process

How to become a Drone Pilot in the Open Category.

If you have a drone that weighs less than 2kg and you wish to operate under the following conditions:

  • No overflight of uninvolved persons
  • No flight within 50m of an uninvolved person
  • No flight above 400ft
  • Flight within unaided Visual Line of Sight of the remote pilot

This is a step-by-step guide of how you can legally fly your drone.

RUAS Drone Training Online

Stage 1

Purchase a Drone

Purchase your drone (if you haven’t already) remember, to fly in the A2 sub-category of the open category your drone must weigh less than 2kg. Drones under 2kg include the DJI Mavic series, DJI Phantom series, Autel Evo 2, Parrot Anafi and the Yuneec Typhoon H, this list is not exhaustive and other drones are available.

Stage 2

Flyer & Operator ID

Register yourself as a UAS Operator and gain a Flyer ID – it is illegal to fly a drone over 250g without this. The UAS Operator ID must be renewed annually and currently costs £10. To gain a Flyer ID you must sit and pass an online education package once achieved your flyer ID will last for 5 years.

To register click here.

Stage 3

 A2 CofC Course

Sign up to the RUAS A2 CofC course (£79). Complete the four online training modules, accessible anywhere as long as you have a mobile phone/tablet/laptop/desktop computer and internet access.

Stage 4

Flying Experience

Gain a minimum of 2 hours flying practice with your aircraft in an area that satisfies the requirements of the A3 Sub-category (a large open area >150m away from any residential, recreational, commercial and industrial areas. Make sure you accurately log your flying hours in an electronic logbook (this could be an online app or simply an excel spreadsheet). If you are unsure where to start or are a little bit nervous you could book a half day’s 1:1 Flight Training.

Stage 5

Self Declaration of Flying Hours

Complete the Self Declaration of flying hours and submit your electronic logbook your RUAS point of contact.

Stage 6

A2 CofC exam

Arrange a date and time to sit your online invigilated A2 CofC exam. When you take the exam, it will be invigilated over a Teams meeting where you will be required to share your screen – the exam will be on the same platform that you will have completed your online training modules. There are a few rules concerning the exam so make sure you read the exam joining instructions carefully. You are entitled to one free resit (if you need it).

Stage 7

Certification

Once you have passed the exam you will then receive your certificate – Congratulations, you can now operate in the A2 Sub-category.

RUAS Process During Surveying

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GVC Transition Course
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TQUK Level 4 Award for Commercial Drone Pilots

£1150

Ofqual-regulated  GVC, A2 CofC, Flight Training and Assessment Drone Training Course.

  • ELCAS Credits for Army Leavers
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  • Recognised Commercial Qualification
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A2 CofC Training

A2 CofC Mock Exam

£0

The A2 Certificate of Competency is a remote pilot competency certificate intended to assure the safe operation of unmanned aircraft close to uninvolved persons.

  • Four Online Modules
  • Online Theory Exam
  • Self-Declaration of Flying Practice
  • Ongoing Student Support
  • No need to apply to the CAA
A2 CofC Training

GVC Mock Exam

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The General Visual Line Of Sight Certificate (GVC) has been developed for the operation of a drone with a MTOM of <25kg within the Specific Category.

  • Four Online Modules
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  • Ongoing Student Support
  • No need to apply to the CAA
Bespoke Training

Industry Bespoke Training (Classroom & Onsite Available)

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  • Learn from leading experts
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  • Introduction to UAV mapping
  • Learn from leading experts
  • Understanding of Data Alignment
  • 'Terrain Follow’ in surveying
  • Image pre-processing/post-processing
A2 CofC Training

A2 CofC (Online)

£99

The A2 Certificate of Competency is a remote pilot competency certificate intended to assure the safe operation of unmanned aircraft close to uninvolved persons.

  • Four Online Modules
  • Online Theory Exam
  • Self-Declaration of Flying Practice
  • Ongoing Student Support
  • No need to apply to the CAA
GVC Transition Course

General VLOS Certificate (GVC) (Online & Classroom)

£599

The General Visual Line Of Sight Certificate (GVC) has been developed for the operation of a drone with a MTOM of <25kg within the Specific Category.

  • Online Pre-learning Modules
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A2 CofC and GVC Combined (Online & Classroom)

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This Learning Plan includes both the A2 Certificate of Competency and the General VLOS Certificate combined at a reduced price.

  • Online Pre-learning Modules
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Drone Training Courses

GVC Transition (Online)

£400

The GVC Transition is specifically aimed at individuals who are already operating under the legacy PFCO or NQE prior to December 2020 and who need to re-qualify.

  • 9 Online Learning Modules
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Drone Flight Training

Half Day Flight Training

£150

A half day flight training from a CAA approved experienced drone instructor.

  • Online Pre-learning modules
  • Practice on the interactive DJI flight simulator
  • Get to fly one or two of the latest DJI drones
  • CAA Professional drone pilot will teach and advise you
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Drone Flight Training

Full Day Flight Training

£300

A full day flight training from a CAA approved experienced drone instructor.

  • Online Pre-learning Modules
  • Practice on the interactive DJI flight simulator
  • Get to fly one or two of the latest DJI drones
  • CAA Professional drone pilot will teach and advise you
  • Drone flying lesson certificate
Bespoke Training

Operations Manual Review (Remote Study)

£150

This course has been specifically designed for those who need guidance in preparing their Operations Manual in order to apply for an Operational Authorisation from the CAA.

  • Full Operations Manual guidance
  • Online video tutorials
  • Unique CAA Operations Manual template
  • Design to meet the new CAA requirements
  • Operations Manual review prior to submission
An airborne drone during a GVC transition training course.

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