From GVC to Operational Authorisation: The UK Pathway

The GVC is the start, not the finish

A common misunderstanding is that the General VLOS Certificate (GVC) is itself the licence to fly Specific Category operations. It is not. The GVC is the pilot competency qualification issued by a Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE). The actual permission to operate comes from an Operational Authorisation (OA) granted by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Think of the GVC as the proof that you understand the rules and can fly safely, and the Operational Authorisation as the legal document that says what you may do, where, and under what conditions.

What an Operational Authorisation contains

An Operational Authorisation defines the scope of your permitted operations. It typically references your Operations Manual and sets out matters such as the types of operation covered, the operating limitations you must respect, and the conditions under which the authorisation remains valid.

Because each authorisation is tied to the safety case you submit, two operators may hold authorisations with very different limits depending on the operations they have requested and justified.

Step-by-step: GVC to OA

1. Complete the GVC. Train with an RAE, pass the theory exam, complete the practical flight assessment and produce your Operations Manual.
2. Prepare your application. Decide whether your operation fits a Pre-Defined Risk Assessment such as PDRA01, or whether you need a bespoke risk assessment using a methodology such as SORA.
3. Submit to the CAA. Apply through the CAA, providing your GVC, Operations Manual and supporting documentation.
4. Receive your authorisation. Once granted, you may operate strictly within the limits stated.
5. Renew when due. Operational Authorisations have a validity period and must be renewed to remain current.

PDRA01: the common route

Many operators apply under PDRA01, a Pre-Defined Risk Assessment published by the CAA. PDRA01 sets out a standard set of operating conditions, which simplifies the application because the risk assessment has already been defined. A GVC is the pilot competency required to operate under a PDRA01-based authorisation.

When you need a bespoke safety case

If your intended operation does not fit within a published PDRA, you will need to build a tailored safety case, often using the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) methodology. This is more involved and the CAA assesses each application on its own merits. The GVC remains the foundation, but the supporting documentation grows.

Keep your paperwork aligned

Your Operations Manual is the link between your GVC and your Operational Authorisation. If your operations change, your manual and your authorisation may both need updating. Keeping these documents accurate and current is part of operating responsibly in the Specific Category.

Costs and timescales are noted as of May 2026 and vary between Recognised Assessment Entities. Confirm figures directly with the provider you choose.