Remote Pilot Training

CAA Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE)

Online Courses

Online Theory Exams

General VLOS Certificate (GVC)

A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC)

What we do

Since 2015 we have trained drone pilots to the highest standard to meet the demands of this rapidly growing industry. The UAV Academy is a CAA approved Recognised Assessment Entity providing online courses for both the General VLOS Certificate (GVC) and the A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) remote pilot qualifications. We have seven flight assessment and skills training locations in the UK, including one in Northern Ireland. Our team work hard to ensure that you receive great customer service and enjoy every aspect of your training.

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RAE 1853

Man flying a drone holding a control transmitter

Our Services

The A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) qualification, introduced at the end of 2020, gives you the ability to fly in built-up areas and closer to people.

The A2 subcategory will allow you to ‘fly closer to people’ provided you hold an A2 CofC and your drone weighs less than 2 kg. You will be able to fly in built-up areas provided you observe the distance required from uninvolved people. If you fly a drone weighing between 251g and 500g the A2 CofC will enable you to fly in the A1 subcategory with the only limitation being that you must not intentionally overfly uninvolved people.

There is no flight test or operations manual required for the A2 CofC. You will, however, need to have completed a period of practical flight training which can be either self-training or with one of our instructors.

The GVC Online course allows you to apply for a UK CAA Operational Authorisation which will allow you to fly a drone weighing up to 25kg in the Specific Category.

Our course combines e-learning, and live interactive online training sessions. You can take the formal theory exam online at a time and place to suit you. Once you have completed the theory part of the course you use our Operations Manual Standard Template as the basis for creating your own Operations Manual. Then, when you are ready, you take your half-day Flight Assessment at one of our locations around the UK.

 

We offer flight skills training ranging from basic flying skills right through to advanced skills training for professional pilots wanting to be able to deliver exceptional results to their customers. We have Flight instructors in seven locations around the UK. Call us and ask about a convenient date and location that suits you.

We deliver many private training courses to corporate customers needing to train more than five people. This is very cost effective and ensures confidentiality and training relevant to the aircraft and the type of operations. Our corporate customers include: –

  • Aggregate Industries
  • British Army
  • Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service
  • Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Northern Ireland 
  • Friends of the Earth
  • Kier
  • Oxford Archeology
  • Airbus Defence & Space
  • Dyson
  • Terex (GB) Ltd
  • Zoological Society of London
  • BBC
  • Callen Lenz
  • Ministry of Defence Police
  • Ericsson Telecom
  • Museum of London Archeology
  • Natural England
  • QinetiQ
  • Police Service of Northern Ireland
  • Health and Safety Executive, Northern Ireland
  • South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute
  • Thales Land and Air Systems
  • Western Power Distribution

Contact us for more details.

 

Recent Customer Reviews – Google Business

The UAV Academy LTD IconThe UAV Academy LTD

Hartham Park, Hartham Lane, Corsham

5.0 218 reviews

  • Avatar Fraser Ross ★★★★★ in the last week
    The course and materials were first class. I learned so much doing it. I loved how you can take as many mock exams as you want which then makes you go back over where you may have got a question wrong. UAV Academy were great from start … More to finish and very prompt with responses. I recommend them to all. I also recommend new drone pilots to take this course to learn fully about flying safely and competently. Thank you for being so good.
  • Avatar Nick Turner ★★★★★ 3 weeks ago
    Great training provider, I hope to do the GVC at some point soon having just passed the A2cofc with UAV academy. Lots of materials and support on this easy to follow course, didn't take too long at all and the test isn't too difficult … More to achieve a pass. A1 all round, thanks.
  • Avatar Malcolm Sarstedt ★★★★★ 3 weeks ago
    The A2 CofC course material was well prepared and easy to follow with quizzes to check understanding. The mock exam, which can be repeated, was extremely useful to find gaps in knowledge before making a request to take the exam. It was … More easy to register for the exam, which I found could be taken at any time. The final result of the exam was made available to me within about 8 hours. I was very satisfied with the whole process and I would strongly recommend this course to anyone wanting to improve their knowledge about safe drone flying.
  • Avatar Kevin Stock ★★★★★ a month ago
    Excellent training course and provider. Course was very easy to follow and everything was well laid out. Simple instructions and the flight training package was the highlight of my training. Take your time and take the mock exam as many … More times as you require. Highly recommend Andrew and the UAV Academy.
  • Avatar Daniel Boardman ★★★★★ a month ago
    Did my a2 cofc through UAV academy and was impressed from start to finish. The learning materials covered all the topics in the final exam and I felt fully prepared after sitting several mocks. If you are thinking of doing the course. Go … More for it!
  • Avatar Martin Yoxall ★★★★★ 2 months ago
    Easy to follow steps with tests at the end of each stage to make sure you've understood all the modules.Take the mock exam as many times as you like to ensure you are confident before taking the exam for real.Easy and enjoyable!
  • Avatar Khan ejaz ★★★★★ 2 months ago
    I feel UAV Academy is one of the best online training platformI have vast experience of aviation as ATCO,pilot ,hello landing officer and now thanks to UAV academy I am UAV pilot also I find this course very comprehensive, elaborated and … More at the same time excellent scheme of training and well organised topics.All those willing to join must join and read with steady speed.I would also like to thanks Mr Andrew for his supportive and kind behaviour throughout my training.GOD bless UAV ACADEMY Ameen
  • Avatar Steve Jolly ★★★★★ 2 months ago
    I did my A2 CofC via the UAV Acadamy and it was a very simple process. Course material can be read at your own speed and quick quizzes at the end of each section really gets the subject matter in your head. It was also handy to have 3 … More free mock exams as well so when you do the final you are ready. All passed, just need to get flying more now.
  • Avatar Ian Smith ★★★★★ 3 months ago
    I would thoroughly recommend the UAV academy A2 CofC course. I found the course is very well structured, easy to navigate and was hooked from start to finish. Thank you for a very enjoyable learning experience.
  • Avatar Bill Bertham ★★★★★ 4 months ago
    Great course easy to follow, it is all text based that makes sence. There is a quiz at the end of each Section to test your understanding.I learnt a lot from doing it and pleased to say I obtained my A2 CofC thanks to all at UAV Academy. … More
  • Avatar Adrian Brunt ★★★★★ 5 months ago
    Just completed my A2CofC with these guys and would throughly recommend. Good website with well thought out structure and course modules. And great revision and mock exam facilities. Definitely recommended.
  • Avatar David S ★★★★★ 5 months ago
    Excellent training provider for drone A2 Certificate. Online course easy to understand all subjects. I highly recommend it.
  • Avatar pyers tucker ★★★★★ 5 months ago
    Course is logical and well structured. I went through each section methodically, writing notes as I went through each of the 3 sections. After completing a section I re-read my notes and did the quiz. After the last section I re-read all … More notes and did the mock exam. For the Exam, I went through the verification process step by step and then did the exam and everything worked well - a rare experience with complex procedures requiring a lot of interconnectivity. Much appreciated.
  • Avatar Kane Dark ★★★★★ 6 months ago
    The service received from The UAV Academy was amazing throughout, I undertook an A2 CofC and it couldn't have ran any smoother. Thank you!!! Excellent process
  • Avatar mark holmes ★★★★★ 6 months ago
    Just done the a2 cofc course with them. Well run and Well set out. Thanks again.
  • Avatar Derek Ingham ★★★★★ 6 months ago
    I would definitely recommend The UAV Academy for your training. The online portal is full of info to help you get through with a pass, easy step by step modules with quizzes at the end of each module. I achieved the A2 CofC with a 100% … More pass rate. If I can do it anyone can. 5 Stars all round.
  • Avatar Eric Stephen ★★★★★ 6 months ago
    Excellent course for increasing your knowledge about operating a UAV. Even if you don't plan to do this activity commercially you can gain a lot of valuable information about legislation, weather and operational procedures.
  • Avatar Davey Millar ★★★★★ 6 months ago
    I found the A2 CofC course to be extremely well structured and easy to navigate. Once each section is complete you have a small quiz to complete and upon completion of all sections you can then conduct a mock final test as many times as … More you feel that you need to. Overall this was a very well run course with the added bonus of a reduced price that comes along with your membership of the BDF. Thoroughly recommend the UAV Academy.
  • Avatar Patrick Rice ★★★★★ 7 months ago
    I undertook the A2 CoC with The UAV Academy in late February.I did this not long after actually flying my drone for the first time (but after getting enough flight-time and experience in first of course), as I wanted the knowledge to be … More as fresh in my mind as possible.My concern however was that I was perhaps rushing this. On the contrary though - with the easy to follow learning and guidance material and online exam process The UAV Academy use, I passed with a high score, but more importantly, feeling I really knew the important factors around safe and legal drone flying - which was what I wanted to gain most.A big thank you the The UAV Academy therefore - I readily recommend them!
  • Avatar Simon Lee ★★★★★ 7 months ago
    Tne A2CofC course is very informative and well set out. you can learn at your own pace and revisit any areas you are unsure about. The examination process was easy to understand. I would definitely recommend the UAV Academy to anyone starting … More out in drones and wanting valuable training and certification
  • Avatar Ian Milroy ★★★★★ 7 months ago
    Just finished the A2 CofC course with the academy. Found the modular course to be well structured with excellent presentation of the various subjects. They were very efficient with swift responses at each stage. I did not need to contact … More them as I had no problems with the course or the final exam. Would recommend to anyone considering taking this qualification.
  • Avatar Piotr B ★★★★★ 8 months ago
    Andrew was excellent to deal with as ever, I passed my original PfCO with UAVA and recently completed my GVC transition course through their online platform. It was a very simple process and the exam was straightforward to set up and take … More and results were confirmed very quickly. Would highly recommend UAVA for any others seeking qualifications for drone use. Many thanks Andrew et al!
  • Avatar Toby Moss ★★★★★ 8 months ago
    I took the A2 CofC course online. Great content and delivery, which covered everything needed at the right level of depth. The quizzes for each area of content and the mock exam tracked with the final exam, so getting 100% on the mock was … More in-line with a mark of 100% for real. I was able to buy it, cover the content and practice tests in a few hours then pass it, with everything done and dusted and certificate received within 24 hours, all-in.
  • Avatar Gary Carr ★★★★★ 8 months ago
    Got to say I've really enjoyed the learning aspects of the whole course, just had to put a day or two of sitting and reading to take in the lessons of each category, I did do everything two or three times regarding the theory syllabus,so … More to be honest I was well ready for the final test/exam, thanks to Chris Bradbury BMFA/BDF for his help, and thanks so much to UAV ACADEMY and Andrew Bailey you've been great with all your help and advice, cheers Gary.
  • Avatar hiviz600 ★★★★★ 8 months ago
    An excellent means of completing the A2 C of C training and worked well with my personal circumstances. Weldone UAV academy!
  • Avatar Aneirin Wenner ★★★★★ 8 months ago
    Completed my A2 Certificate of Competence with UAV Academy and it was a very well built platform with very clear laid out course. Would very much recommend to those who are looking for drone training.
  • Avatar Kashjur ★★★★★ 9 months ago
    I took the A2 qualification course, it was very informative and clear, the information was presented so that it was remembered. The support service is also excellent, Andrew was always in touch with me and answered messages even in the … More evening after work.Thank you very much Andrew
  • Avatar Lucky Hooky ★★★★★ 9 months ago
    Excellent learner support and high quality resources. Thank you for your help in attaining my A2CofC!
  • Avatar Sanusi Wasiu ★★★★★ 9 months ago
    The UAV Academy is just the right place to go to if you're looking to get quality training, certification on UAVs and as a remote pilot.Well organised course outline, seamless processes and proactive personnels to take care of your … More challenges as soon as practicable.Rest assured of getting the value for your investment and detailed training in the simplest way possible
  • Avatar Kamal Jugessur ★★★★★ 10 months ago
    Andrew at the UAV Academy LTD has been super helpful throughout all the courses I've taken. Any questions I had were always answered quickly. The online support, step-by-step guides, learning materials, and visuals made learning a … More breeze and enjoyable. Adam led the practical training, making it fun while ensuring I was knowledgeable about safety measures and flight manoeuvres. Plus, Andrew's aftercare has been very helpful should I have any drone related queries.. Highly recommended!
  • Avatar Paul Robertson ★★★★★ 10 months ago
    First time I have done an online course and exam.Everything was easy to follow and the online tutorials and videos were very helpful which enabled me to pass!
  • Avatar Robert Green ★★★★★ 10 months ago
    Andrew and the team have been really helpful in steering me i the right direction as to which are the correct courses and qualifications for me. The combined course I took was very well organised and allowed me to revise everything needed … More in my own time and take the test at home and at a time of my choosing. They are very helpful with advice about how everything is developing with the CAA and what to look out for in the future. I feel I can phone them up any time for help and advice.
  • Avatar mark leese ★★★★★ 11 months ago
    very informative course content written is simple effective way. Gives option to go into more detail via CAA if you really want to and can understand it all. recommended.
  • Avatar Alan Chun (Photographer) ★★★★★ 11 months ago
    If you're looking to take your A2CofC then I would highly recommend the UAV Academy.Their course is all you need to pass the test.It's all online and easy to navigate and understand. The mock tests at the end are great for checking … More your understanding of the course and will really make sure you pass first time.If you hit any technical issues, such as webcam problems as I did, the guys at UAV Academy were there to help right away, even late on a Friday evening! You can't ask for any better support than that!Bottom line, if you are wanting to take your A2CofC you won't be disappointed choosing UAV Academy.
  • Avatar Istvan Szilagyi ★★★★★ a year ago
    The training courses are well organised and guide you through the learning process. The mock examinations help to test your knowledge before the official test.If you have any questions you get answers by email in a few hours.
  • Avatar Neil Grantham ★★★★★ a year ago
    I've just taken the A2 CofC with the UAV academy and found it to be a pleasure. The training course is professionally laid out, logical and easy to understand. Any queries were answered quickly and Andrew in particular was very helpful … More with all sorts of useful information about drones in general.Highly recommended for anyone wanting to take a drone course.
  • Avatar Simon Podgorsek ★★★★★ a year ago
    Great team, I did the A2CofC and everything went fast and smooth. They were also responsive to the email. I can totally recommend it!
  • Avatar Simon Marshall ★★★★★ a year ago
    Completed A2 CofC. All online training. The course is easy to follow and includes videos to assist. There is a 30 question exam in order to qualify; however, you have access to a quiz at the end of each module and there is a mock exam that … More you can take 3 times, to ensure you are ready for the official one. The course took me a few hours over a couple of days and due to the setup, I passed with no issues. I would highly recommend.
  • Avatar Roger Dennett ★★★★★ a year ago
    I have obtained my A2 Certificate of Competency by following the UAV Academy's excellent course. It is well structured and easy to follow and although I felt confident enough throughout, I knew that I could refer to Andrew as and when … More required.I would highly recommend UAV Academy to anyone who has ambitions to take that next step into the world of UAV's.
  • Avatar Tim Stubbings ★★★★★ a year ago
    Really pleased with the UAV Academy's A2 C of C course and qualification process. After completing 3 hrs of pre-course flying and flight logs, the course materials were well presented in bite sized pieces with a test at the end of … More each module to help bed the the knowledge in. Even if you don't require an A2 C of C, I would highly recommend this to anyone that is looking to purchase a drone.
  • Avatar Richard Dijkema ★★★★ a year ago
    I did my online training and exam for the A2-CofC UK license here. Great educators and there's sufficient help when you need it. Would recommend!
  • Avatar John Burdass ★★★★★ a year ago
    The A2 CoC is a great practical based course that focuses on safe flying rather than text book theory & regulations. End of section practice tests help identify areas that may not be fully understood which really help learning. The … More home based exam is very easy to set up and take making the course highly recommended to anyone looking to safely fly a drone.
  • Avatar Harry Mason ★★★★★ a year ago
    Can't fault UAV Academy. A2 CoC experience was very smooth, informative and with good material. The mock tests get you set up nicely for the exam and I've learnt a lot from it. Thank you
  • Avatar BirbEXE ★★★★★ a year ago
    Don't let their out of date landing page fool you. I did my A2 CofC with the UAV academy, and I have no regrets. unlike other courses, the learning is all text based and very much at your own pace, which I thought was great. I took … More the remote exam without a hitch, and the uav academy made it very easy to arrange and set up. The learning is very concise, up to date, and nearly completely bloat free. Thank you Andrew, and thank you UAV academy for the great experience. I will definitely be coming again.
  • Avatar UAViewpoint ★★★★★ a year ago
    I originally did my PfCO with UAV Academy and have recently transitioned to GVC whilst also completing my A2CofC. All courses were very well designed and planned. Andrew is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful which is invaluable. I would … More thoroughly recommend UAV Academy.
  • Avatar Calvin Cheung ★★★★★ a year ago
    Highly recommend UAV academy for completing the A2 CofC. The owner, Andrew is very knowledgeable and quick to respond to all my questions via messenger.I found the course very easy to follow, with a short quiz after each syllabus to really … More drum in the information, it also includes a mock exam before going into the real thing. I signed up and got my certificate on the same day! (scored 30/30 which I am quite proud about)I now feel confident I have the qualification and knowledge to fly legally AND safely.Note: you need a webcam/ mic and a quiet room for the virtual invigilation.
  • Avatar Nigel Castle ★★★★★ a year ago
    I passed my A2 Certificate of Competency (using the BMFA discount - so good value) and found it well organised and straight forward to follow the process. It took me around six or seven hours to work slowly through the material provided. … More The tests at the end of each section were very useful and the ability to test myself with the mock final exam really helped build confidence and prove to myself that I was ready. Good communications from the team at UAV while getting set up and after taking the exam were also very impressive.
  • Avatar Ray ★★★★★ a year ago
    Having completed an A2 CofC online course with the UAV Academy, I am very happy with both the experience and the result. Where I had queries or concerns, these were dealt with seriously and quickly. The course presentation and material … More itself was clear and the guidance I had, along with the opportunities to repeat modules as required lead to me being successful and passing the course. On that basis I can happily recommend UAV Academy for anybody requiring similar technical drone training.
  • Avatar i Daring ★★★★★ a year ago
    Decided to go with The UAV Academy to obtain the A2 Certificate of Competency and happy to say, passed first time! Great easy to use website and training platform, easy to follow modules with knowledge testing along the way and lots of … More opportunity to practice the mock exam before taking that formal invigilated exam. Thank you!
  • Avatar Richard Hammond ★★★★★ a year ago
    I've been really impressed with The UAV Academy. I took part in the 2-day course and took my PfCO (both theory and practical assessment) with The UAV Academy and they've been just great. The briefings and overall communication … More has been excellent. I've since renewed my Operational Authorisation through them and have also been guided through the VLOS certification using their online course in early 2023. It's no small job to go through the hoops, and they've been very supportive and informative. By the time I took the exam, I felt I'd been properly briefed and well prepared. First class service!

See more of what our customers have to say about us on our Testimonial Page

Please talk to us

We understand that gaining a CAA Drone Qualification is a serious undertaking. It is very important that you fully understand the process, the options and what will be required of you.

On the right you will see a few of the most common questions we are asked. If you have any other questions please contact us by phone on 01285 610038, by email to info@uavacademy.co.uk, or via our Facebook Page. We love to talk with our customers, so please get in touch.