GVC to RPC-L1 Conversion Course
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2026 practical dates: Any one day from Sep 28, 29, 30, Oct 1, 2, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, Nov 23, 24, 25, 26, 27. Buy today for instant access to online theory, then book practical training when you're ready. Closed courses also available.
50-days return policy
Upgrade your GVC and progress into the UK's new Remote Pilot Certificate framework with our RPC-L1 Conversion Course. If you already hold a GVC, this CAA-approved course accelerates you to the UK-SORA-aligned RPC-L1 standard, which is set to replace the GVC.
Online theory, one-day practical Complete the online theory learning through the heliguy™ Learning Management System (LMS), with live instructor support, before attending one day of practical training and assessment at heliguy™. Sign up today, and then book your practical training through the LMS when you're ready, choosing any day from any of the following 2026 dates: Sep 28 to Oct 2, Oct 26 to 30, and Nov 23 to 27.
No theory assessment Existing GVC holders are not required to complete the RPC-L1 theory assessment, although completion of the online theory learning is mandatory.
Dedicated one-day practical We've made the deliberate decision to keep the theory online, and deliver the practical aspect as one focused day of in-person training, ensuring you build the real-world competency that RPC-L1 demands. We supply the aircraft, including IP-rated platforms, to facilitate training, even during inclement weather.
Future-focused progression Upgrade to RPC-L1 and gain access to the wider Remote Pilot Certificate framework, supporting progression towards more advanced operations, such as BVLOS.
Closed course training available Designed for multi-pilot teams: just our instructors and your organisation for tailored, standardised training.
Your route to UK SORA and beyond RPC-L1 is built for operations under UK SORA - and our in-house regulatory team is here to help you get there, unlocking complex authorisations including BVLOS. Backed by 9,000+ pilots trained and over a decade of closed courses for UK industry and .gov.
Overview
Specifications
FAQ
Heliguy Services
Why transition from GVC to RPC-L1?
Progress into the RPC framework
If you already hold a GVC, converting to RPC-L1 enables you to transition into the UK's evolving Remote Pilot Certificate framework without repeating unnecessary elements of your training.
Benefits of converting:
Retain your knowledge: Existing GVC holders are exempt from the RPC-L1 theory assessment.
Foundation point to RPC framework: The GVC is limited to PDRA-style VLOS permissions, whereas the RPC-L1 is the entry point to the wider Remote Pilot Certificate framework, supporting progression towards UK SORA, RPC-L2, RPC-L3, and advanced operations, such as BVLOS.
Future-proof qualification: The GVC is set to be phased out, with no new certificates issued by the UK CAA from the end of 2027. The RPC-L1 will become the principal certificate for VLOS operations in the Specific Category.
Competency-based qualification: Designed around practical competence, RPC-L1 develops the consistent operational skills and decision-making required for real-world commercial drone operations.
Simple conversion: Complete the online learning before attending one practical training day at heliguy™ HQ.
How the heliguy™ GVC to RPC-L1 Conversion Course works
Flexible course delivery
Our blended delivery model combines the flexibility of online learning with dedicated face-to-face instructor-led practical training.
Book your course: Purchase your GVC to RPC-L1 Conversion Course and receive immediate access to the heliguy™ online Learning Management System.
Complete your theory learning: Study online at your own pace before completing the theory assessment. Cover Air Law, Aircraft General Knowledge, Human Performance Limitations, Meteorology, and Operating Procedures.
Sit your theory test remotely: Complete a 40-question multiple-choice assessment online, with a 60-minute time limit and a 75% pass mark.
Choose your practical date: Book your one-day practical training and assessment. Book your preferred date through the LMS. You can book this any time, but you must pass your theory before attending the practical.
Practical Flight Assessment: After successfully completing the training, undertake the practical assessment demonstrating your ability to conduct an operation as the remote pilot in charge. This will cover operational planning, site setup, pre-flight procedures. You will demonstrate general handling both basic and intermediate including GNSS and Non-GNSS flight, approach and landing, emergency procedures, and operational based oral questions.
Achieve RPC-L1: Receive your RPC-L1 certificate.
GVC to RPC-L1 online theory learning
Refresh your knowledge at your convenience
We've been delivering online CAA theory learning via our LMS since 2020 - across the GVC, A2 CofC, and now RPC-L1.
The RPC-L1 theory syllabus is identical to the GVC, so we're not starting from scratch - we're applying years of proven online delivery experience, and live instructor support, to a syllabus we know inside out.
As an existing GVC holder, think of this as a refresher, not a new course - and you don't need to sit the theory assessment at the end of it.
Complete your RPC-L1 theory online, and then every hour at heliguy™ HQ is spent working towards the practical aspect of the course.
Benefits of the Heliguy LMS:
Study at your own pace: On-demand video modules delivered by our instructors. Learn wherever and whenever suits you — pause, rewatch, and revisit any module as many times as you need.
Real instructor support, when you need it: Our in-house instructors are available via live chat, 9am–5pm, Monday–Friday - the same team that delivers your practical training. If something isn't clicking at any stage of your theory learning, you obtain real answers from an experienced instructor in real time.
GVC to RPC-L1 practical training
One day. Proven competency.
As a CAA-accredited RAE (formerly NQE) since 2015, our approach to practical training is built around one requirement: RPC-L1 is a competency-based standard, and competency has to be demonstrated, not assumed.
For this Conversion Course, it means that the one day you spend with us is entirely dedicated to honing and proving your practical ability.
The assessment covers pre-flight procedures, general handling, approach and landing, emergency procedures, and oral questioning. Your instructor is assessing you against the required RPC-L1 standard throughout - not working through a fixed checklist. If a particular aspect needs more attention, our instructors can dynamically adapt to assist you.
Fitting a full competency-based assessment into a single day means we can't build in the same contingency for poor weather that a longer course allows. That's a deliberate trade-off for a conversion course, and it's why we fly on IP-rated DJI aircraft: it keeps your one-day assessment on schedule even in typically unpredictable British conditions.
Flexible practical training dates
Book when you're ready
Purchase your course today, and choose your one-day practical training date through the LMS once you're ready.
2026 practical training dates are:
Choose any day from Sep 28 to Oct 2, 2026
Choose any day from Oct 26 to Oct 30, 2026
Choose any day from Nov 23 to Nov 27, 2026
heliguy™: Your drone training provider
Why complete the GVC to RPC-L1 Conversion Course with heliguy™
Trusted experience: Learn from our CAA-recognised in-house training team which has trained more than 9,000 commercial drone pilots.
In-house regulatory team: The RPC framework is designed for operations under UK SORA. Leverage the support of our in-house regulatory specialists to help you unlock complex operations, such as BVLOS.
Lifetime aftercare: Ongoing support after you've completed your course.
Complete drone ecosystem: Consultancy, hardware supply, repairs, rental, survey team, and enterprise support.
Long-term progression: Continue your journey with heliguy™ as your operations evolve through a structured and progressive drone training pathway.
Accreditation
![UK CAA Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE)]()
UK CAA Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE)
Authorised GVC/A2 CofC Training Courses
![UK CAA Permission for BVLOS Flights: Operational Authorisation UAS 15435]()
UK CAA Permission for BVLOS Flights: Operational Authorisation UAS 15435
Helping companies unlock BVLOS missions in an AAE with DJI Docks
![The UK's only DJI Gold and S-Level Partner]()
The UK's only DJI Gold and S-Level Partner
Trusted supply on DJI products
![ISO 9001 Certification]()
ISO 9001 Certification
Driving industry standards through robust operational protocols for enhanced safety and reliability
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Training Qualifications UK
Accredited training courses endorsed by TQUK.
![Ofqual-regulated Training]()
Ofqual-regulated Training
Recognised quality mark for meeting accreditation criteria.
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Cyber Essentials
Verified data security
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Financial Conduct Authority
Authorised to conduct regulated financial services
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Armed Forces Covenant Defence Employer Recognition Scheme - Silver Award
Proud supporter of our Armed Forces
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D-U-N-S Registered: 77-916-1210
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