What Do I Need To Sit The PfCO To GVC Conversion Course?

To sit the heliguy™ PfCO to GVC conversion course, candidates must hold the following documents: An NQE Approved Certificate of Competence in Remote Pilot Theoretical Knowledge/ General Airmanship Syllabus. An NQE Approved Certificate of Practical Flight Assessment for the weight class and type of aircraft. Remote pilots must submit a copy of their log book which demonstrates a currency of two hours of flight over the last three months. Pilots who do not have legacy NQE certificates can complete our standard GVC/A2 CofC drone courses.

I Didn't Train With heliguy™ To Get My PfCO? Can I Still Do The Conversion Course With heliguy™?

Yes. The PfCO to GVC conversion course is open to former heliguy™ candidates who obtained a PfCO with us and PfCO holders who trained with another provider. The PfCO to GVC conversion course is priced £399. heliguy™ candidates from 2018 to 2020 who started a PfCO but did not finish can switch to our GVC or A2 CofC course for free. Candidates who started but did not complete our PfCO training prior to 2018 can re-train with us, but will incur an administration fee of £99 for the GVC or £49 for the A2 CofC course.

PfCO to GVC Conversion Course

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Convert your PfCO to a GVC to obtain an Operational Authorisation to operate in the Specific Category. The heliguy™ PfCO to GVC conversion course makes this transition smoother.

Who Is The Course For? The course is for operators who hold the legacy PfCO but now need a valid GVC.
What Does The Course Involve? The course includes online theory training and exam, a practical flight assessment, and an Operations Manual refresh.
Why Train With heliguy™? Our in-house instructors have taught 7,000+ candidates, including pilots from Network Rail, National Grid, and UK emergency services. Receive lifetime support with dedicated aftercare.

PfCO to GVC Conversion Drone Training Course.

Overview
Contents
Specifications
Support
FAQ

Why Do I Need To Convert?

Switch your PfCO to A GVC

Drone pilots require an Operational Authorisation to operate in the Specific Category (for the majority of enterprise flights).

Up until the end of 2023, operators with a valid PfCO could use this to obtain an Operational Authorisation.

However, from January 1, 2024, PfCOs are no longer valid - even for operators with an existing Operational Authorisation. Instead, pilots must have a GVC to operate in the Specific Category and to obtain an Operational Authorisation.

So, all Remote Pilots who want to operate in the Specific category, be nominated as a Remote Pilot in an Operations Manual, or apply for an Operational Authorisation, must now hold a valid GVC.

To sit the heliguy™ conversion course, operators must provide a copy of their existing PfCO certificate and a copy of their logbook which demonstrates a currency of two hours of flights in the last three months.

Switching Your PfCO To A GVC

Make the transition with heliguy™ by your side

The PfCO to GVC conversion is a multi-part process, and heliguy™ will support you throughout.

Online Learning: On-demand online learning through the heliguy™ Learning Management System. The content, delivered by the heliguy™ instructors, covers all you need to know to pass the GVC. Access live support from heliguy™ in-house instructors from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Remote Theory Exam: Sit your exam remotely via webcam. Answer 40 multiple-choice questions, covering air law/responsibilities, UAS airspace operating principles, and airmanship and aviation safety.
Practical Flight Assessment: Conduct this assessment at one of our UK venues. Demonstrate your ability to control your drone safely and accurately through a series of manoeuvres.
Drone Operations Manual: Submitted to the UK CAA, this document explains how you will conduct operations in the Specific Category under UKPDRA-01. It covers areas such as safety, incident reporting, flight planning, and emergencies.
Operational Authorisation: Once you have passed your GVC, you can apply to the UK CAA for an Operational Authorisation.

heliguy™: Your Drone Training Partner

Lifetime support to expand your drone enterprise

CAA-approved GVC course delivered by our experienced in-house instructors who have trained 7,000+ candidates, including drone teams from the likes of Network Rail, National Grid, Sellafield Sites, Manchester City FC, and Phillips 66.
Flexible and on-demand online learning - any time, any place. Prepare for your exam through engaging course material, learn at your own pace, and rewatch content. Got a question? Then access live and remote support from our training team.
Sit your theory test remotely, with flexible exam slots available.
Streamlined Operations Manual creation process - judged to meet the highest drone industry standards, endorsed by IQ Verify against the requirements of BS ISO 21384-3: 2019.
Conduct your bespoke flight assessment - tailored to your commercial operation - at any of our UK venues.
Unlimited free resits for the theory exam and flight assessment, and dedicated aftercare support.
Progressive training pathway: Expanded career development with courses such as CPD, Operational Safety Case consultancy, and Regulated courses.
Blanket access to heliguy™ ecosystem: Consultancy, hardware supply and support, lifetime training suppport, in-house repairs, rental equipment, and global logistics.

Why you should buy from heliguy™?

Comprehensive, lifetime assistance to help you start and scale your operations.

Streamlined Delivery
Free Next Day Shipping Over £99 and 50-Day Free Returns on Faulty Items.
Trusted UK Partner
20 years in UAVs, expertise in repairs, servicing, training, and insurance.
UK Support
In-country technical support line staffed by four trained technicians.