The A2 Certificate of Competency and the General VLOS Certificate unlock very different kinds of flying. Choosing the right one comes down to where you need to fly and how close to people.
Two certificates, two different jobs
The A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) and the General VLOS Certificate (GVC) are the two qualifications most commercial pilots weigh up. They are not ranked versions of the same thing — they unlock different operating envelopes, and the right choice depends entirely on the work you do.
The A2 CofC
The A2 CofC sits within the Open Category. It lets you fly in the A2 subcategory — closer to uninvolved people than A3 allows — using a suitable class-marked drone under 4kg. In practice that means flying down to 30 metres horizontally from uninvolved people, or as little as 5 metres in low-speed mode.
- Theory-only exam, typically sat at a recognised training provider
- A self-declared practical training element rather than an assessed flight test
- Well suited to lighter, closer-quarters work in lower-risk environments
The GVC
The GVC is the gateway to the Specific Category. It is required to apply for a CAA Operational Authorisation — for example the standard authorisation built on PDRA01. It opens up reduced separation distances and larger, heavier operations that the Open Category simply does not permit.
- Theory exam plus an assessed practical flight test
- You must produce an operations manual describing how you fly safely
- Unlocks Specific Category work such as flying 50m from uninvolved people and operating in more demanding environments
Which one should you choose?
If your work fits inside the Open Category and you mainly need to operate near people with a sub-4kg drone, the A2 CofC is faster and lighter to obtain. If you need heavier aircraft, tighter separation distances, or any operation that exceeds Open Category limits, the GVC is the route — and it is the foundation almost every professional operator ends up needing.
Many operators start with the GVC precisely because it future-proofs their business. If you expect to take on more complex jobs, investing in the GVC early saves you from re-training later.
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