The Unique heliguy™ Training Ecosystem
Advanced Online Learning
Flexible and on-demand online learning - any time, any place. Learn at your own pace, replay and rewatch content to reinforce learning, and access live support from our expert training team.
Work With The Best
Hone your skills with a drone training industry leader. Our experienced CAA-qualified instructors have taught 3,000+ candidates, including staff from Network Rail and UK emergency services.
Avoid Hidden Costs
Unlike some, we won't surprise you with extra exam fees or extra costly modules to get qualified - what you see is what you pay.
Ongoing Advice and Support
Your qualification is just the start. Receive lifetime support with dedicated aftercare, partner discounts, added-value learning courses, and professional advice to further your drone pilot credentials.
Full Description
PFCO to GVC Conversion course
Make the transition with heliguy™ by your side.
Commercial Drone Pilot Training Course
Convert your PfCO to a GVC to obtain an Operational Authorisation to operate in the Specific Category.
Heliguy’s PfCO to GVC conversion course makes this transition smoother.
Benefits of training with heliguy™ include:
- Support from our full-time training team, which has taught more than 3,500 candidates and led industry-specific closed courses.
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On-demand and flexible online learning through heliguy™ Learning Management System. Complete the syllabus with videos, quizzes, webinars and task sheets, and access live Q&A sessions.
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Wide scope to book your theory test. Sit the exam online for a more relaxed and convenient environment.
- Super-quick Operations Manual generation and annual renewal.
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Access the heliguy™ ecosystem of hardware supply and consultancy, in-house repairs, R&D, on-going training support, and our industry-wide partner network.
- heliguy™ Operations Manual framework judged to meet the highest drone industry standards, endorsed by IQ Verify against the requirements of BS ISO 21384-3: 2019.
Why Do I Need To Convert?
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However, from January 1, 2024, PfCOs are no longer valid - even for operators with an existing Operational Authorisation.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 from an RAE, such as Heliguy.
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.
What Will I Learn?
Our conversion course will match the pathway of our standard GVC training, following a three-step process:
1: Complete GVC course online, concluding with a multiple-choice theory exam.
2: Refresh your Operations Manual through Heliguy's streamlined creation process.
3: Practical flight assessment at UK venues, including Newcastle.
Upon completion of the GVC, apply to the CAA for an Operational Authorisation.
What Do I Need?
To sit the conversion course, candidates must hold the following documents:
1: An NQE Approved Certificate of Competence in Remote Pilot Theoretical Knowledge/ General Airmanship Syllabus;
2: An NQE Approved Certificate of Practical Flight Assessment for the weight class and type of aircraft.
3: 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 drone course, or the A2 CofC if this better suits operational requirements.
How Much Does It Cost?
The PfCO to GVC conversion course is priced £399. It is open to former heliguy™ candidates who obtained a PfCO with us and PfCO holders who trained with another provider.
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.
UK Drone Training Accreditations
We hold a wide range of commercial, industry and service based accreditations and awards.
