So you want to convert your PfCO Recommendation into a GVC?
The HALO GVC Conversion Course has been specifically designed for drone pilots who have an existing Certificate of Recommendation for a PfCO, and want to convert it to a General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) under the new EU regulations.
Pilots who successfully convert their PfCO Recommendation to a GVC via this course will be able to apply for an Operational Authorisation (OA). The OA replaces the Permission for Commercial Operations (PfCO) as part of the new EU regulations that come into effect on December 31st, 2020.
It is recommended that existing commercial operators undertake a PfCO Conversion Course to improve their understanding of the new rules and get access to ‘bolt-on’ training modules which increase accessibility to Extended and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) authorisations with the CAA.
Do I need to convert to a GVC?
All drone pilots operating under a PfCO or OA must make the transition via a GVC Conversion Course before January 1st 2024.
Download your course brochure now!
Conversion Course Options
PfCO to GVC Conversion Course
£225 inc VAT- Everything you need to convert your PfCO Recommendation to a GVC
- Online and self-directed theory learning
- Online theory exam
- Free A2 CofC
- General VLOS Certificate
PfCO to GVC Conversion Course + Lite Ops Manual Course
£345 inc VAT- Also includes our Lite Operations Manual course, suitable for those who need assistance in developing an Ops Manual for less complex operations such as basic drone photography.
- Includes CAA UAV Operations Manual Course (Lite)
- Online and self-directed theory learning
- Online theory exam
- Free A2 CofC
- General VLOS Certificate
- Online operations manual video tutorials
- Lite operations manual template
- Operations manual review x 2
PfCO to GVC Conversion Course + Comprehensive Ops Manual Course
£465 inc VAT- Also includes our Comprehensive Operations Manual course, suitable for those who need assistance in developing an Ops Manual for more complex drone operations, such as flying in congested areas.
- Includes CAA UAV Operations Manual Course (Comprehensive)
- Online and self-directed theory learning
- Online theory exam
- Free A2 CofC
- General VLOS Certificate
- Online operations manual video tutorials
- 1 hour ops manual consultancy session
- Comprehensive operations manual template
- Operations manual review x 3
We're here to help
Not sure which drone training course is right for you? Speak to our experts and we’ll help to guide you through the process
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Everything you need to convert your PfCO Recommendation to GVC
Designed by expert drone instructors
The PfCO to GVC course has been designed by some of the most skilled commercial drone pilots in the UK, so you can rest assured you’re learning the new regulations from the best. Our Co-Founder, Philip Tarry, also co-founded ARPAS-UK, the UK Drone Association and professional body that supports and acts on behalf of the drone community.
CAA approved
We’re one of only a handful of CAA approved Recognised Assessment Entities (RAE) in the UK, capable of helping you convert your PfCO Recommendation to a GVC, under the new EU regulations. The HALO PfCO conversion course has passed the rigorous approval criteria set by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Self-directed online learning
Our PfCO to GVC Conversion Course is completely online, meaning that you can learn at your own pace, in the comfort of your own home. There are no time limits, so you can start and finish the course whenever you like.
Dedicated aftercare support
The HALO team are here to offer you support via email or telephone throughout your training. You can count on HALO to help you at every step of the way in your journey to becoming a professional drone pilot.
What can I expect from the PfCO to GVC Conversion Course?
You’ll receive our course handbook which will provide you with the knowledge you need in order to pass your online GVC theory assessment.
As with all of our Drone Training Courses, you can expect to receive the highest standards of training to help you transition from a Recommendation for a Permission for Commercial Operations to General VLOS Certificate. We’ve put extra emphasis on safety to make sure that our students are operating to the highest possible standards and inline with the new regulations.
What’s included in the PfCO to GVC Conversion Course?
- All reference materials necessary to ensure you are fully prepared for your theoretical exam
- Theory examination (online)
- Support from the HALO instructors
- GVC Certificate
- A2 CofC Certificate
- Access to our exclusive Facebook group for HALO alumni
HALO PfCO to GVC Course Brochure
Find out more about our PfCO to GVC Conversion Course by clicking the link
Download your course brochure now!
Testimonial
"The initial discussions / sales pitch was much better than other training companies providing a lot more information and background on the industry, regulations, your company and the course, indicating a solid knowledge base and commitment to education / training. As a local authority I wanted to ensure we were trained thoroughly and properly and not just going through the motions to obtain necessary CAA permissions."
Joe Brickley Bristol City Council
Course Details
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Who should attend this course?
Any existing pilots with a Recommendation for a PfCO who are looking;
– for training to learn about the new rules and upgrade their competency to bring it in line with the latest regulations
– to complete ‘bolt-on’ Modules to the GVC in order to ease access to EVLOS and BVLOS authorisations
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Course Objectives
To provide knowledge of the new regulations, sufficient to pass the theory assessment.
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Course Outcomes
Once you have successfully passed the theory assessment you will receive your A2 and GVC certificates of competency.
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Course Content
The following areas of knowledge will be covered: Airmanship, Air Law, Airspace, Meteorology, Human Factors, Aircraft Knowledge.
This syllabus is mandated by the CAA for all RAE’s. By the end of this course you will understand and be able to apply the knowledge required to make you a competent and safe drone pilot.
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Course Prerequisites
To be eligible for the PFCO Conversion Course, you must have recent operational experience (2 hours in the past 3 months) which needs to be evidenced prior to enrolment in the form of pilot logs. If you’re experience is out of date, you will need to complete the full Advanced Course (GVC). The minimum age for attendance is 14 for pilots flying for a company with an existing PfCO/Operational Authorisation.
Why train with HALO?
Learn more about HALO Drones and why you should train with us by clicking the following link
Course Structure
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Stage 1: Distance Learning
First you will learn the knowledge needed to operate drones with help of our unique interactive course handbook. This is full of quick quizzes, tops tips, anecdotes and illustrations to help make the information relevant and bring it alive so thats it’s an informative and enjoyable read.
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Stage 2: Theory Assessment
Once you feel ready for your assessment, you can book a date and time that suits you and conduct your assessment from the comfort of your own home via our remote assessment process. The paper includes 60 questions covering the topics included in the handbook and the pass mark is 75%. You have 1.5 hours to complete the assessment.
FAQ's
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What if I fail either of the assessments?
If you fail any assessments, you will be allowed to re-sit subject to the following criteria:
A mark within 25% of the pass mark – A resit is permitted after a minimum of 1 week.
A mark outside 25% of the pass mark – A resit is permitted after a minimum of 2 weeks.
You can complete a maximum of three attempts in either of the assessments, before having to attend another course. There is a charge, but before you worry about the cost implications of failing, we would like to reassure you that our course structure and training methodology has been designed to reduce the likelihood of this happening. We don’t want you to fail, and the charge is merely to cover our expenses.