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 benefit from updated provisions, as part of new drone laws.
Heliguy’s PfCO to GVC conversion course will make this transition smoother.
Switching to a GVC will allow you to obtain an Operational Authorisation (after December 31, 2020) and access BVLOS and EVLOS bolt-ons (when they become available).
Benefits of training with heliguy™ include:
- Support from our full-time training team, which has taught more than 2,500 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?
Under new drone laws - which started on December 31, 2020, - pilots need an Operational Authorisation to operate in the Specific Category (for the majority of enterprise flights). To obtain an Operational Authorisation - which has replaced the PfCO - pilots must have a GVC.
So, all valid PfCO operators must make the transition to a GVC qualification. While this doesn't need to be done before January 1, 2024, - at the earliest - there are good reasons to switch beforehand.
One of the biggest reasons is that, after December 31, 2020, valid PfCO holders will not be able to apply for permission to operate under the EVLOS or BVLOS bolt-on modules afforded by an Operational Authorisation. Instead, an OSC will be needed. heliguy™ offers OSC consultancy.
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 three UK venues: Newcastle, Manchester or St Albans.
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.
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:
• £349: Former heliguy™ candidates who successfully obtained a PfCO with us.
• £399: Valid 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.
