum for eligible GVC holders.

That doesn’t mean skipping the practical side. You’ll still fly with an instructor and complete every training event in the syllabus. The difference is that the amount of flight instruction can be matched to your experience, rather than set at a fixed number of hours. The RPC-L1 assessment standard stays exactly the same.

Who is eligible?

To qualify, you’ll need:

• A valid GVC that hasn’t been suspended or withdrawn
  
• A GVC in the same aircraft category as your RPC-L1 course, so multirotor for rotorcraft and fixed wing for fixed wing
  
• A logbook showing at least two hours’ live flight time as remote pilot on VLOS (visual line of sight) operations in the Specific category, within the 90 days before your course starts, in the same aircraft category

Your two hours can be spread across several flights. Only time spent actually flying as a remote pilot counts, so briefings, preparation, ground time, simulation, observing and acting as supporting crew don’t.

Why it matters for your team

For organisations with active GVC holders, this is good news. Pilots who fly every week already have the hands-on skills the two-hour minimum was designed to build, so tailoring instruction to their experience means less time away from operational work.

It also makes it easier to plan the move to RPC-L1 across a team. Pilots who fly often can move through training more efficiently, while those who need more time in the air still get it.

What happens before your course

As an approved provider, Coptrz reviews your logbook before the course, confirms your eligibility and plans your flight instruction around what you need. If eligibility can’t be clearly shown, the standard two-hour minimum applies, so it’s worth keeping your logbook detailed and up to date.

This is an interim CAA arrangement while it consults on updating the guidance, so the details may change.

FAQs

Can GVC holders skip RPC-L1 flight training?

No. You’ll still fly with an instructor and complete every training event, though the two-hour minimum can be waived if you’re eligible.

What flight time do I need to be eligible?

At least two hours’ live flight time as remote pilot on Specific category VLOS operations, logged in the 90 days before your course, in the same aircraft category.

Has the RPC-L1 assessment changed?

No. The assessment standard is unchanged.

Final thoughts

Already flying regularly under your GVC? Learn more about the GVC To RPC-L1 Part A Conversion Drone Training Course at Coptrz.