UK CAA’s Bold Proposal for Advancing Drone Pilot Training in Specific Category

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has initiated a consultation on a set of innovative proposals aimed at restructuring remote pilot competency training for drone operations within the Specific Category. With the primary goal of enabling more intricate and scalable Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations, the CAA invites the drone community to actively participate and contribute to the discussion.

The "Future of Remote Pilot Competency in the Specific Category" document, released on July 5, 2023, outlines several suggested changes designed to enhance the capabilities of drone pilots. Among the proposed modifications, the introduction of two core competency certificates stands out. These certificates include the Basic Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC-B) and the Advanced Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC-A). The RPC-B would cater to more complex operations, including Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights, extending the privileges of UKPDRA01.

The CAA's proposal also encompasses several operation-specific training certificates, which can be added to the RPC-A in a modular fashion. These additional certificates cover specialized areas such as BVLOS in Controlled Airspace and swarming operations.

One of the crucial aspects under scrutiny is the future of the General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC). The CAA is interested in receiving feedback from the drone community on whether the GVC should be retained as a basic level of Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) training or phased out after the implementation of the new competency framework detailed in the consultation.

The proposed training framework is operation-centric and modular, recognizing that remote pilot competency requirements vary depending on the complexity of the drone operations. The CAA identifies four operational boundaries that would shape the framework:

1. Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) operations

2. Complex VLOS and localized Beyond

Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations

3. BVLOS En-route Operations

4. BVLOS Highly Complex Operations

The CAA emphasizes the importance of considering the consultation material within the context of future UAS operations that may not currently be routinely approved by the CAA, rather than comparing it to the existing CAP 722B guidelines.

Let's delve into the key elements of the proposed Remote Pilot Competency Framework:

RPC-A and RPC-B: Two Variants

As part of the proposed introduction of RPC-A and RPC-B, each remote pilot competency is divided into two variants, catering to different types of unmanned aircraft:

1. Aeroplane (A): For aircraft where the primary source of lift is fixed wing.

2. Rotorcraft (R): For aircraft where the primary source of lift is rotating wings.

This classification allows for the inclusion of novel and hybrid Unmanned Aircraft Systems, such as fixed-wing Vertical TakeOff and Landing (VTOL) drones.

Integration with UK Specific Operational Risk Assessment (SORA)

The consultation document highlights the need for any new remote pilot competency training to align with the UK Specific Operational Risk Assessment (SORA) once it is implemented.

GVC: Retention or Phase-out

Regarding the GVC, the consultation document acknowledges that its scope for expansion is limited due to its restriction to VLOS operations. However, the CAA states that the GVC will remain an acceptable competency for PDRA-01. Still, its acceptance for any new PDRA adopted by the CAA will depend on the operational requirements.

Credit System for Previous Training

The CAA acknowledges the investment made by remote pilots and operators in their training. As part of the new policy, the CAA plans to introduce a credit system to consider previous training when finalizing remote pilot competency.

RPC-B: A Step Towards Complex Operations

The RPC-B certificate aims to equip remote pilots with the competencies needed for more complex operations, including BVLOS flights, subject to the operator's Operational Authorization. The proposed changes for the RPC-B include:

1. A revised theoretical knowledge assessment to cover a broader range of operations than the GVC, including fundamentals of BVLOS flying for potential future PDRA competency requirements.

2. Minimum flight instruction requirements for the RPC-B:

• 5 hours of non-Global Positioning System (GPS) assisted flight instruction.

• 5 hours of mission-based flight instruction.

• 10 hours of GPS assisted flight instruction.

Holders of a valid GVC at the time of entry to RPC-B training would receive up to a 20% reduction in the GPS flight instruction element.

RPC-B: The Tests

The RPC-B involves both a theory test and a practical flight assessment, to be conducted with a Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE), such as heliguy™. The theory test is a multiple-choice examination covering various subject areas, including air law, airspace operation principles, meteorology, UAS technical knowledge, and more. The practical flight assessment includes a general handling examination and a waypoint mission-based examination, which includes a BVLOS flight segment.

RPC-B: Renewal

RPC-B holders would need to submit currency logs to the CAA annually, demonstrating a minimum of two hours of flight on the respective drone type within the last 90 days. The RPC-B certificate would require renewal every three years, along with mandatory refresher training.

RPC-A: Preparing for Complex Operations

The RPC-A certificate is designed to prepare remote pilots for complex UAS operations in the Specific category, including BVLOS flights. Applicants for the RPC-A must meet specific criteria, such as holding a LAPL Medical Certificate, being at least 18 years old, and possessing an Advanced UAS Theoretical Certificate. Additionally, RPC-A applicants need to have completed at least 55 hours of flight instruction, 35 of which can be achieved using a CAA-approved Flight Simulator Device.

RPC-A: The Tests

RPC-A candidates will have to undergo theory tests and practical flight assessments, conducted by a Recognised

Assessment Entity. The theory test is a multiple-choice examination covering subjects in greater depth compared to RPC-B. The practical flight assessment for RPC-A would be more comprehensive, involving a flight to an uncontrolled aerodrome, private landing site, or final approach and take-off area (FATO).

Complex Operations Training Modules

The CAA identifies specific operations that may require additional remote pilot competency training. These operations include BVLOS in Controlled Airspace, arriving and departing from licensed aerodromes, complex BVLOS in a multicrew/distributed crew operation, flying highly automated UAS, swarming operations, and flying multiple simultaneous operations (MSO).

In Conclusion

The UK CAA's proposal to restructure drone pilot training in the Specific Category marks a significant step forward in the development of UAS operations. By introducing the RPC-A and RPC-B certificates and operation-specific training modules, the CAA aims to create a more dynamic and adaptable framework for the rapidly evolving drone industry. The consultation process offers an opportunity for the drone community to provide valuable insights and shape the future of drone operations in the UK.

The consultation period is open until August 23, 2023, and feedback can be submitted through the provided link. The CAA encourages all stakeholders to participate actively and contribute their perspectives to this crucial development in drone pilot training.