A2 CofC vs GVC - What's the difference?

	A2 CofC	GVC
Training Requirements	Theoretical learning 6+ hours of E-Learning 30 Question theoretical examination 75 minutes to complete Self-guided practical flight training	Theoretical learning 9+ hours of E-Learning 40 Question theoretical examination 60 minutes to complete Practical Flight Examination assessed by the RAE Operations Manual
CAA fees	£0	Initial application for UK PDRA01 Operational Authorisation: £500 Annual renewal of UK PDRA01 Operational Authorisation: £500
UAVHUB course cost	£99 inc. VAT	£499 inc. VAT
Permitted Drones	A1 Transitional (until 1st January 2026) 'Legacy' Aircraft between 250g - 500g flying weight A2 Transitional (until 1st January 2026) 'Legacy' Aircraft between 500g - 2kg flying weight	All Aircraft between 0 - 25kg
Use for Commercial Gain	Yes	Yes
Validity	5 years	5 years
Valid from	Today	Today
Pros	No additional costs No Operations Manual No yearly renewals No Flight Assessment Reduced separation distances A1 Transitional: No intentional overflight of uninvolved people A2 Transitional: 50 metres from uninvolved people	Bolt-on modules (when available) Fly any aircraft between 0-25kg in Congested areas Widely recognised qualification Suitable for people flying larger and heavier aircraft Overflight of uninvolved people (to be avoided where possible
Cons	Limited to 'small' drones No overflight over of uninvolved people	Requires yearly renewals with the CAA Requires maintaining an Operations Manual Audited by the CAA Longer training pathway
Who's it suited for?	People who fly 'small and light' aircraft Wedding photographers Housing roof inspectors Small corporate video production Hobbyists who want more freedom to operate 'closer' to people	People with 'large and heavy' aircraft Professional Drone Pilots High-End Film Productions Industrial Inspections Land Surveyors People who need to fly 'over' people