GVC vs RPC-L1 – UK Drone Qualifications Explained

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The General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) has been the standard qualification for Specific Category operations since 2020. With the introduction of the UK SORA framework on 23 April 2025, the Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) system has been introduced to better prepare remote pilots for complex operations. The Level 1 Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC-L1) now serves as the baseline qualification for the new modular progression system under UK SORA.

TLDR: PDRA-01 remains available until at least March 2026 and now accepts either a GVC or an RPC-L1 for the remote pilot. RPC-L1 is still the UK SORA entry requirement for SORA-based Operational Authorisations and is the starting point for future BVLOS progression.

See also: Understanding UK SORA · PDRA-01 Explained · UK Drone Regulations 2026

PDRA-01 remains in place for standard VLOS operations and is expected to be available until at least March 2026. However, any operation outside PDRA-01 (such as BVLOS or flights in more complex environments) must now be conducted under a UK SORA-based Operational Authorisation, supported by the relevant RPC level.

Regulatory Context

Since 23 April 2025, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has replaced the former Operating Safety Case (OSC) process with the new UK Specific Operations Risk Assessment (UK SORA) methodology for all new Specific Category applications outside the scope of UKPDRA-01.

The CAA now recognises both the GVC and the RPC-L1 for operations conducted under UKPDRA-01, which continues to cover standard VLOS operations up to 120 m AGL in built-up areas and is confirmed to remain available until at least March 2026. The GVC remains the most widely held qualification, but new entrants can go straight to RPC-L1 if they prefer the SORA-aligned pathway.

For all operations outside PDRA-01, such as BVLOS, crop spraying/dropping articles, flights above 120m AGL, your application must now follow UK SORA, and the remote pilot must hold the appropriate Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC). The RPC structure (Levels 1–4) provides a scalable progression path, with each level aligned to risk classification and airspace complexity.

At-a-Glance Comparison

Aspect GVC RPC-L1
Regulatory basis PDRA-01 (Specific Category) UK SORA (Specific Category)
Purpose VLOS ≤ 120 m AGL under a PDRA-01 OA VLOS under a UK SORA-based OA
Entry requirements Valid UK CAA Flyer ID Valid UK CAA Flyer ID
Aircraft types Multirotor or fixed-wing Rotorcraft (RPC-L1(R)) or aeroplane (RPC-L1(A))
Theory exam Required Required (waived if valid GVC held)
Practical instruction N/A 2 hours VLOS flight time with an instructor
Practical assessment VLOS circuits + emergency drills VLOS + emergency drills
Validity 5 years 5 years
Currency 2 hours logged every 90 days 2 hours logged every 90 days
Progression Not compatible with UK SORA progression Entry point to RPC-L2, L3, and L4

In-Depth: GVC

Core Privileges (GVC)

  1. Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
    Fly up to 120 m AGL within visual line of sight under PDRA-01, including within built-up areas.

  2. Day and Night Operations
    Night flying permitted if documented procedures are included in your Operations Manual.

  3. Aircraft Types
    Covers multirotor or fixed-wing aircraft up to 25 kg MTOM based on certificate.

Limitations (GVC)

  • Likely not acceptable for UK SORA-based OAs.
  • No BVLOS unless supported by a legacy OSC (now phased out).
  • No structured progression beyond PDRA-01.
  • Separate certification required for each aircraft type (e.g., multirotor or fixed-wing)

Operator Requirements

  • Valid UK CAA Flyer ID.
  • Minimum 2 hours of logged flight time every 90 days.
  • Current GVC certificate (5-year validity).
  • Approved Operations Manual and compliant insurance (UK Reg (EU) 785/2004).
  • Valid UKPDRA-01 Operational Authorisation

In-Depth: RPC-L1

Core Privileges (RPC-L1)

  1. UK SORA-Compliant VLOS
    Enables VLOS operations under a UK SORA-based Operational Authorisation.

  2. Modular Certification
    Serves as the gateway to higher SORA levels (RPC-L2 and above).

  3. Theory Exemption for GVC Holders
    If you hold a valid GVC, you are exempt from the RPC-L1 theory exam.

  4. Declared Aircraft Type
    Issued as RPC-L1(A) (aeroplane) or RPC-L1(R) (rotorcraft), based on the aircraft used during instruction and assessment.

Limitations (RPC-L1)

  • VLOS only; no BVLOS until RPC-L2.
  • Recognised for PDRA-01 as well as UK SORA-based operations, giving continuity if you later step into higher SORA levels.
  • Separate certification required for each aircraft type (e.g., rotorcraft vs aeroplane).

Training, Assessment & Content

Element GVC RPC-L1
Theory syllabus Air law, navigation, meteorology, human factors GVC content + UK SORA principles, risk models, mitigations
Practical instruction syllabus N/A VLOS drills, navigation, emergency procedures
Aircraft types Any multirotor or fixed-wing (declared per certificate) Rotorcraft or aeroplane (declared per certificate)
Prior recognition None GVC = theory exam exempt
Validity 5 years 5 years
Currency 2 hours every 90 days 2 hours every 90 days

Revalidation & Currency

  • Currency Requirements: Maintain at least 2 hours of flight logged in the preceding 90 days.
  • Certificate Renewal: Both GVC and RPC-L1 require renewal after 5 years.
  • Progression to RPC-L2: Requires RPC-L1 plus 50+ hours of logged flight on the same aircraft type (rotorcraft or aeroplane).

Progression Pathway (RPC-L2, L3 & L4)

Certificate Operations Permitted Prerequisites Validity
RPC-L2 VLOS and BVLOS in ARC-a (low-risk, segregated airspace) RPC-L1, 50 logged hours, same type class 3 years
RPC-L3 VLOS and BVLOS in ARC-b/c (moderate risk/shared airspace) RPC-L2, LAPL medical, 50+ hrs on same type 3 years
RPC-L4 VLOS and BVLOS in ARC-d (high-risk/controlled airspace) RPC-L3, LAPL medical, 75+ hrs on same type 1 year

Each level is tied directly to the Air Risk Class (ARC) of your operation.

Choosing the Right Qualification

  • Choose GVC if: You only intend to fly standard VLOS operations under a UKPDRA-01 OA and want the established training route recognised by most RAEs.
  • Choose RPC-L1 if: You want a qualification that works for both PDRA-01 and UK SORA-based OAs, or plan to move toward BVLOS in future.
  • Plan for RPC-L2+ if: You anticipate needing BVLOS operations or flights in more complex environments, start flight logging and medical certification early.

Key Takeaways

  1. GVC and RPC-L1 are both valid for UKPDRA-01 and will be accepted until at least March 2026.
  2. UK SORA has replaced the OSC for all new risk-based operational authorisations.
  3. RPC-L1 is required for entry into the UK SORA framework beyond PDRA-01.
  4. GVC holders can transition to RPC-L1 without needing to retake theory exam.
  5. RPC-L2, L3 and L4 enable scalable access to BVLOS in increasingly complex airspace environments, replacing the bespoke OSC route.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to switch from GVC to RPC-L1 now?
Not if you are flying only VLOS operations under PDRA-01—your existing GVC or a newly obtained RPC-L1 will suffice. You need RPC-L1 when applying for a UK SORA-based Operational Authorisation or planning BVLOS.

Is GVC still recognised under UK SORA?
Yes, PDRA-01 accepts either a GVC or an RPC-L1. All new SORA-based authorisations require the RPC route, but GVC holders remain exempt from the RPC-L1 theory exam when they transition.

What comes after RPC-L1?
RPC-L2 enables BVLOS in ARC-a. RPC-L3 expands into ARC-b/c with additional requirements including a LAPL medical. RPC-L4 covers ARC-d with the highest requirements and the shortest validity.

Does one RPC-L1 cover both rotorcraft and aeroplane?
No. RPC-L1 is issued by declared aircraft type. You will need a certificate for each type you intend to use.

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