The Future of Remote Pilot Competency in the Specific Category

The purpose of this consultation was to share the CAA’s proposal for the future of remote pilot (RP) competency in the specific category.

The proposal covered:

• Rulemaking to establish RAEs under an improved legal basis such as the UK Regulation (EU) 2018/1139, the Basic Regulation
• Establishing medical standards for RPs in the specific category 
• Developing a framework for the future of RP competency 
• Developing the supporting RP competency policy, AMC, and GM 

We received 112 responses. Most responses (66%) were received from UAS operators and remote pilots.

The CAA reviewed all the comments received, and the following trends were identified:

• The CAA should consider retaining the GVC and/or introducing another form of entry level VLOS qualification.
• The naming convention of the two proposed certificates is confusing and should be reviewed.
• The subject matter of the RPC-B is too broad the CAA should consider splitting the VLOS and BVLOS elements.
• The CAA should continue with the GVC bolt-on systems that was previously proposed. 

In addition to the above, the CAA received feedback welcoming the recognition that BVLOS training for RPs is an important enabler for industry. We also received positive feedback on the thoroughness of the work carried on the RPC-A from operators already conducting complex BVLOS operations. 

In parallel to the phase one consultation, the CAA policy team has continued to engage with industry and RAEs through direct outreach and stakeholder meetings.

The CAA will publish a proposed update to the AMC and GM to Article 8 of the UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947 including multiples changes to the RPC framework as a direct result of the phase one consultation feedback. This full public consultation will run for 12 weeks and expected to commence in Q4 2023.