What Is A GVC? The Essential Certificate For Commercial Drone Pilots

The drone industry is soaring, but so are the regulatory requirements. Whether you're capturing aerial footage for clients or surveying infrastructure sites, compliance is non-negotiable. One certificate stands out as the gold standard for professional drone operations in the UK: the General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (or GVC for short).

What is a GVC?

The GVC (General Visual Line of Sight Certificate) is a qualification issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) that enables remote pilots to operate drones under the Specific category of drone operations. Unlike the A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC), which is suitable for some low-risk Open category flights, the GVC is mandatory for more complex missions, particularly those that cannot be legally executed under the Open category.

With a GVC and an approved Operations Manual, you can apply for Operational Authorisation from the CAA. This unlocks the ability to conduct more advanced, potentially higher-risk drone operations, while demonstrating your understanding of UK airspace law and operational safety.

The Three Steps to Earning Your GVC

1. Complete the Theory Training and Exam

To begin your GVC journey, you must first undertake a structured theory curriculum. This can be done via platforms like Coptrz Academy, where modules include:

• Air Law and Responsibilities
• Airspace and Operating Principles
• Airmanship and Aviation Safety
• Human Performance Limitations
• Navigation and Charts
• Meteorology
• Aircraft Knowledge
• Operating Procedures
• Operator Responsibilities (including how to create your Operations Manual)

Once you complete the e-learning modules, you’ll face a 40-question multiple-choice exam. A 75% pass mark is required. You can take the exam online, provided you have the right setup: a desktop or laptop (tablets not permitted), Chrome browser, webcam, microphone and a stable internet connection of at least 2Mbps.

2. Pass the Practical Flight Assessment

Next comes the hands-on portion: the practical flight test. Think of it as your driving test for drones. You must demonstrate flight proficiency, mission planning, and adherence to safe flying practices.

Your examiner will assess you on all phases of flight:

• Pre-flight procedures
• Departure
• General air work
• En-route navigation
• Landing and post-flight checks

The flight test must be completed within 12 months of passing your theory exam, or you'll need to start over. Preparation is crucial, and while 10 hours of flying experience is recommended, more is always better.

3. Prepare and Submit Your Operations Manual

Your Operations Manual is your business’s aviation blueprint. It outlines everything from safety procedures and emergency planning to aircraft specifications and pilot responsibilities. It must include:

• Details of aircraft and flight operations
• Safety protocols and personnel responsibilities
• Flight planning, documentation and incident reporting procedures

This document ensures your organisation complies with CAA standards and is a prerequisite for applying for Operational Authorisation. If you're training with Coptrz, you'll get access to pre-built templates and expert feedback to streamline the process.

Note: If you're flying under a company with an existing, approved Operations Manual, you may not need to create your own.

GVC Training Options: Online Convenience Meets Professional Standards

For most drone pilots, the Online GVC Course provides maximum flexibility without compromising on quality. With Coptrz Academy, you receive:

• 8+ hours of e-learning theory modules
• Free operations manual template and expert review
• Online theory exam with proctoring
• In-person practical flight test at one of six UK locations
• Issuance of your GVC certificate

The self-paced format means you can learn when and where it suits you, and once your modules are completed, you can book your online exam. After passing, your next step is to book the flight test, which typically takes around 2 hours.

Why the GVC Matters for Drone Professionals

In the evolving regulatory landscape, the GVC is more than a certificate: it’s a gateway. It grants legal access to fly drones in the Specific category, opening up opportunities across industries such as:

• Construction and infrastructure inspection
• Media and cinematic production
• Emergency services and public safety
• Surveying, mapping and agriculture

For professionals seeking to operate commercially, the GVC provides both credibility and capability.

Conclusion

Whether you're upgrading your qualifications or just launching your drone career, securing your GVC is a strategic move. It proves your competence, ensures legal compliance, and positions you to take on more complex, high-value contracts.

Start your journey today with Coptrz Academy’s GVC online drone training course here.