We introduced a new Remote Pilot Competency (RPC) scheme in February 2025.
The new RPC scheme is designed to ensure remote pilots have the appropriate level of competence for their operations. This is essential for the ongoing safety of unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operations.
Consultation programme
Following an initial consultation in July 2023, we held a full consultation between December 2023 and March 2024 on The Future of Remote Pilot Competency in the Specific Category (opens in a new tab).
Our proposals were designed to support a wider range of complex operational scenarios through the introduction of new certification levels. We received 112 responses and identified several trends related to the competency framework we had proposed.
Following the consultation, we developed our new competency framework.
The new framework
The new framework sees the existing A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) and General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) qualifications joined by four new levels of qualification.
The A2 CofC continues to enable you to fly in the Open Near people (A2) sub-category, while there are five qualifications for the Specific Category:
- General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC)
- Level 1 Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC-L1)
- Level 2 Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC-L2)
- Level 3 Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC-L3)
- Level 4 Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC-L4)
Details of the learning objectives and syllabus for each certificate are in the Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) for Remote Pilot Competence
Training and assessment for the new competency levels will be delivered by Recognised Assessment Entities (RAE). At the time we introduced the new competency levels, around 30 RAEs were approved to deliver training activities and conduct assessments for the A2 CofC and GVC.
RAEs that currently offer the A2 CofC and GVC must apply to us and pass our assessment criteria before they can deliver the new qualifications.
The new qualifications will not be available during the time that potential RAEs are preparing their applications and we are assessing their applications.
We will publish the names of RAEs that we approve to deliver the new competency levels in our RAE directory.