GVC General VLOS Certificate Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the UK CAA's 'Specific' category for UAS operations?

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

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

Ensuring the remote pilot holds appropriate competency
Conducting and documenting risk assessments
Maintaining an operations manual
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 3: What is a 'Return to Home' (RTH) function and what should the pilot verify before each flight?

RTH is a manual procedure that requires constant pilot input
RTH only works when the UAS has more than 80% battery
RTH automatically flies the UAS back to a preset point — the pilot must verify the home point is correctly set and the return altitude is safe (Correct answer)
RTH sends a video feed to the pilot's home address

Correct answer: RTH automatically flies the UAS back to a preset point — the pilot must verify the home point is correctly set and the return altitude is safe

Return to Home (RTH) is an automated function that commands the UAS to fly back to a preset GPS coordinate (usually the take-off point). Before each flight, the pilot must verify the home point has been acquired correctly, and that the return altitude is set high enough to clear all obstacles along the return path. An incorrectly set home point or altitude can result in a collision or the drone returning to the wrong location.

Question 4: Under UK regulations, what must a GVC holder do before conducting flights under PDRA01?

Register with EASA
Make a declaration to the CAA confirming compliance with PDRA01 conditions (Correct answer)
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 5: Under UK regulations, what is the minimum age requirement to register as a drone operator with the CAA?

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

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

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

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

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

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 8: When planning a commercial UAS flight in the UK, which source should a remote pilot consult for active airspace restrictions and NOTAMs?

The Met Office website only
NATS Drone Assist app or the UK AIS website (Correct answer)
Google Maps satellite view
Local council planning department

Correct answer: NATS Drone Assist app or the UK AIS website

The NATS Drone Assist app and UK Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) website are the authoritative sources for checking active airspace restrictions, NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen), and temporary danger areas. These provide real-time and planned restriction data essential for safe flight planning.

Question 9: What does VLOS mean and what is its practical implication for UAS flight planning?

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

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

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

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 11: What information should a remote pilot record and report after a UAS incident?

Flight telemetry, location, time, weather, persons involved, damage assessment, witness details, and actions taken (Correct answer)
Only a photograph of any damage
No information is required if no injury occurred
Only the model of the drone and the date

Correct answer: Flight telemetry, location, time, weather, persons involved, damage assessment, witness details, and actions taken

After an incident, the pilot should record comprehensive details: time and location, flight telemetry/logs, weather conditions, description of the event, actions taken, details of any persons involved or injured, property damage assessment, witness contact information, and the UAS status. This information is required for the mandatory occurrence report to the CAA and for the operator's own records.

Question 12: What is the Beaufort Scale and how is it useful for UAS pilots?

A scale measuring UV radiation intensity
A scale measuring air pressure changes
A scale used only by maritime operations
A scale that classifies wind speed based on observable effects on the environment, useful for estimating conditions on site (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A scale that classifies wind speed based on observable effects on the environment, useful for estimating conditions on site

The Beaufort Scale classifies wind speed from Force 0 (calm) to Force 12 (hurricane) based on observable effects such as movement of leaves, flags, trees, and surface water. It is useful for UAS pilots conducting site assessments when anemometer data is unavailable, allowing them to estimate wind conditions from visual cues.

Question 13: Which document must a UAS operator hold before conducting operations in the Specific category in the UK?

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

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 14: What is 'channelised attention' and why is it particularly hazardous in UAS operations?

Focusing so intently on one task that other critical factors in the environment are neglected (Correct answer)
Focusing exclusively on radio communications to the detriment of other tasks
A navigation technique that uses designated radio frequency channels
The process of actively monitoring multiple flight parameters simultaneously

Correct answer: Focusing so intently on one task that other critical factors in the environment are neglected

Channelised attention (tunnel vision) means concentrating so intensely on a single element that the pilot loses awareness of other critical factors, which is especially dangerous in a complex drone operating environment.

Question 15: Which of the following represents a 'latent condition' as described by the Swiss Cheese Model?

A bird strike that occurs unexpectedly during a flight
A sudden and unexpected motor failure during operations
Inadequate training procedures embedded within an organisation's culture (Correct answer)
A pilot's error in misreading a weather forecast before flight

Correct answer: Inadequate training procedures embedded within an organisation's culture

Latent conditions are pre-existing organisational or systemic weaknesses, such as poor training, that lie dormant until triggered by an active failure, contributing to an accident.

Question 16: Which of the following is a requirement for obtaining a UK CAA Flyer ID?

Passing the CAA online theory test (Correct answer)
Having at least 50 hours of logged flight time
Holding a valid pilot's licence
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 17: 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?

150 kg
20 kg
There is no exemption; all Specific category operations require an Operational Authorisation (Correct answer)
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 18: What is 'wind shear' and why is it hazardous to UAS operations?

A type of wind that only occurs at night
A gradual change in wind speed over 24 hours
A sudden change in wind speed or direction over a short distance, which can cause loss of control (Correct answer)
The effect of wind on camera stabilisation only

Correct answer: A sudden change in wind speed or direction over a short distance, which can cause loss of control

Wind shear is a sudden change in wind speed, direction, or both over a short distance (either vertically or horizontally). For UAS, wind shear can cause sudden uncommanded changes in altitude or position, potentially leading to loss of control, collision with obstacles, or departure from the operational volume. It commonly occurs near buildings, terrain features, and during thunderstorm activity.

Question 19: Why is it important to identify overhead power lines and pylons when planning a commercial drone flightpath?

Drones must fly above 500 m AGL when near power lines under UK law
Power lines generate magnetic interference that disrupts the drone's compass
Power lines are difficult to see and detect electronically; striking them can cause loss of the aircraft, fire, and power outages affecting large areas (Correct answer)
Power line corridors are always within restricted airspace requiring CAA authorisation

Correct answer: Power lines are difficult to see and detect electronically; striking them can cause loss of the aircraft, fire, and power outages affecting large areas

Power lines and pylons are among the most hazardous obstacles for low-level drone operations. They are often difficult to spot visually and are not reliably detected by standard drone sensors. Striking a high-voltage line can destroy the drone, cause a fire, and cut power to homes and businesses — consequences far beyond loss of the aircraft.

Question 20: What is the 'Flight Restriction Zone' (FRZ) around a UK aerodrome?

A zone that only applies to drones above 50 kg
A 1 km radius circle where only military drones may operate
A defined zone around an aerodrome where drone flights require permission from the air traffic control unit (Correct answer)
An area where all drone flights are permanently banned

Correct answer: A defined zone around an aerodrome where drone flights require permission from the air traffic control unit

A Flight Restriction Zone is a defined area of airspace around a UK aerodrome (typically extending to a radius of approximately 2.5 nautical miles) where UAS flights are restricted. Drone pilots must obtain permission from the relevant air traffic control unit before flying within an FRZ.

Question 21: What is the primary human factors benefit of conducting a thorough pre-flight briefing before a UAS operation?

It establishes shared situational awareness, assigns roles clearly, and identifies contingencies before operations begin (Correct answer)
It is only required for commercial operations under specific CAA GVC regulations
It ensures the aircraft's technical systems and sensors are functioning correctly
It primarily serves to satisfy insurance policy documentation requirements

Correct answer: It establishes shared situational awareness, assigns roles clearly, and identifies contingencies before operations begin

A structured pre-flight briefing aligns all crew members' situational awareness, clarifies individual roles, identifies potential hazards, and plans contingency actions before any risk is encountered.

Question 22: What is the maximum height above ground level for UAS operations under PDRA01 in the UK?

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

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

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

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 24: What does 'Duty of Care' mean for a commercial GVC drone operator?

The obligation to carry public liability insurance only
The duty to file a flight plan before every commercial operation
The legal and ethical obligation to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of people and property affected by the operation (Correct answer)
The responsibility to pay compensation if the drone is damaged

Correct answer: The legal and ethical obligation to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of people and property affected by the operation

Duty of care requires operators to actively manage risks to third parties — uninvolved persons on the ground, members of the public, and adjacent property owners. This includes site surveys, risk assessments, briefing ground observers, and ensuring all participants understand their roles.

Question 25: How does precipitation (rain) affect UAS operations?

Rain only affects operations above 100 metres
Rain has no effect on modern commercial drones
Rain improves the drone's cooling system and extends flight time
Rain can damage electronics, reduce visibility, affect sensors, and degrade GNSS accuracy (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Rain can damage electronics, reduce visibility, affect sensors, and degrade GNSS accuracy

Rain poses multiple hazards to UAS operations: water ingress can damage electronics and motors, rain reduces visibility for both the pilot and onboard cameras, water droplets on optical sensors degrade their performance, and heavy rain can attenuate GNSS signals. Most commercial UAS are not rated for operation in rain unless specifically IP-rated.

Question 26: Which coordinate reference system is most commonly used for UAS flight planning and navigation in the UK?

UTM Zone 30N exclusively
British National Grid (OSGB36) only
WGS84 (World Geodetic System 1984) (Correct answer)
Maidenhead Locator System

Correct answer: WGS84 (World Geodetic System 1984)

WGS84 is the standard coordinate reference system used in aviation worldwide, including UK UAS operations. GNSS receivers (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo) use WGS84, and aviation charts and airspace definitions are based on this datum.

Question 27: What pre-flight equipment check should a commercial operator perform on the remote controller?

Verify the controller's weight does not exceed 500 g
Only check that it powers on — no further controller checks are needed
Confirm the controller firmware is exactly one version behind the drone firmware
Check battery charge level, antenna condition, control input response, and confirm correct pairing with the drone (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Check battery charge level, antenna condition, control input response, and confirm correct pairing with the drone

The remote controller is the pilot's primary means of controlling the drone. Pre-flight checks should confirm it is fully charged, all antennas are undamaged and correctly oriented, control inputs produce the expected aircraft responses, and the controller is correctly paired and communicating with the drone.

Question 28: How does the remote pilot's position relative to the sun affect VLOS operations?

Looking toward the sun can cause glare, making it difficult to maintain visual contact with the UAS (Correct answer)
The sun only affects operations above 200 metres
It has no effect on modern drone operations
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 29: What is the significance of the 'dew point' for UAS operations?

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

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

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

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 31: 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 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)
An additional qualification held by the remote pilot

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 32: When conducting a SORA, what is the 'adjacent area' and why is it important?

The area where the operator stores their equipment
The area surrounding the operational volume where the UAS could end up in a loss-of-control scenario (Correct answer)
The nearest airport to the operating location
The pilot's visual observation area

Correct answer: The area surrounding the operational volume where the UAS could end up in a loss-of-control scenario

The adjacent area is the zone surrounding the operational volume and ground risk buffer where the UAS could potentially end up in an abnormal or emergency situation. Its characteristics (e.g., populated area, gathering of people) affect the ground risk assessment because it represents the area at risk if containment fails.

Question 33: What is a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) and when should a commercial drone operator use one?

An insurance document covering data breaches caused by drone operations
A NOTAM variant used when drones collect surveillance data
A government form required for every commercial drone operation involving aerial photography
A contract between the data controller and a data processor setting out how personal data will be handled; required when a drone operator processes data on behalf of a commercial client (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A contract between the data controller and a data processor setting out how personal data will be handled; required when a drone operator processes data on behalf of a commercial client

Under UK GDPR Article 28, when a drone operator processes personal data on behalf of a client (acting as a data processor), a Data Processing Agreement must be in place. This document specifies the subject matter, duration, nature, purpose of processing, and the obligations of each party — protecting both the operator and the client.

Question 34: What is the primary weather hazard that limits most small UAS operations?

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

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

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

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

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

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 37: In multi-crew UAS operations involving a remote pilot and a visual observer, what is the most important function of effective communication?

To create a contemporaneous record of the flight for post-operation reporting
To maintain shared situational awareness and coordinate actions between all crew members (Correct answer)
To ensure the client receives regular real-time updates on flight progress
To comply strictly with ATC radio communication frequency requirements

Correct answer: To maintain shared situational awareness and coordinate actions between all crew members

Effective communication in multi-crew UAS operations maintains shared situational awareness, ensures coordinated and timely actions, and reduces misunderstandings that could cause accidents.

Question 38: Under UK drone regulations, what happens if a UAS operator fails to renew their Operator ID registration?

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

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 39: 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 (Correct answer)
Fly any drone up to 25 kg in any airspace
Operate commercially in the Open category only
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 40: What is the role of an 'Operations Manual' (Ops Manual) for a Specific category UAS operator in the UK?

It replaces the need for a risk assessment
It is only required for flights over 150 metres
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.

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.

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40 min

Time Limit

75%

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