RPC-L1 Drone Training Course

Our blended delivery model combines the flexibility of online learning with dedicated face-to-face instructor-led practical training.

1. Book your course: Purchase the course and receive immediate access to the online heliguy™ Learning Management System (LMS).

2. 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.

3. Sit your theory test remotely: Complete a 40-question multiple-choice assessment online, with a 60-minute time limit and a 75% pass mark.

4. Attend practical training: Book your practical dates and spend 2½ days at heliguy™ HQ developing your flying skills. You can book this any time through the LMS, but you must pass your theory before attending the practical.

5. 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, including GNSS and non-GNSS flight; approach and landing; emergency procedures; and operational-based oral questions.

6. Achieve RPC-L1: Successfully obtain the RPC-L1, then apply to the UK CAA for an Operational Authorisation for flights in the Specific Category or operate under an existing Operational Authorisation.

As a CAA-accredited RAE (formerly NQE) since 2015, we've made a deliberate decision with our RPC-L1 delivery: keep theory online, and dedicate every in-person hour to practical training to maximise learning outcomes for each pilot.

Here's why…

The practical element of RPC-L1 is competency-based. Candidates progress through structured Training Events - each targeting a specific aspect of flight operations - and can only move forward once they've demonstrated the required standard.

Progression is controlled by performance - and that demands hands-on, in-the-field learning with an instructor who can respond to individual strengths, weaknesses, and sticking points in real time and dedicate additional attention if required.

If we're asking you to spend 2½ days with us away from your busy schedule, we're not going to rush you through a checklist.

Equally, dedicating extra time to the practical training gives us breathing room to work around the British weather so a difficult forecast doesn't necessarily derail your training. We also supply the aircraft, including IP-rated platforms for training continuity in the event of inclement weather.

Closed-course delivery isn't a bolt-on for us - it's at the heart of what we do.

A large cross-section of our training is delivered this way, and in 2026 alone, we've delivered 50+ closed courses to a cross-section of enterprise organisations, including public safety and private sector teams.

Each course follows the prescribed CAA syllabus, but the delivery is built around your organisation - your aircraft, your operational environment, your mission-specific scenarios.

Just our team and yours, focused entirely on getting your pilots qualified and operationally ready.

For RPC-L1 specifically, closed-course delivery makes particular sense. The competency-based structure means vocational training is mandated instead of optional - and in a closed cohort, our instructors can tailor the pace, focus, and scenario mix to reflect exactly what your pilots will face in the field.