GVC UK CAA Specific Category Regulations — Questions and Answers
Question 1: 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?
- 25 kg
- 20 kg
- 150 kg
- There is no exemption; all Specific category operations require an Operational Authorisation (Correct answer)
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 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
- Operate commercially in the Open category only
- Fly in the Specific category under PDRA01 and applicable standard scenarios (Correct answer)
- Fly beyond visual line of sight without restrictions
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: Which of the following is a requirement for obtaining a UK CAA Flyer ID?
- Completing a recognised assessment centre course
- Passing the CAA online theory test (Correct answer)
- Holding a valid pilot's licence
- Having at least 50 hours of logged flight time
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 4: Under UK regulations, what is the minimum age requirement to register as a drone operator with the CAA?
- 14 years old
- 16 years old
- 18 years old (Correct answer)
- There is no minimum age for operators
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 5: Which document must a UAS operator hold before conducting operations in the Specific category in the UK?
- A Flyer ID only
- An Operator ID and a valid Operational Authorisation or PDRA declaration (Correct answer)
- A Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
- A certificate from a local authority
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 6: What is the primary purpose of the UK CAA's 'Specific' category for UAS operations?
- To allow recreational flights under 250 g without restrictions
- To cover operations that pose a greater risk than the Open category and require a risk assessment (Correct answer)
- To authorise flights above FL600
- To regulate military drone operations
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.
GVC UK CAA Specific Category Regulations
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?