Iprosurv's Guidance on A2 CofC & GVC Renewal for 2025

A2 CofC & GVC Renewal Guidance

After nearly five years since the introduction of the A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) and the General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC), the first wave of renewals will be due in January 2025.

As this renewal period approaches, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has released detailed guidance on the requirements and processes to renew these certifications.

This update is crucial for drone operators to ensure they remain compliant and maintain their operational permissions under the GVC and A2 CofC frameworks.

General Visual Certificate (GVC) Renewal

General Visual Certificate (GVC) Renewal Requirements:

The CAA has outlined the following criteria for remote pilots (RPs) seeking to renew their GVC certification:

Practical Flight Assessment:

All RPs must retake the practical flight assessment:

Exemptions:

Remote pilot’s may be exempt from the practical flight assessment element of they can:

Currency Demonstration:

The RP must demonstrate a minimum of 2 hours of flight activity within the three months preceding the GVC renewal application. This can be conducted within either the Open or Specific category but must be verifiable through records or logs.

Class-Specific Currency:

If the GVC is rated for both fixed-wing and multirotor UAS, the RP must provide evidence of currency for each class separately.

Documentation and Verification:

The RP must provide the following documents:

Proof of identity (e.g., passport or driving license).
Current GVC certificate.
Valid flyer ID.
Flight logs that substantiate the required currency hours.

RAE Review and Discretion:

An RAE (Recognised Assessment Entity) may request a skills demonstration if there is any uncertainty regarding the RP’s competency level based on the provided flight logs.
An RAE may also recommend additional training if the RP’s competency cannot be satisfactorily demonstrated through existing documentation or if gaps are identified.

Theoretical Course and Assessment Requirements:

In addition to the practical flight assessment, all RPs renewing their GVC must meet the following theoretical requirements unless exemptions apply:

Theoretical Knowledge Assessment:

The RP must pass the latest theoretical knowledge assessment with a minimum pass mark of 75%.
The RP will have only one attempt to pass this assessment.

Re-assessment Procedures:

If the RP fails the theoretical knowledge assessment, they will be required to complete a full theoretical course and pass a different final assessment paper.

Mode of Assessment:

The theoretical assessment can be delivered either in a classroom setting or remotely, depending on the RAE’s current approved Exposition and Training Procedures Manual (TPM).

Summary:

These renewal requirements aim to ensure that remote pilots continue to meet the high standards of safety and competency expected by the CAA. As the renewal period draws closer, it is advised that all GVC holders review their flight logs, refresh their theoretical knowledge, and engage with their RAEs to plan for a smooth and successful renewal process.

A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) renewal requirements

Remote pilots renewing their A2 CofC (Certificate of Competency) are required to declare their competence and provide specific documentation as evidence of their ongoing proficiency. The required documents include:

Proof of identity.
Current A2 CofC certificate.
Valid Flyer ID.
Flight logs showing completion of all practical self-learning building blocks within the last three months.

Furthermore, all renewing remote pilots must retake a comprehensive theoretical course and assessment, unless they meet the following exemption criteria:

The remote pilot must score at least 75% on the most recent theoretical knowledge assessment.
Remote pilots are allowed only one attempt to pass the latest theoretical assessment.
If a remote pilot fails this assessment, they must retake the full theoretical course and assessment using a different final assessment paper.
The assessment may be conducted either in a classroom or remotely, as per the guidelines set by the individual RAE’s (Recognised Assessment Entity) approved Exposition and TPM (Training Program Manual).

Contact Iprosurv for Your A2 Cof C and GVC Renewal 0114 4055 007

Mandatory Theory Test

As part of the renewal process for the A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) and General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC), Remote Pilots (RPs) are required to complete an up-to-date theory test and achieve a minimum pass mark of 75%.

The theory re-test is a mandatory requirement for both the A2 CofC and the GVC irrespective of any exemption criteria.

Key Points for the Renewal Process:

1. Theory Test Requirement: The theory test ensures that the RP’s knowledge remains current with any changes in regulations or operational best practices.

2. Passing Criteria: The Remote Pilot must achieve a score of at least 75% to pass the renewal theory test.

3. Single Attempt: The RP has only one opportunity to pass the theory test during the renewal process.

4. Failure to Pass: If the Remote Pilot does not achieve the required 75% pass mark on their first attempt, they must then complete the full theoretical course again before being allowed to reattempt the test.

5. Delivery Mode: The theory assessment can be delivered either online or in-person, providing flexibility depending on the availability and preferences of the RP.

This structured renewal process ensures that Remote Pilots maintain the necessary knowledge and competencies to operate safely and compliantly within the framework set by the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority).

Iprosurv Online Theoretical Exam

As part of the renewal process at Iprosurv, remote pilots are required to complete an online assessment exam. This exam is designed to test their knowledge and ensure they maintain the required competencies for operating drones safely and effectively.

The assessment is structured as follows:

Randomized Question Bank: The exam is generated from a pool of over 350 questions. This ensures that no two exams are the same, maintaining the integrity and challenge of the assessment.

Immediate Results: Upon completing the final question, remote pilots (RPs) will receive their results instantly, giving them immediate feedback on their performance.

Certification: On successfully passing the exam, the RP will be issued a certificate, which serves as evidence of their competency and compliance with renewal requirements.

Revision and Mock Exams: Any remote pilot booking the exam through Iprosurv will be provided with a comprehensive revision pack. This includes access to mock theory exams, enabling RPs to prepare thoroughly before attempting the actual assessment.

CAA Logging: Once the RP has successfully completed and passed the theory exam, Iprosurv will ensure that all results are logged with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to maintain accurate and up-to-date records.

This streamlined renewal process ensures that remote pilots remain compliant, up-to-date, and prepared to safely continued operatations.

Renew Through Any RAE

Remote Pilots (RPs) have the flexibility to renew their A2 Certificate of Competency (A2CofC) and General Visual Certificate (GVC) through any Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE), ensuring a convenient and efficient process tailored to their needs.

As a trusted RAE with the CAA, Iprosurv provides a streamlined solution for RPs looking to maintain their qualifications. With Iprosurv’s expertise and comprehensive support, the renewal process is quick, seamless, and accessible—offering both online and in-person assessment options.

Backed by a team of experienced professionals, Iprosurv is committed to delivering a hassle-free experience, allowing RPs to focus on what they do best: operating safely and effectively in the ever-evolving drone industry.

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