What is the difference between the A2 CofC and GVC?
There are two types of UK CAA-approved drone training courses: The A2 CofC and GVC. The table below shows the differences between them.
A2 CofCGVCPermitted Operational CategoriesOpenSpecificTraining RequirementsTheoretical LearningTheoretical Exam
Self-Guided Practical Flight TrainingTheoretical Learning
Theoretical Exam
Operations Manual
RAE Practical Flight AssessmentCAA FeesNone£500 annuallyPermitted SUAA2 subcategory: UK2/C2 drones or sub 2kg legacy drones Any droneExample OperationsPhotography
Videography
Real estate
Roof inspectionsIndustrial inspections
Drone mapping
Public safety
Search and rescueCommercial Activity PermittedYesYesQualification Validity5 years5 yearsAdvantageNo costs with CAA
No Operations Manual
No Flight Assessment
Reduced Separation Distances (C2)
+400ft Structure Inspection PermittedEVLOS Fixed Wing Bolt-on ModulesGovernance & operating procedures
Multiple RP permittedDisadvantageLimited to aircraft
No recognised qualification
Single RP onlyLonger training pathway
Comprehensive Syllabus
Longer Examination
Ongoing CAA Costs
Audit & Governance