Every Specific Category Operational Authorisation sets out the level of remote pilot competency required to fly under that authorisation.
The competency requirements will specify a minimum remote pilot certificate. Depending on the nature of the operations, the authorisation may also specify further remote pilot competency requirements too. For example, a certain number of flying hours.
Remote pilots must meet the specified competency requirements whenever flying under the authorisation.
What the certificates are designed to provide
Remote Pilot Certificates (RPC) are designed to equip you with a standard level of task performance, knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
The certificates do not cover all operational scenarios on all types of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Operators must ensure that remote pilots have the appropriate operational and UAS-specific training as well as the appropriate certificate.
Training and assessment providers
You must complete your training with a CAA-approved training and assessment provider. We call these Recognised Assessment Entities for Pilot Competence (RAE-PCs).
We provide a list of RAEs.
Overview of certificates
There are four qualifications for the Specific Category:
- General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC)
- Level 1 Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC-L1)
- Part A – VLOS
- Part B – BVLOS with Visual Mitigations (VM)
- Level 2 Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC-L2)
- Level 3 Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC-L3)
The Level 1 RPC Part A allows remote pilots to operate VLOS in the Specific Category. If a remote pilot wants to fly BVLOS VM, they must also complete RPC-L1 Part B. Part B is optional and is not required to obtain the RPC‑L1, which can be gained by completing Part A only.
The Level 2 RPC is designed for remote pilots who will be operating BVLOS in environments where there is no other traffic operating, for example, within an AAE. This is defined in UK SORA as ARC-a.
The Level 3 RPC is a much more advanced qualification and is designed for remote pilots operating in more complex environments, including those which are integrated with other traffic, and where the UA will be expected to operate within usual rules of the air.
The certificates are designed to support a progressive pathway from VLOS operations through to increasingly complex BVLOS operations.
The following sections provide a high-level overview of each certificate.
For full details, including the learning objectives and syllabus for each certificate, see the Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) for Remote Pilot Competence (opens in new tab)
General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC)
Minimum age
- None
UA category options
- Fixed wing
- Multirotor
Type of operations
- VLOS
Entry conditions
- Flyer ID
Period of validity
- Five years
Note: The GVC will stop being issued on 31 December 2027. After this date, only RPC-L1, RPC-L2, and RPC-L3 will be available.
Existing GVCs will still be accepted until they expire, if the Operational Authorisation clearly states that a GVC is acceptable evidence of remote pilot competence.
Level 1 Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC-L1)
Minimum age
- No minimum age
UA category options
- Rotorcraft
- Fixed wing
Type of operations
- VLOS only
Entry conditions
- Flyer ID
(If you hold a valid GVC, you do not need to pass the RPC-L1 theory test.)
Period of validity
- Five years
GVC and RPC-L1: The GVC and RPC-L1 are broadly similar in the level of competency needed to attain them.
Level 2 Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC-L2)
Minimum age
- 18
Type of operations
- VLOS
- BVLOS Operations in ARC-a, i.e. where there is no other air traffic expected.
Entry conditions
- Flyer ID
- RPC-L1 certificate for the same category of UA
- Minimum 50 logged flight hours in the Specific Category
Period of validity
- Three years
Level 3 Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC-L3)
Minimum age
- 18
Type of operations
- VLOS
- BVLOS operations up to ARC-c
Entry conditions
- Flyer ID
- RPC-L2 certificate
- Minimum 50 logged BVLOS flight hours as an L2 remote pilot in the Specific Category
- Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL) medical certificate
Period of validity
- Three years
The CAA undertakes engagement and consultation activity for any proposed regulatory changes. For more information on our decision making and upcoming proposed changes please visit our consultation portal: Civil Aviation Authority - Citizen Space