Heliguy to deliver Ofqual Level 5 Award for drone training

• heliguy™ has been approved for the Enhanced Learning Credit (ELC) scheme and will deliver Level 5 and Level 4 Awards for the drone industry;

• The Ofqual-regulated TQUK Level 5 Award for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations Manager provides candidates with the skills and knowledge to lead an enterprise drone programme;

• Syllabus includes hazard and safety management, operational oversight, flight safety meetings, aircraft maintenance, auditing processes and optional EVLOS module;

• The Level 5 Award is delivered in-person by expert heliguy™ instructors. The residential-style course takes place at heliguy™ HQ (NE29 7SE);

• heliguy™ has worked with TQUK to build the syllabus. The new Level 5 award is different to the Level 5 Award for Chief Pilots, with learning outcomes more suited and tailored to UAS operations management;  

• The Ofqual-regulated TQUK Level 4 Award in Unmanned Aircraft Systems is delivered online (apart from practical flight assessment) through the heliguy™ Learning Management System. An enhanced GVC course, it enables candidates to go beyond the standard GVC syllabus to demonstrate enhanced understanding and operational competence;

• Both awards are Regulated Qualifications and are accredited by TQUK (Training Qualifications United Kingdom), an Ofqual-recognised Awarding Organisation.

heliguy™ has been approved for the Enhanced Learning Credit (ELC) scheme and will deliver the new TQUK Level 5 Award for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations Manager.

The course gives candidates the skills, knowledge and confidence to lead and oversee enterprise drone programmes.

Equivalent to a foundation degree, the Level 5 Award is a Regulated Qualification and is recognised as a professional management qualification, providing a pathway for candidates to forge a lengthy career in the UAS industry.

Supporting all sizes of businesses and government bodies, the qualification covers the responsibilities of a UAS Operations Manager, along with compliance and flight safety management. Mandatory modules include maintenance, audit process, and flight safety, while there is also an optional EVLOS (extended visual line of sight) module.

As an industry-leading drone training provider and RAE (Recognised Assessment Entity), heliguy™ has worked with TQUK and been involved in building the syllabus. The new course is different to the former Level 5 Award for Chief Pilots, with learning outcomes more suited and tailored to UAS operations management. 

heliguy™ is also delivering the TQUK Level 4 Award in Unmanned Aircraft Systems: An extension of the standard GVC (General Visual Line of Sight Certificate), demonstrating a candidate’s enhanced understanding and level of operational competence. The Level 4 Award is also a Regulated Qualification.

TQUK (Training Qualifications United Kingdom) is an Ofqual-recognised Awarding Organisation.

Ben Shirley, heliguy™ Training Development Manager, said: “We are delighted to be approved for Enhanced Learning Credits; the scheme which enables Armed Forces personnel to obtain funding towards Regulated Qualifications and we are looking forward to delivering both courses starting very soon.

“The Level 5 and Level 4 awards are both Ofqual Regulated Qualifications. This type of qualification provides learners with the reassurance that they are equipped with all the skills they need to excel, and represents the fact that they have been thoroughly evaluated, assessed and quality assured to be deemed competent, skilled and knowledgeable.

"The Level 5 qualification was developed in association with TQUK, building a syllabus that closely aligns to more modern management of UAS operations and is highly relevant to those involved in the governance of UAS programmes.

“The drone industry is constantly evolving and as regulations change and the industry matures, it is crucial that training is provided to bridge the gap between what is required by the CAA and ensuring individuals have a suitable level of knowledge for their role and a suitable pathway to grow their career.

“The Level 5 Award does exactly this, helping to build successful, forward-thinking and operationally compliant Operations Managers.”

Both the Level 5 and Level 4 awards are eligible for Enhanced Learning Credits (80% costs are covered by ELC, 20% by the learner).**

TQUK Level 5 Award for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations Manager

**heliguy™ will deliver the Level 5 Award courses at heliguy™ HQ (NE29 7SE).

Staged over five days, it is delivered in-person by heliguy™’s expert training team and will cover topics such as UAS Operations Manager responsibilities (ie hazard and safety management and operational oversight), flight safety meetings, aircraft maintenance and auditing processes.

The Level 5 Award also consists of an optional module covering EVLOS flights. Topics include pre-and-post-flight procedures, operating during an EVLOS mission, and flight safety.

This qualification blends theoretical learning with written assessments. It consists of 45 hours of Total Qualification Time (TQT), equating to five credits. The optional EVLOS module provides an additional two credits.

The qualification underpins competencies required in the following job roles:

• Unmanned Aircraft System Pilots.

• Unmanned Aircraft System Operations Manager.

• Emergency Services.

Learners do not need to hold a drone qualification, such as the GVC, to sit the Level 5 course.

**TQUK Level 4 Award in Unmanned Aircraft Systems

**The Level 4 Award in Unmanned Aircraft Systems is an advanced version of the GVC, benefiting aspiring remote pilots and those with previous experience.

It provides candidates with the chance to go beyond the standard GVC syllabus, demonstrating an enhanced understanding and level of operational competence.

This additional learning - which includes the completion of workbook assessments - can give remote pilots and organisations the competitive edge, safe in the knowledge that they have undertaken an advanced syllabus which has been scrutinised for quality.

It is delivered online, with the exception of a practical flight assessment which can be taken at the heliguy™ North-East training venue. Candidates can also utilise heliguy™’s streamlined Operations Manual creation service.

This Regulated Qualification consists of 60 hours of Total Qualification Time, equating to 6 credits.

Upon successful completion of the course, candidates will be awarded the Level 4 Award, certificated by Training Qualifications United Kingdom (TQUK). They can then apply to the CAA for an Operational Authorisation to operate in the Specific Category.

Inquire now about the Level 4 Award.**

For more information about the Level 5 and Level 4 Awards, contact the heliguy™ training team.**