Frequently Asked Questions

3iC personnel have a vast experience in aviation training and in the operation of commercial drones. Using our online training package, you can work at ‘Your Pace in Your Place’ to obtain your drone licence and become a professional drone pilot. We have trained several thousand clients so far so do read our fantastic Facebook reviews from our extremely happy clients.

Drop us a line admin@3ic.co.uk or call us on 01980 881438.

No, third party liability insurance will not be required to start your 3iC training drone training. However you will need to have the appropriate insurance in place for the Practical Flight Assessment.  As a 3iC client, this can usually be obtained for free.

We recommend several companies who offer drone insurance and whose details can be found on our Insurance page.

There is really no such term as a drone licence but of course it has the popular vote as to what an A2 CofC or a GVC should be called. See below!

The A2 CofC is the Certificate for Competence to allow you to operate within the Open Category of the legislation. CAP1789 will explain all as it is quite nuanced to do so here. Have a read through and contact us if you need further support.

The A2 CofC will allow you to operate drones closer to people than a GVC or PfCO but not over them.

You could be limiting your operation if you only hold an A2 CofC so consider taking the Combination GVC+A2 CofC course as this will provide you with the most operational flexibility.

From Jan 2021, the General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) which covers drones up to 25Kgs, becomes the new commercial standard in drone training. It will allow you to operate within the Specific Category of legislation – Google and read CAP1789 on this. There is much valuable information contained there. Once issued, a GVC is valid for 5 years.

With a GVC you will be able to apply to the CAA for an Operational Authorisation (OA) and renew it annually.

We have in the region of 20 (always expanding) assessment centres across the country. Ask at admin@3ic.co.uk for the closest assessor to you or call on 01980 881438 to discuss.

There is an indication of sites on our Home page.

The GVC training course has been developed to significantly reduce the time taken to fully complete the training requirements.

Course Length

Phase 1 Online training 9 – 12 hours (Estimated)
Phase 2 Practical Flight Assessment – 1 Hour
(Online submission to CAA) Admin – 1 Hour

The time taken to complete the Phase 1 Online Training depends on how long you take to complete the eight modules. In our experience, the average time to complete Phase 1 is approximately 12-15 hours, but a person with relevant experience may be able to complete the training in less time.

Our mantra is ” Train at your Pace in Your Place”– we aim to get students through the process as quickly and as smoothly as possible. Please call us if you urgently require your GVC. Once you have your award, you can to use it to apply to the CAA for your Operational Authorisation. With our assistance we will soon get you operating commercially!

Drop us a line admin@3ic.co.uk or by phone 01980 881438.

Our staff will support you with your Operations Manual requirements. Our provided templates are comprehensive and will become a working tool for you to use every time you operate your drone. We will help you all the way to produce a relevant and robust Operations Manual.

To discuss anything further email us admin@3ic.co.uk or call us on 01980 881438.

An Operational Authorisation is your ‘Drone Licence’ (the CAA doesn’t use this term) for operating within the Specific Category of legislation. It sets out the requirements and limitations for your operations.You apply to the CAA for the authorisation once you have completed your 3iC GVC course.

After you have completed the 3iC GVC course, you should  apply online to the CAA at https://apply.caa.co.uk/CAAPortal/servlet/SmartForm.html?formCode=UAS

The above link has been known to occasionally change. Should this be the case, go to www.caa.co.uk and search for “Applications for unmanned aircraft operational authorisations’.

You will require:

• 3iC GVC Certificate
• Operations Manual
• Copy of your insurance certificate/declaration
• GVC fee at the current rate

If you want to change or add a different class i.e. a fixed wing or hybrid, you don’t have to redo the 3iC GVC Course as this is the same for all classes. However a further Practical Flight Assessment will be required, along with the production of an updated Operations Manual.

Our staff will assist you with all matters relating to this issue. Please contact us at admin@3ic.co.uk

The CAA targets five working days to turn your application round.

After you have completed the 3iC GVC course, you should  apply online to the CAA at https://apply.caa.co.uk/CAAPortal/servlet/SmartForm.html?formCode=UAS

The above link has been known to occasionally change. Should this be the case, go to www.caa.co.uk and search for “Applications for unmanned aircraft operational authorisations’.

You will require:

• Your 3iC Recommendation for the award of the GVC
• Operations Manual for your SUA
• Copy of your insurance certificate
• GVC fee of the current rate

If you want to change or add a different class (ie fixed wing or a heavier drone (0-20Kgs) of aircraft to your GVC, you don’t have to redo the 3iC GVC Course as this is the same for all classes. However a further Practical Flight Assessment would be required, along with the production of an updated Operations Manual.

Our staff will assist you with all matters relating to this issue. Please contact us at admin@3ic.co.uk

As long as there is only a single flight assessment requirement, we charge per student taking the course. Contact us at admin@3ic.co.uk or on 01980 881438 to discuss.

Your Operations Manual will need to reflect the aircraft you will operate commercially. If you operate a fixed wing or Hybrid, you will need to take an additional flight assessment for that Class of drone. This is at additional cost.

No, not to complete the course but there would be an additional fee applicable for the second aircraft Class assessment. Contact us at admin@3ic.co.uk or on 01980 881438 to discuss.

Yes, you will be charged an additional assessment fee which will cover both multi-rotor and fixed wing assessment. For more detail, contact admin@3ic.co.uk

Absolutely, a main element of our course is Online training, so if you can access and use a computer, you can take our courses.

Please talk with one of our team and we will do our very best to make it happen for you. Drop us a line admin@3ic.co.uk or call us on 01980 881438. We would sincerely love to assist you to reach your goal!

We certainly do. If you have a team of students wishing to obtain a commercial drone qualification, we can come to your premises and hold onsite training.

The bespoke training we offer is not limited to drone flying.  We can help you in many ways to have a better understanding of all aspects of the unmanned industry such as Surveying, Inspections, Photography and Videography.

Please contact admin@3ic.co.uk so we can discuss your requirements on 01980 881438.