The General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) is the UK’s benchmark qualification for professional drone pilots who need permission to carry out advanced commercial operations. This certificate is a required step for applying for an Operational Authorisation from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which allows drone flights in the Specific Category. The Specific Category covers missions that fall outside the standard Open Category limits, including higher-risk operations such as infrastructure inspections, surveying, mapping and flying in built-up or controlled environments.
The GVC is ideal for pilots who want to operate drones weighing up to 25kg in urban areas or closer to people and property than Open Category rules allow. It shows clients, regulators and insurers that you are fully trained and compliant with current UK drone laws.
Once you have completed the GVC course, including the theory exam, operations manual and practical flight assessment, you will be eligible to apply for your CAA Operational Authorisation. This authorisation is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Please note that the CAA application fee is £500 per year and must be paid directly to the CAA. This fee is not included in the course price.
