GVC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield GVC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the primary safety concern associated with operating a drone after taking certain medications? → Certain medications can impair cognitive function, judgement, and reaction time
2. What does BVLOS stand for in drone operations? → Beyond Visual Line of Sight
3. Which human factor is most commonly cited as a contributing cause in UAS and manned aviation accidents? → Human error
4. Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the UAS operator under UK CAA regulations? → Providing air traffic control services in the operating area
5. What is the 'IMSAFE' checklist used for in aviation and UAS operations? → Assessing a remote pilot's personal fitness to fly safely
6. What are the two main risk categories assessed in a SORA? → Ground risk and air risk
7. What does SORA stand for in the context of UAS risk assessment? → Specific Operations Risk Assessment
8. What is the maximum height above ground level for UAS operations under PDRA01 in the UK? → 120 metres (400 ft)
9. In a drone operational risk assessment, what is meant by 'Ground Risk Class' (GRC)? → A measure of the expected severity of harm to people on the ground if the drone crashes
10. Which coordinate reference system is most commonly used for UAS flight planning and navigation in the UK? → WGS84 (World Geodetic System 1984)
11. Under UK regulations, what is the minimum age requirement to register as a drone operator with the CAA? → 18 years old
12. How long is a GVC valid before it must be renewed? → 5 years, after which a revalidation assessment is required
13. How does acute stress most commonly affect a remote pilot's cognitive performance? → It narrows attentional focus and can lead to tunnel vision and poorer decisions
14. What is the primary weather hazard that limits most small UAS operations? → High wind speeds exceeding the UAS performance envelope
15. Which of the following represents a 'latent condition' as described by the Swiss Cheese Model? → Inadequate training procedures embedded within an organisation's culture
16. Which of the following is a requirement for obtaining a UK CAA Flyer ID? → Passing the CAA online theory test
17. Under UK regulations, what must a GVC holder do before conducting flights under PDRA01? → Make a declaration to the CAA confirming compliance with PDRA01 conditions
18. How does fatigue most significantly affect a remote pilot's operational performance? → It impairs judgement, reaction time, and decision-making ability
19. What does PDRA stand for in UK drone regulations? → Pre-Defined Risk Assessment
20. When planning a flight route for a commercial UAS operation, which of the following should be given the HIGHEST priority? → Minimising flight time over uninvolved persons and congested areas
21. Under UK drone regulations, what happens if a UAS operator fails to renew their Operator ID registration? → All their operations become illegal until re-registered
22. What does the GVC qualification enable a remote pilot to do under UK drone regulations? → Fly in the Specific category under PDRA01 and applicable standard scenarios
23. Which of the following is a key responsibility of a Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) under UK specific category regulations? → Final authority for all decisions regarding the safety of the flight
24. How does precipitation (rain) affect UAS operations? → Rain can damage electronics, reduce visibility, affect sensors, and degrade GNSS accuracy
25. The 'Swiss Cheese Model' is used to explain which safety concept in UAS operations? → How multiple defensive layers can fail simultaneously to allow an accident to occur
26. Which document sets out the standard scenario conditions under which a GVC holder may operate in the specific category? → A Pre-Defined Risk Assessment (PDRA) or CAA-published standard scenario
27. The GVC (General VLOS Certificate) qualifies a drone pilot to operate in which category of UK drone operations? → The specific category, using a standard scenario or PDRA
28. In multi-crew UAS operations involving a remote pilot and a visual observer, what is the most important function of effective communication? → To maintain shared situational awareness and coordinate actions between all crew members
29. What minimum age must a pilot be to hold a GVC in the UK? → 18 years old
30. What is the role of an 'Operations Manual' (Ops Manual) for a Specific category UAS operator in the UK? → It documents the operator's procedures, risk mitigations, and compliance measures