For beginners and seasoned pilots alike, drone training ensures compliance with UK regulations and develops the skills needed for safe and effective operations.
This piece covers Heliguy’s CAA approved drone courses in the UK, including the A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC), GVC, and advanced accredited programmes.
Understanding Drone Training Requirements
The training you need depends on your drone’s weight, and where you intend to fly. (The table further down provides a quick overview of which weight categories require which certifications.)
Will you be within 150m of a residential area? Which flight category will you be operating in? Do you need an Operating Safety Case (OSC)?
First, let’s establish what the flight categories are.
CAA Certified Drone Courses Offered by Heliguy
Heliguy offers a wide variety of CAA-approved courses. Today we’ll focus on the:
- A2 Certificate of Competency
- The General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC)
- Combined A2 CofC and GVC Training
These courses also have an option for being conducted as closed-course sessions, ideal for organisations looking to train multiple employees at a time, and in these sessions Heliguy can offer even more personalised advice for your operations.
A2 Certificate of Competency
The A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) is a UK CAA-accredited course for operating small drones near people in the Open Category. It is ideal for both recreational and commercial pilots flying in urban areas.
This course is delivered through on-demand online theory learning with live instructor support, and the exam is taken remotely via webcam. Pilots are also required to complete self-guided practical flying practice to prepare for real-world operations.
The General Visual Line of Sight Certificate
The GVC is a UK CAA-accredited course for commercial drone pilots operating in the Specific Category, allowing them to apply for an Operational Authorisation to fly drones up to 25kg in built-up areas.
This course includes on-demand online theory learning with live instructor support, followed by a remote multiple-choice exam.
Pilots must also complete a practical flight assessment at the Heliguy training centre and submit an Operations Manual outlining their flight procedures. Once certified, pilots can apply to the UK CAA for an Operational Authorisation, enabling them to conduct complex commercial drone operations.
Combined A2 CofC & GVC
For those seeking greater operational flexibility, the Combined A2 CofC & GVC Training provides a cost-effective solution.
This package allows pilots to operate across both the Open and Specific Categories.
The training includes online theory, multiple-choice exams, a practical flight assessment, and the completion of an Operations Manual.
Closed-Course Drone Training
For businesses with multiple pilots, Closed-Course GVC Training offers tailored, in-person sessions designed for enterprise organisations.
These private sessions ensure focused learning and standardised proficiency across teams, aligning training with specific operational needs, and can be conducted at a venue of choice for added convenience.
Heliguy has delivered over 330 closed courses across the UK, providing specialised training for public safety teams, large infrastructure organisations, and dedicated survey operations.
Clients such as Network Rail, Phillips 66, and UK emergency services have all benefited from Heliguy’s tailored industry-specific training solutions.
Advantages of Closed-Courses:
- Private sessions tailored to your team for focused learning.
- Standardised training ensures consistent proficiency across all pilots.
- Customised content aligns with your organisation’s operational goals.
- Training delivered at a convenient location of your choice.
Which Drone Course Do I Need?
The table below offers a clear breakdown of certification requirements based on drone weight categories.
It’s important to note that training regulations from the CAA state there must be no intentional flights over uninvolved people. So all training must be in a remote location, away from the public.
| Aircraft Weight | Example Drone | Training Requirements |
| Sub-250g | The DJI Mini Series and Neo. | Training is not required, but pilots can benefit from the A2 CofC for enhanced skills and future scalability. |
| 250g – 500g | The DJI Avata Series | An A2 CofC is required for operations within 150m of residential, commercial, industrial, or recreational areas.
For A3 subcategory flights (beyond 150m and no uninvolved people nearby), no training is needed. |
| 500g – 2kg | The DJI Mavic 3, Air 3 Series, and DJI Docks. | A2 CofC is needed for flights with a 50m horizontal distance from uninvolved people.
GVC training is required if this distance cannot be maintained. For A3 subcategory flights, no training is required. |
| 2kg – 25kg | The DJI Inspire 3, M30 Series, and M350 RTK Series. | GVC training is required for operations within 150m of residential, commercial, industrial, or recreational areas.
For A3 subcategory flights, no training is necessary. |
| More than 25kg | The DJI FlyCart 30, Agras T50/T25 | An Operating Safety Case (OSC) is required for operations outside Standard Permissions, such as flights above 25kg, under 50m from uninvolved people, or BVLOS.
Heliguy offers OSC consultancy to assist with UK CAA applications. |
Why Choose Heliguy for Drone Training?
With over 7,000 candidates trained, including pilots from Network Rail and emergency services, Heliguy provides expert instruction through online, in-person, and closed-course training.
Lifetime support ensures ongoing compliance and efficiency, making Heliguy a trusted partner for both individual pilots and large-scale drone programmes.
Get Started with Drone Training Today
Whether you’re a beginner improving your skills for recreational flying or a professional seeking certification for enterprise drones, heliguy™ provides training for all levels, from entry-level to advanced pilots.
Visit heliguy™ today to explore courses and take the next step in your drone journey.
