GVC UK Drone Legislation & CAA Regulations — Questions and Answers
Question 1: 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 (Correct answer)
- The open category subcategory A2 only
- The certified category for large commercial drones
- Any category without further authorisation
Correct answer: The specific category, using a standard scenario or PDRA
The GVC is a qualification for the specific category of drone operations, where operational risk exceeds open category limits. GVC holders can operate under applicable Pre-Defined Risk Assessments (PDRAs) or standard scenarios, such as flying near people or in controlled airspace under certain conditions.
Question 2: 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 (Correct answer)
- The Air Navigation Order alone
- The operator's own self-declared safety case
- A letter of approval from the local authority
Correct answer: A Pre-Defined Risk Assessment (PDRA) or CAA-published standard scenario
Pre-Defined Risk Assessments (PDRAs) are CAA-published risk assessments for common specific-category operations. GVC holders can use applicable PDRAs to operate without requiring a bespoke Operational Authorisation, provided all conditions of the PDRA are met.
Question 3: What is the SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) methodology used for?
- To assess and quantify the risk of a specific drone operation, forming the basis for an Operational Authorisation application (Correct answer)
- To register drones over 25 kg with the CAA
- To calculate insurance premium levels for commercial operators
- To determine drone pilot medical fitness standards
Correct answer: To assess and quantify the risk of a specific drone operation, forming the basis for an Operational Authorisation application
SORA is the structured risk assessment methodology used in the specific category when no applicable PDRA exists. It assesses ground risk (people below the flight path) and air risk (proximity to manned aircraft) to determine the required level of robustness for the operation and the conditions of the Operational Authorisation.
Question 4: What is the role of a UK National Qualified Entity (NQE) in the context of GVC training?
- NQEs are CAA-approved organisations that deliver GVC training, conduct assessments, and issue the qualification (Correct answer)
- NQEs are government bodies that register commercial drone operators
- NQEs insure drone operators for commercial operations
- NQEs issue Operational Authorisations on behalf of the CAA
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 5: How long is a GVC valid before it must be renewed?
- 5 years, after which a revalidation assessment is required (Correct answer)
- 1 year, requiring annual renewal
- Indefinitely, once issued
- 3 years, with a written exam required for renewal
Correct answer: 5 years, after which a revalidation assessment is required
The GVC is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. Before expiry, holders must complete a revalidation assessment with an NQE to demonstrate continued competency. This ensures that GVC holders keep their knowledge and skills current.
Question 6: Under what circumstances must a GVC holder obtain a separate Operational Authorisation (OA) from the CAA?
- When the intended operation cannot be conducted under an existing PDRA or standard scenario (Correct answer)
- For every commercial flight, regardless of whether a PDRA applies
- Only when flying drones over 25 kg
- When flying in Class G airspace during daylight hours
Correct answer: When the intended operation cannot be conducted under an existing PDRA or standard scenario
If no applicable PDRA covers the intended operation, the operator must apply for a bespoke Operational Authorisation from the CAA, supported by a completed SORA or equivalent risk assessment. The CAA reviews and may impose specific conditions on the OA.
GVC UK Drone Legislation & CAA Regulations
The GVC (General VLOS Certificate) qualifies a drone pilot to operate in which category of UK drone operations?