GVC General VLOS Certificate Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the primary weather hazard that limits most small UAS operations?

High temperatures
Fog
Low humidity
High wind speeds exceeding the UAS performance envelope (Correct answer)

Correct answer: High wind speeds exceeding the UAS performance envelope

High wind speeds are the most common weather-related limitation for small UAS operations. If wind speed exceeds the drone's maximum rated airspeed, it cannot maintain position or return to the pilot. Gusts can cause loss of control, and sustained winds increase battery consumption and reduce flight time.

Question 2: What does the GVC qualification enable a remote pilot to do under UK drone regulations?

Fly any drone up to 25 kg in any airspace
Fly in the Specific category under PDRA01 and applicable standard scenarios (Correct answer)
Fly beyond visual line of sight without restrictions
Operate commercially in the Open category only

Correct answer: Fly in the Specific category under PDRA01 and applicable standard scenarios

The GVC (General VLOS Certificate) is a competency certificate that enables remote pilots to fly under PDRA01 (and applicable standard scenarios) within the Specific category. It does not grant unrestricted airspace access or BVLOS privileges.

Question 3: What is a 'mitigating measure' in a drone operational risk assessment, and give an example?

A financial guarantee paid to the CAA before operations begin
A NOTAM filed 24 hours before flight
An additional qualification held by the remote pilot
An action or technical measure that reduces the likelihood or severity of an identified risk, e.g., cordoning off the area below the flight path to exclude uninvolved persons (Correct answer)

Correct answer: An action or technical measure that reduces the likelihood or severity of an identified risk, e.g., cordoning off the area below the flight path to exclude uninvolved persons

Mitigating measures reduce either the probability of a hazard occurring or its consequence if it does. Establishing a controlled ground area (cordon) below the flight path is a common mitigation that reduces population exposure and can lower the effective GRC, enabling operations that would otherwise exceed open category limits.

Question 4: What is the purpose of a pre-flight briefing in a commercial drone operation?

To satisfy insurance requirements by creating a paper trail
To formally hand over command to the senior ground observer
To ensure all crew members and observers understand the plan, hazards, emergency procedures, and their individual responsibilities (Correct answer)
To check weather conditions from the drone's on-board sensors

Correct answer: To ensure all crew members and observers understand the plan, hazards, emergency procedures, and their individual responsibilities

A pre-flight briefing ensures crew coordination and shared situational awareness. All participants — remote pilot, visual observers, ground assistants — must understand the flight plan, identified hazards, communications protocol, and emergency actions. This directly reduces the risk of human error.

Question 5: At what wind speed (as a general guideline) should most small commercial UAS operations be suspended?

Only when winds exceed 50 knots
Any wind above 5 knots
Wind speed limits only apply in controlled airspace
When sustained winds exceed approximately two-thirds of the UAS maximum airspeed (Correct answer)

Correct answer: When sustained winds exceed approximately two-thirds of the UAS maximum airspeed

A widely accepted guideline is that operations should be suspended when sustained wind speeds exceed approximately two-thirds of the UAS maximum airspeed. This ensures the drone retains sufficient control authority and can return to the pilot against the wind. Gusts must also be considered, as they can momentarily exceed the drone's capability.

Question 6: When planning a flight route for a commercial UAS operation, which of the following should be given the HIGHEST priority?

Maximising the ground area covered per battery
Achieving the most dramatic camera angles
Following the most direct straight-line path
Minimising flight time over uninvolved persons and congested areas (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Minimising flight time over uninvolved persons and congested areas

Safety is the overriding priority in flight planning. Routes should be planned to minimise overflying uninvolved persons, congested areas, and sensitive sites. This reduces the ground risk and is a key element of the operator's duty of care and SORA compliance.

Question 7: Which UK airspace classification generally requires prior permission or coordination before conducting UAS flights?

No airspace requires prior permission for sub-25 kg drones
Class F airspace only
Controlled airspace (Classes A through E) (Correct answer)
Class G airspace only

Correct answer: Controlled airspace (Classes A through E)

Controlled airspace (Classes A through E) requires prior permission or coordination with the relevant air traffic control unit before UAS flights may be conducted. Class G is uncontrolled airspace where UAS may fly subject to other regulatory conditions.

Question 8: What is the purpose of a site survey before conducting a commercial UAS operation?

To test the drone's maximum speed in the area
To check the mobile phone signal strength for live streaming
To negotiate land access fees with the property owner
To identify hazards, assess the operating environment, and determine suitable take-off and landing areas (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To identify hazards, assess the operating environment, and determine suitable take-off and landing areas

A site survey allows the remote pilot to identify physical hazards (power lines, trees, buildings), assess ground conditions, determine suitable launch and recovery points, evaluate electromagnetic interference risks, and identify uninvolved persons who may be present. This feeds directly into the operational risk assessment.

Question 9: A NOTAM contains the time code 'B) 2603151400 C) 2603151800'. What does this indicate?

The restriction is active from 14:00 UTC on 15 March 2026 to 18:00 UTC on 15 March 2026 (Correct answer)
The restriction applies for 14 to 18 hours per day indefinitely
The restricted area covers altitudes between 1400 and 1800 feet
The NOTAM expires 14 to 18 days after its issue date

Correct answer: The restriction is active from 14:00 UTC on 15 March 2026 to 18:00 UTC on 15 March 2026

NOTAM time codes use the format YYMMDDHHMM in UTC. B) indicates the start time and C) the end time. So B) 2603151400 = 14:00 UTC on 15 March 2026, and C) 2603151800 = 18:00 UTC on 15 March 2026. Drone pilots must decode these correctly to determine when restrictions are active.

Question 10: What is the role of a UK National Qualified Entity (NQE) in the context of GVC training?

NQEs issue Operational Authorisations on behalf of the CAA
NQEs are CAA-approved organisations that deliver GVC training, conduct assessments, and issue the qualification (Correct answer)
NQEs insure drone operators for commercial operations
NQEs are government bodies that register commercial drone operators

Correct answer: NQEs are CAA-approved organisations that deliver GVC training, conduct assessments, and issue the qualification

NQEs are private training organisations approved by the CAA to deliver drone qualifications including the GVC. They provide the practical and theoretical training, conduct the required assessments, and on successful completion issue the certificate. The CAA sets the standards that NQEs must meet.

Question 11: What is the role of an 'Operations Manual' (Ops Manual) for a Specific category UAS operator in the UK?

It is only required for flights over 150 metres
It replaces the need for a risk assessment
It documents the operator's procedures, risk mitigations, and compliance measures (Correct answer)
It is a CAA marketing requirement with no legal standing

Correct answer: It documents the operator's procedures, risk mitigations, and compliance measures

The Operations Manual is a key compliance document for Specific category operators. It details operational procedures, risk mitigations, maintenance schedules, emergency procedures, and how the operator ensures compliance with regulations and authorisation conditions.

Question 12: Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the UAS operator under UK CAA regulations?

Conducting and documenting risk assessments
Maintaining an operations manual
Ensuring the remote pilot holds appropriate competency
Providing air traffic control services in the operating area (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Providing air traffic control services in the operating area

Providing air traffic control services is the responsibility of ANSPs (Air Navigation Service Providers), not UAS operators. Operators are responsible for maintaining operations manuals, ensuring pilot competency, and conducting risk assessments.

Question 13: What is the primary technical challenge in enabling safe BVLOS drone operations?

Regulatory approval timelines being too long
Maintaining GPS signal over longer distances
Battery technology limiting range to under 10 km
Detect and Avoid (DAA) — ensuring the drone can detect and avoid conflicting traffic without the pilot seeing the airspace (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Detect and Avoid (DAA) — ensuring the drone can detect and avoid conflicting traffic without the pilot seeing the airspace

In VLOS operations, the pilot's eyes provide the detect-and-avoid function. In BVLOS, this function must be provided by technology (onboard sensors, radar, ADS-B receivers) or procedural means (ground observers, traffic management systems) to prevent mid-air collisions.

Question 14: Under UK drone regulations, what happens if a UAS operator fails to renew their Operator ID registration?

Their Flyer ID is also revoked
All their operations become illegal until re-registered (Correct answer)
They may continue to fly for a 30-day grace period
They automatically revert to Open category permissions

Correct answer: All their operations become illegal until re-registered

If an Operator ID registration lapses, the operator is no longer legally permitted to conduct any UAS operations. They must re-register before resuming flying. There is no grace period or automatic reversion to another category.

Question 15: How does fatigue most significantly affect a remote pilot's operational performance?

It has minimal effect on performance if the pilot is sufficiently experienced
It increases physical strength required for equipment handling
It improves focus on individual tasks by reducing distraction
It impairs judgement, reaction time, and decision-making ability (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It impairs judgement, reaction time, and decision-making ability

Fatigue significantly impairs cognitive function including judgement, decision-making, and reaction time, regardless of the pilot's experience level.

Question 16: What does a METAR report provide to a UAS remote pilot?

A routine aeronautical weather observation at a specific aerodrome at a specific time (Correct answer)
A 7-day weather forecast for the region
Satellite imagery of cloud formations
Real-time wind data from the operating site

Correct answer: A routine aeronautical weather observation at a specific aerodrome at a specific time

A METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report) is a standardised weather observation from a specific aerodrome, issued at regular intervals (typically every 30 minutes or hourly). It provides data on wind direction and speed, visibility, cloud cover, temperature, dew point, and pressure — all useful for UAS flight planning.

Question 17: Which document must a UAS operator hold before conducting operations in the Specific category in the UK?

A certificate from a local authority
A Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
An Operator ID and a valid Operational Authorisation or PDRA declaration (Correct answer)
A Flyer ID only

Correct answer: An Operator ID and a valid Operational Authorisation or PDRA declaration

Specific category operations in the UK require the operator to hold an Operator ID and either a valid Operational Authorisation granted by the CAA or to have declared operations under a relevant PDRA. A Flyer ID alone is insufficient for Specific category work.

Question 18: How does the remote pilot's position relative to the sun affect VLOS operations?

It has no effect on modern drone operations
The sun only affects operations above 200 metres
Looking toward the sun can cause glare, making it difficult to maintain visual contact with the UAS (Correct answer)
The sun improves visibility in all cases

Correct answer: Looking toward the sun can cause glare, making it difficult to maintain visual contact with the UAS

Solar glare is a significant factor in VLOS operations. If the remote pilot must look toward the sun to observe the UAS, the glare can make it extremely difficult or impossible to maintain adequate visual contact. Flight planning should consider the sun's position relative to the pilot's viewing direction at the planned time of operation.

Question 19: Why should LiPo batteries never be charged on or near flammable materials?

Flammable materials can contaminate the battery cells
Charging near fabric increases static discharge risk
LiPo batteries can catch fire or explode if they fail during charging — a LiPo-safe bag or fireproof charging container should always be used (Correct answer)
Regulations require a metal surface for all battery charging

Correct answer: LiPo batteries can catch fire or explode if they fail during charging — a LiPo-safe bag or fireproof charging container should always be used

LiPo batteries can experience thermal runaway — a self-reinforcing overheating reaction that can result in fire or explosion. Charging on a flammable surface dramatically increases the risk of fire damage. LiPo-safe bags or fireproof charging cases contain the hazard if a fire occurs.

Question 20: In the context of human factors, what does 'complacency' refer to in UAS operations?

A formal method of risk assessment used during pre-flight planning
The tendency to be overly cautious and conservative during all flights
Overconfidence and reduced vigilance that develops during routine operations (Correct answer)
Careful and methodical attention to detail during repetitive tasks

Correct answer: Overconfidence and reduced vigilance that develops during routine operations

Complacency is reduced vigilance or overconfidence that commonly develops during routine or repetitive operations, increasing the likelihood of missing critical information.

Question 21: Which of the following is a requirement for obtaining a UK CAA Flyer ID?

Holding a valid pilot's licence
Passing the CAA online theory test (Correct answer)
Having at least 50 hours of logged flight time
Completing a recognised assessment centre course

Correct answer: Passing the CAA online theory test

The Flyer ID is obtained by passing the free online theory test on the CAA's registration service. It is a basic competency requirement for Open category flying, not to be confused with the more advanced GVC or other Specific category qualifications.

Question 22: 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 (Correct answer)
Register with EASA
Obtain written permission from local police
Submit a full Operational Authorisation application to the CAA

Correct answer: Make a declaration to the CAA confirming compliance with PDRA01 conditions

GVC holders operating under PDRA01 must make a declaration to the CAA confirming they will comply with all the conditions of the PDRA. This is a simplified process compared to applying for a full Operational Authorisation.

Question 23: What is a 'startle response' and how can it affect a remote pilot's performance in UAS operations?

The process of alerting bystanders in the area to the unexpected presence of a drone
A planned emergency avoidance manoeuvre executed when an obstacle is detected by sensors
An involuntary physical and cognitive reaction to an unexpected event that can temporarily impair performance (Correct answer)
An automated navigation alert generated by the drone's onboard collision avoidance system

Correct answer: An involuntary physical and cognitive reaction to an unexpected event that can temporarily impair performance

A startle response is an automatic, involuntary reaction to a sudden unexpected event that can temporarily freeze or severely degrade a pilot's cognitive processing and physical responses.

Question 24: What is an 'Emergency Response Plan' (ERP) and when must it be prepared?

A documented plan detailing actions to take in emergency scenarios — required before every Specific category operation (Correct answer)
A financial plan for replacing damaged equipment
A plan for responding to equipment failure — only required for flights over 100 metres
A plan submitted to the emergency services after an incident

Correct answer: A documented plan detailing actions to take in emergency scenarios — required before every Specific category operation

An Emergency Response Plan must be prepared before conducting Specific category UAS operations. It documents the procedures to follow in various emergency scenarios such as flyaway, loss of control link, loss of GNSS, battery failure, or injury to persons. It should include emergency contact numbers, hospital locations, and notification procedures.

Question 25: What action should a remote pilot take upon experiencing a complete loss of the command and control (C2) link?

Wait indefinitely for the link to restore
Immediately call the police
Attempt to chase the drone on foot
Follow the pre-programmed lost-link procedure, which typically commands the UAS to return to home, loiter, or land (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Follow the pre-programmed lost-link procedure, which typically commands the UAS to return to home, loiter, or land

A complete C2 link loss should trigger a pre-programmed lost-link procedure. Most commercial UAS are configured to automatically return to a pre-set home point, hover/loiter for a defined period, or land in place. The pilot should have set and verified this procedure before flight and should be prepared to take manual control if the link is restored.

Question 26: What is the 'lapse rate' and why does it matter for UAS operations?

The rate at which daylight decreases in winter
The rate at which air temperature decreases with altitude, affecting density altitude and UAS performance (Correct answer)
The rate at which a NOTAM expires
The rate at which a drone loses battery power

Correct answer: The rate at which air temperature decreases with altitude, affecting density altitude and UAS performance

The lapse rate is the rate at which atmospheric temperature decreases with increasing altitude, typically around 2°C per 1,000 ft in the International Standard Atmosphere. This matters for UAS because temperature affects air density, which in turn affects motor efficiency, propeller thrust, and battery performance at different flight altitudes.

Question 27: What does VLOS mean and what is its practical implication for UAS flight planning?

Very Low Operating Speed — the drone must fly below 20 mph
Visual Line of Sight — the remote pilot must maintain unaided visual contact with the UAS at all times (Correct answer)
Vertical Launch and Observe System — the drone must take off vertically
Variable Level of Service — the drone adjusts autonomy based on signal strength

Correct answer: Visual Line of Sight — the remote pilot must maintain unaided visual contact with the UAS at all times

VLOS stands for Visual Line of Sight. It requires the remote pilot to maintain direct, unaided visual contact with the UAS at all times during flight. This means the pilot must be able to see the drone clearly enough to determine its orientation, direction of flight, and proximity to other aircraft or obstacles.

Question 28: How does high density altitude affect UAS performance?

It only affects fixed-wing UAS
It improves motor efficiency and increases flight time
It has no effect on multirotor aircraft
It reduces air density, decreasing propeller thrust and degrading UAS performance (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It reduces air density, decreasing propeller thrust and degrading UAS performance

High density altitude occurs when the air is less dense than standard (due to high temperature, low pressure, or high humidity). Less dense air means the propellers generate less thrust for the same rotational speed, requiring motors to work harder. This reduces climb rate, maximum altitude, payload capacity, and battery endurance.

Question 29: What is the primary purpose of the UK CAA's 'Specific' category for UAS operations?

To cover operations that pose a greater risk than the Open category and require a risk assessment (Correct answer)
To allow recreational flights under 250 g without restrictions
To regulate military drone operations
To authorise flights above FL600

Correct answer: To cover operations that pose a greater risk than the Open category and require a risk assessment

The Specific category is designed for UAS operations that carry a higher risk than the Open category permits. It requires the operator to conduct a risk assessment and obtain appropriate authorisation from the CAA before flying.

Question 30: What is the minimum third-party liability insurance coverage (in Special Drawing Rights, SDR) required for a drone with an MTOM between 500 g and 1 kg under EU Regulation 785/2004?

0.75 million SDR (Correct answer)
0.25 million SDR
No minimum is specified for this weight class
1.5 million SDR

Correct answer: 0.75 million SDR

EU Regulation 785/2004 specifies minimum insurance coverage levels by aircraft MTOM. For drones between 500 g and 1 kg, the minimum is 0.75 million SDR. The SDR (Special Drawing Right) is an international monetary unit — operators must ensure their policy meets the SDR threshold applicable to their drone's weight class.

Question 31: What is the purpose of establishing a 'flight geography' and 'contingency volume' in UAS flight planning?

To define the marketing area for the operator's services
To calculate the operator's insurance premium
To determine the number of observers required
To define the intended flight area and the additional airspace buffer for handling abnormal situations (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To define the intended flight area and the additional airspace buffer for handling abnormal situations

The flight geography defines where the UAS is intended to fly during normal operations. The contingency volume is the additional airspace surrounding the flight geography where the UAS may manoeuvre in abnormal situations (e.g., wind gusts, minor system issues) before triggering emergency procedures. Together they form the operational volume.

Question 32: Under UK regulations, what is the minimum age requirement to register as a drone operator with the CAA?

16 years old
There is no minimum age for operators
14 years old
18 years old (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 18 years old

To register as a drone operator with the UK CAA, a person must be at least 18 years old. However, remote pilots (the person physically flying) can be younger, provided they are supervised by a registered operator who takes responsibility.

Question 33: How does air temperature affect UAS battery performance?

Cold temperatures reduce battery capacity and can cause voltage drops, reducing flight time (Correct answer)
Temperature has no effect on modern lithium polymer batteries
Higher temperatures always improve battery life
Only temperatures above 40°C affect batteries

Correct answer: Cold temperatures reduce battery capacity and can cause voltage drops, reducing flight time

Cold temperatures significantly reduce the chemical reaction rate in lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries, lowering their available capacity and increasing internal resistance. This can cause unexpected voltage drops under load, reduce flight time, and in extreme cold, cause the battery to cut out entirely. Pilots must factor in reduced flight times during cold weather operations.

Question 34: What is the significance of the 'dew point' for UAS operations?

When temperature approaches the dew point, fog, mist, or low cloud may form, reducing visibility (Correct answer)
It indicates the maximum altitude for safe flight
It only affects flights conducted over water
It measures the wind speed at ground level

Correct answer: When temperature approaches the dew point, fog, mist, or low cloud may form, reducing visibility

The dew point is the temperature at which air becomes saturated and moisture begins to condense. When the air temperature is close to the dew point, fog, mist, or low cloud is likely to form, significantly reducing visibility. For VLOS operations, this can make it impossible to maintain visual contact with the UAS.

Question 35: How does STS-01 (VLOS over controlled ground area) differ from PDRA01?

STS-01 has no height restrictions
There is no difference between them
STS-01 permits flight over controlled ground areas in populated environments, while PDRA01 focuses on VLOS operations with restrictions on overflying uninvolved persons (Correct answer)
STS-01 is for BVLOS only

Correct answer: STS-01 permits flight over controlled ground areas in populated environments, while PDRA01 focuses on VLOS operations with restrictions on overflying uninvolved persons

STS-01 specifically addresses VLOS operations over a controlled ground area in populated environments, where the operator has established measures to control access to the area below the flight path. PDRA01 covers broader VLOS operations but with restrictions on overflying uninvolved persons and prohibitions on flying over assemblies. The key differentiator is STS-01's focus on controlled ground areas.

Question 36: What is the maximum height above ground level for UAS operations under PDRA01 in the UK?

150 metres (500 ft)
No height limit applies
90 metres (300 ft)
120 metres (400 ft) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 120 metres (400 ft)

PDRA01 limits UAS operations to a maximum height of 120 metres (400 ft) above ground level. This is consistent with the standard height limit applied across most UAS operational frameworks in the UK.

Question 37: Why are 'thermals' a concern for UAS operations, particularly over urban areas?

Thermals only occur over oceans
Thermals are only relevant for manned glider operations
Thermals are rising columns of warm air that can cause sudden altitude gains and turbulence, affecting UAS stability (Correct answer)
Thermals improve battery performance

Correct answer: Thermals are rising columns of warm air that can cause sudden altitude gains and turbulence, affecting UAS stability

Thermals are rising columns of warm air caused by uneven surface heating. In urban areas, dark surfaces (roads, rooftops) can generate strong thermals. For small UAS, thermals can cause sudden uncommanded altitude changes, unexpected turbulence, and difficulty maintaining precise position — particularly hazardous near buildings and during inspection work.

Question 38: What information would you expect to find in a NOTAM that is relevant to UAS flight planning?

Weather forecasts for the next 7 days
The names of other drone operators in the area
Insurance requirements for the specific flight
Temporary airspace restrictions, military exercises, or aerial events that affect the planned route (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Temporary airspace restrictions, military exercises, or aerial events that affect the planned route

NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) provide time-critical aeronautical information including temporary airspace restrictions, military exercises, aerial work, temporary danger areas, and other hazards. UAS pilots must check NOTAMs as part of pre-flight planning to ensure they do not fly into restricted areas.

Question 39: Under UK CAA regulations, what is the maximum take-off mass (MTOM) for a UAS operating in the Specific category without requiring an Operational Authorisation?

20 kg
There is no exemption; all Specific category operations require an Operational Authorisation (Correct answer)
150 kg
25 kg

Correct answer: There is no exemption; all Specific category operations require an Operational Authorisation

All operations in the Specific category require either an Operational Authorisation (OA) from the CAA or must operate under a published PDRA. There is no mass-based exemption that removes this requirement within the Specific category.

Question 40: When planning a UAS flight, what is the significance of 'magnetic declination'?

It only affects flights above 500 metres
It is the angular difference between true north and magnetic north, affecting compass-based navigation (Correct answer)
It determines the battery discharge rate
It measures the signal strength between the controller and the drone

Correct answer: It is the angular difference between true north and magnetic north, affecting compass-based navigation

Magnetic declination (or variation) is the angle between true north and magnetic north at a given location. It affects any compass-based navigation and must be accounted for when correlating chart bearings (referenced to true north) with compass readings on the UAS or controller.

GVC General VLOS Certificate Exam

The GVC (General VLOS Certificate) Exam is administered by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for commercial drone operators. It covers specific category regulations, operational risk assessment (SORA), flight planning, and meteorology for UAS operations.

Questions

40 min

Time Limit

75%

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