GVC vs RPC-L1 Explained

Published on • by UK Drone Compliance Guide

The General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) has been the standard qualification for Specific Category VLOS operations under PDRA-01 since 2020. With the introduction of the UK SORA framework on 23 April 2025, the Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) system has replaced the previous OSC route for all new SORA-based operations. The Level 1 Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC-L1) now serves as the baseline qualification for the new modular progression system under UK SORA.

PDRA-01 remains in place for standard VLOS missions 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 Operational Authorisation, supported by the relevant RPC level.

Contents

  1. Regulatory Context
  2. At-a-Glance Comparison
  3. In-Depth: GVC
  4. In-Depth: RPC-L1
  5. Training, Assessment & Content
  6. Revalidation & Currency
  7. Progression Pathway (RPC-L2, L3 & L4)
  8. Choosing the Right Qualification
  9. Key Takeaways

Regulatory Context

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

The GVC remains the required certificate 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.

For all operations outside PDRA-01, such as BVLOS, operations near airports, in congested airspace, or those involving increased risk, the application must now follow UK SORA, and the pilot must hold the appropriate Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) level. 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 template) UK SORA (Specific Category)
Purpose VLOS ≤ 120 m AGL under PDRA-01 OA VLOS ≤ 120 m AGL under SORA-based OA
Entry requirements Flyer ID Flyer ID
Aircraft types Multirotor or fixed-wing (≤ 25 kg MTOM) Rotorcraft or aeroplane (declared type)
Theory exam Required Required (waived if valid GVC held)
Practical assessment VLOS circuits + emergency drills VLOS + navigation + 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

  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 and fixed-wing aircraft up to 25 kg MTOM based on certificate.

Limitations

  • Likely not acceptable for SORA-based OAs.
  • No BVLOS unless supported by a legacy OSC (now phased out).
  • No structured progression beyond PDRA-01.

Operator Requirements

  • Valid Flyer ID.
  • Minimum 2 hours of logged flight time every 90 days.
  • Current GVC certificate (5-year validity).
  • Approved Operations Manual and compliant insurance.
  • Valid PDRA-01 Operational Authorisation

In-Depth: RPC-L1

Core Privileges

  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-L1A (aeroplane) or RPC-L1R (rotorcraft), based on the aircraft used during assessment.

Limitations

  • VLOS only; no BVLOS until RPC-L2.
  • Valid for SORA-based operations only, not PDRA-01.
  • 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 syllabus Circuits, safety checks, emergencies VLOS drills, navigation, emergency procedures
Aircraft types Any sub-25 kg multirotor or fixed-wing Rotorcraft or aeroplane (declared per certificate)
Prior recognition , GVC = theory 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 missions under PDRA-01.
  • Choose RPC-L1 if: You want to gain a UK SORA OA 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 remains 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.
  4. GVC holders can transition to RPC-L1 without needing to retake theory.
  5. RPC-L2, L3 and L4 enable scalable access to BVLOS in increasingly complex airspace environments, replacing the bespoke OSC route.

Use this guide to decide whether to stay on GVC for routine PDRA-01 missions or transition to RPC-L1 to futureproof your flying under the UK SORA framework.

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