Become a Drone Pilot in 5 – Days with TMSTS.
There is no such thing as a “drone license” in the UK. What we have is a tiered system of qualifications based on the amount of risk posed by us flying our drones.
We have the Open and Specific Categories available to us as drone operators and the qualifications we can gain will allow us to fly drones up to 25Kg in these categories, with some rules on safety built in.
The Open Category is broken down into 3 subcategories, A1, A2 and A3. Before you start training you will need to get a Flyer and Operator ID from the CAA (here). The Flyer ID will allow to fly in the A1 & A3 subcategories with no further qualification. All you need to do is read the user manual of your aircraft. You will be limited to flying very light, sub 250g drones, in the A1 subcategory, but you can fly in built up areas. The A3 subcategory allows you to fly anything up to 25Kg, but you must be 150m or more away from built up areas and more than 50m from uninvolved people.
You will need a qualification to fly in the A2 subcategory. This is the A2 Certificate of Competence (A2 CofC). In the A2 subcategory you can fly aircraft from 250g up to 2Kg, but you must maintain a 50m horizontal separation from uninvolved people. Effectively a 50m radiused cylinder of air around your aircraft that nobody should be in, unless they’re with you for the purpose of the flight.
To get your A2 you need to complete some training with a Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE), pass an exam and declare that you have completed some practical flight training. That can be with an RAE or on your own.
To fly in the Specific Category, you require an Operational Authorisation (OA) from the CAA.
Once you have completed your GVC course your RAE will award you a certificate, which is proof of your competency. You can then apply to the CAA for your OA. This comes with an additional cost which isn’t covered in the course fees.
TMSTS has designed a 5-day course that will take you from a complete novice to a professional operator in just one week, and you will receive both your A2 CofC and GVC at the end of it. You will also achieve a Level 4 Diploma in the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft; a real bonus when it comes to applying for careers in the industry.
Ground school
You will have access to a comprehensive e-learning system that you will work through prior to attending the theory ‘ground school’. This e-learning will take around 15-20 hours to complete and there are repeatable modular tests to help you gauge your progress.
The ground school itself takes place via Microsoft Teams over the first two days of the course. This allows you to study in the comfort of your own home and keep the accommodation costs down.
We’ll cover all theory aspects of the syllabus during these two days. We’ll cover subjects like Air Law, Airspace and Flight Planning, along with a host of other specialist aviation subjects.
You will take a combined multiple-choice exam on day 5 that encompasses the learning for both qualifications. This will be taken through the e-learning system, so remember to bring your laptop.
There is also a need to complete an Operations Manual (OM). This is a requirement for your OA as well as evidence for your diploma. The OM basically tells the CAA how you intend to do business. They have, quite helpfully, issued a template that covers everything you need to be aware of. All you need to do is put in details about you and your organisation, if you have one, and details of your aircraft. If you don’t plan to be self-employed you do not need an OA, but you will need the OM for your diploma. If you don’t own a drone, we will supply you details of one.
Once completed your OM will be reviewed by our RAE and guaranteed to pass any subsequent CAA audit.
Pilot Training
Once the ground school is complete, we move to the flying area in Stafford to complete 2 days of pilot training.
TMSTS has its own fleet of drones, so there’s no need to own or bring one with you. If you do wish to bring your drone, please do. Please remember that TMSTS does not cover you flying your own aircraft on the course, so please ensure your drone is properly insured before flying.
During the pilot training phase, you will receive instruction from out highly experienced instructors. All our instructors are Veterans who are current commercial operators with many years of experience in all aspects of the industry. They are there to facilitate your training, so take full advantage of their knowledge while you’re on the course.
The first day of pilot training covers the basics of piloting a drone. This is all in preparation for your flight assessment. Your assessment will likely be on the first day of pilot training, but if you need more time that’s no problem at all.
Day two of the pilot training sees us move into more advance aspects of flying these aircraft. We will look at cameras and how they work, so you can get the best out of them in the field. We will cover some manoeuvres that will help you when shooting videos and then move on to how to conduct a roof survey and basic inspection techniques.
With our state-of-the-art fleet we also have the facility to show you how to plan and conduct grid missions for surveying and 3D modelling. There’s always time to discuss what to do with the data once you have captured it as well, something you won’t get from an online tutorial.
Depending on time and weather we will also look at indoor flying, an introduction to First Person View (FPV) flying, non-GNSS flying and possibly night flying too. You will also have access to a drone simulator to practice your FPV flying on.
Flight Assessment
The flight assessment is a 90-minute check that takes you through the full process of a drone operation. Using the flight plan you will have completed during ground school and your Operations Manual checklists, you will brief and carry out a commercial task with your assessor. You will be required to show safe and steady flying during the tasks and react to any emergency situations that may present themselves. The primary focus of the check is safety. You will have ample time to practice all the moves prior to taking the assessment.
And that’s it. Once you have passed your exam and flight assessment you can then apply for your OA through the CAA portal. The authorisations normally come back within 24 hours, so within the space of a week you could be up and running as a fully-fledged, competent, safe, and confident commercial drone operator.
Please get in touch via the website to talk with one of our team if you have any questions.
We look forward to meeting you all soon.
TMSTS Ltd – 5 Day Drone Course
Designed for clients with little or no experience flying and operating drones
Approximately 20 hours of pre-learning through our bespoke learning portal
Day 1 - 2 Theory
Instructor led virtual training conducted via Microsoft Teams.
Includes flight planning and operations manual workshops
Day 3 - 4 Practical pilot training
Learn the basics of operating a drone, ready to take your FST
Continue to learn and develop your piloting skills with practical training in photography, videography, non-GNSS flying, indoor flying, FPV flying, and waypoint & grid-based survey missions.
Day 5 – Theory exam
To complete your week of training you will sit a 2 hour, 60 question, multiple choice exam at a local venue,It will test your knowledge from the theory sessions and what you have learned throughout the full 5 days.
Your fully completed operations manual will be endorsed by our RAE and is ready for submission to the CAA to gain your Full GVC.
Experience a wide range of drone platforms
The 5 day, zero-to-hero course is ideal for those clients wanting to get into the drone industry.
We take you from a complete novice and expose you to all the disciplines of flying in the industry.
We use a selection of state-of-the-art aircraft for use during training.
You will learn, not only how to fly them, but also how to operate them as a tool in your business.
You will also get something no other course will give you: Access to industry professionals and the ability to learn from their experiences.
Coupled with the ProQual Level 4 Diploma, you can be confident in your abilities to operate and start your own business, or as a suitably qualified pilot for another company.
Giving you a better understanding of the equipment available without having to purchase a drone just for training during our course, this will put you in a good possition to chose which drone platform is better for your needs.
TMST 5 day Level 4 Diploma drone course.
20 hours pre-course learning via our online learning.
Free drone hire and insurance.
Practical flight training - Day and Night.
2 days classroom theory, including exam.
Flight test.
Real task scenario training.
Operations manual assistance enabling you to submit your Ops manual application by the end of the course.
Total cost £2065.83 (EXC VAT).
Enhance your career prospects and maximise your ELCAS funding:
Lower tier: ELCAS provide £1000 of funding
Higher tier: ELCAS provide £2000 of funding
You must contribute a minimum of 20%
TMSTS Unmanned Aircraft Qualification (UAQ) drone course will be made up of people with a varied mix of experience and the informal nature of the course encourages discussion and questioning.
TMSTS 5 day – ‘Zero to Hero’ course is set over five days and covers all the necessary theory and practical elements for your Level 4 Diploma. On completion of our course candidates who wish to apply for their Permission for Commercial Operations (GVC) will be awarded by our approved National Qualified Entity (NQE) the recommendation needed to obtain permission from the CAA.
Once you complete your pre-course learning, you will join us for two days of flight training (which includes - hands-on drone experience with TMST's selection of state of the art drones.
This is bespoke drone training designed for complete novices to advanced flyers.
The classroom element of the course includes a significant amount of important content and culminates in the multi-choice theory exam and separate flight planning exercise.
The Flight Assessment takes place at our local flying venue.
Course includes
Note: CAA fees for a GVC are not included in the course fee.
** Full category NQE recommendations will be issued following the final review of your completed Operations Manual by our NQE.
Course Overview
The TMST: ‘Zero to Hero’ Unmanned Aircraft Qualification (UAQ) drone course will be made up of people with a varied mix of experience and the informal nature of the course encourages discussion and questioning.
The course is set over five days and covers all the necessary theory and practical elements for your Level 4 Diploma and the award of your GVC and A2 CofC. Once the certificates are awarded by our approved Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE), Consortiq, candidates are then able to apply to the CAA for their Operational Authorisation.
The application has an extra fee attached that is controlled by the CAA. This is outside the scope of the course we provide.
Once you complete your pre-course learning you will join us for two days of theory training and a further two days flight training. Flight training includes as many hours of hands-on drone experience as possible. All with TMST's selection of state-of-the-art drones.
This is bespoke drone training designed for complete novices to advanced flyers.
The classroom element of the course includes a significant amount of important content and culminates in the multi-choice theory exam and separate flight planning exercise.
The Flight Assessment takes place at our local flying venue.
Course includes
Award of GVC and A2 CofC certificates, ready for application to the CAA
Note: CAA fees for a GVC are not included in the course fee.
Real Task Scenario Experience
Course Details
Our learning system is accessible for 12 months from first sign on, so you can revise any and all topics regularly, and stay on top of any changes in the regulations.
The ground school phase builds on your understanding of the material in an instructor-led environment. This allows you access to years of industry experience instead of watching tutorial videos.
Our instructor are all current and experienced commercial operators with years of experience in the industry.
This phase encourages discussion and asking questions to further your own knowledge of the subjects.
The subjects that are covered will be related to practical, real-world examples from the instructor’s professional career.
All the theory leads up to the practical application of the learning during the 2 days of pilot training.
Ground School Subjects
Pilot training with TMSTS drones
We will provide you with everything you need to learn to fly drones.
We have a fleet of DJI and Autel aircraft, allowing you to realise the pros and cons of each manufacturer and get a good insight into what aircraft to buy for your business.
If you own your own drone, please feel free to bring it with you.
Flight Skills Test
You will take a 90-minute Flight Skills Test (FST) at the end of the first day of practical training. You will carry out a formal brief and discuss your flight plan and risk assessment. You will then use the procedures and checklists supplied in your Operations Manual to safely configure the aircraft for flight. You will carry out a series of prescribed manoeuvres to demonstrate your control of the aircraft, culminating in a practical example of the emergency failsafe.
FST Content
Although there is far more to the FST than just flying the drone itself, we believe in de-mystifying what is involved so you, as a candidate, know what to expect on the day.
You will receive a brief on the FST during the theory phase, and again during the practical phase. You will also practice each manoeuvre prior to the test, so you can be confident on your ability to pass first time.
You need to be 18 years old, or older, and have access to a drone. If you don’t have access to one, we will supply one. If you have your own drone, please bring it with you. You can use it on the FST if you prefer, but we will require proof of insurance if that is the case.
New Drone Regulations for 2020
The European Regulations that came into force in 2020 have now been assimilated into UK law.
As such, the old Permission for Commercial Operations (PfCO) is no more.
We now have two operating categories for unmanned aircraft in the UK, and no differentiation between commercial and non-commercial flying.
The first category is the Open category, which is further sub-divided into the A1, A2 and A3 sub categories.
Regardless of operating category, all pilots must pass the CAA Drone and Model Aircraft Registration and Education System test. Once passed you will receive a Flyer ID, which must be displayed on your aircraft at all times.
To fly in the Open Category, you need to be able to satisfy a set of basic, pre-defined rules. If you can do that, no further authorisation is required.
The rules are:
***Please also be aware of the UK Military Low Flying System, which allows military aircraft to fly as low as 250’ and even 100’ in some areas.***
If you can satisfy those requirements, it comes down to the take-off weight of your drone.
The A1 subcategory allows you to fly ‘over’ uninvolved people if your aircraft weighs less than 250g. It is important to note that flying over people is to be discouraged and you should never plan to fly over uninvolved people. If it happens you must keep their exposure to any risk to an absolute minimum.
The A2 subcategory allows you to fly ‘close to’ uninvolved people. This separation is a minimum 50m horizontal distance from them. Think of it as a 50m column of air that surrounds your aircraft. The maximum take-off weight of an aircraft in the A2 subcategory is 2Kg.
To operate in this category, regardless of whether it’s commercial or not, requires an A2 Certificate of Competence (A2 CofC) qualification.
The A2 CofC is roughly half a day of training, a 30-question exam, but no flight assessment. Our RAE expects a minimum of 2 provable hours of pilot training in order to award the A2 CofC. You will self-declare that you have flown the required amount.
The A3 subcategory allows you to fly any aircraft up to 25Kg as long as you remain more than 150m from any areas of recreational, commercial, industrial or residential use. And that there are no uninvolved people in the area.
If you are convinced you can safely and legally fly in the Open category, there is no need for further authorisation or risk assessment. You should always do a check of the airspace using something like Drone Safety Map, which is a drone specific airspace study website, but there are no qualifications needed, apart from the A2 CofC. Drone Safety Map has a sister app called Drone Assist, which is a free download.
If you cannot satisfy the requirement of the Open Category, you automatically step up into the Specific Category. To operate in this category, you require an Operational Authorisation from the CAA.
In order to get the authorisation, you must first gain your General Visual Line-of-Sight Certificate (GVC) from a Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE).
The GVC is 2 days of theory ground school, followed by a theory exam, a flight assessment, writing an Operations Manual, and an application to the CAA for the authorisation.
Those pilots still in possession of a PfCO can convert to the new system by either proving their flying experience and being a current operator, or by completing a conversion course.
You may also come across articles mentioning ‘C’ class aircraft. This is not applicable to the UK.
When we transferred to the new regulations, the idea was the whole of Europe would be under the same rules. We could, therefore, operate anywhere on the continent with the one qualification. We would also be able to take advantage of the ‘C’ classes of aircraft. The ‘C’ class aircraft have passed a European safety assessment and been awarded a CE mark.
Unfortunately, because of Brexit, we are no longer allowed to use our qualifications on the continent. Nor can we take advantage of the ‘C’ class aircraft and their dispensations to the rules.
So, in summary, for those of that have read this far, there is a scenario where you can legally purchase and operate a drone, and charge money, with no qualifications at all.
If you have a Flyer ID and a sub 250g drone, and you abide by the pre-defined rules, you can fly in the Open A1 category. You only need to do your due diligence of an airspace study and stay away from other air users and sensitive areas. And don’t fly over people if you don’t need to.
Requirement:
From 1st July 2020 new EU regulations governing the use of drones will come into force in the UK and across Europe.
If you currently fly a drone, whether you fly just for fun or you fly for commercial gain, these new regulations will make a difference to you.
This article sets out to help you understand what your options are, where the opportunities may be and what you will have to do to fly legally after 1st July 2020.
The new regulations coming into force on 1st July 2020 are substantially different from the regulations we work with now. The key changes these regulations require are:
There will be no distinction between commercial and recreational flying.
The training organisations current known as National Qualified Entities or NQEs will have to ‘transition’ to be Recognised Assessment Entities or RAEs.
There will be three categories of operation, Open, Specific and Certified.
There will be three standard levels of training and assessment – which one you will need will be determined by the nature of your intended flying and the drone you will use.
The levels will be:
1 The A2 Certificate of Competence (A2 CofC) is required to fly in the Open Category A2 (near people). This requires you to complete an online course and pass a 30 question exam. There is no practical flight assessment for the A2 CofC but you will need to self-declare that you have completed training flights. These courses will be available from RAEs.
2 The General VLOS Certificate (GVC) is required for you to fly in the Specific Category. This requires for you to take a course much like the current PfCO courses. Theory, Operations Manual and Flight Assessment.
Current PfCO Holders
If you already hold a current CAA Permission for Commercial Operations (either Standard Permissions or OSC/Non-Standard Permissions) it will continue to be valid for as long as you renew it. You will be able to renew indefinitely and will retain all the privileges of your PfCO indefinitely. Should you let your PfCO lapse you will lose these privileges and will then need to fly within the new regulatory framework. The first time you renew after July 2020 your PfCO will be changed to an Operational Authorisation, but the terms in it will remain as they are
If you need to fly a drone with a Maximum Take-Off Mass over 2kg and to operate in or near congested areas or where there are likely to be any members of the public (uninvolved people) the only way you will be able to continue to operate it from July 2020 is by retaining your PfCO.
You may, however, choose to switch to the Open Category A2 and purchase a C2 drone (up to 4kg) when they become available. You will then be able to fly as close as 30m to uninvolved people in normal flight or 5m in a switchable ‘slow flight mode’. These distances are lateral, i.e. a cylinder; the bubble rule will no longer apply. To fly in Open Category A2 you will need to take the A2 Certificate of Competence (A2 CofC) exam, but you will not need an Operations Manual or to apply to the CAA for an Operational Authorisation. As soon as you have been issued with your A2 CofC you will be able to fly. You will then let your PfCO lapse.
For many PfCO holders it will not be possible to operate in the A2 Sub-Category, particularly as there are no C2 drones yet available. If you need to fly a drone over 2kg, fly within 30m of uninvolved people during take-off and landing, use the bubble rule to be able to transit over roads or property etc. etc. then you will no be able to fly in the A2 Sub-Category. You have the option either to renew your PfCO to retain those permissions or you will need to apply for an Operational Authorisation in the Specific Category which will require for you to complete the General VLOS Certificate (GVC) training, including the flight assessment, and have Operations Manual. This is very similar to the current PfCO course and application process.
As it stands, there will be no exemptions from the requirements for gaining a GVC for remote pilot who have already completed a PfCO course with a NQE.
Holding a PfCO is the only way you can legally operate a drone for commercial gain between now and 1st July 2020.
Our advice is to complete your course and apply for a GVC. You then have all the options open to you as set out above for PfCO holders.
Drone Courses 2026
02-06 March (Mon-Fri)
11-15 May (Mon-Fri)
01-05 June (Mon-Fri)
06-10 July (Mon-Fri)
03-07 August (Mon-Fri)
07-11 September (Mon-Fri)
If these dates are not suitable other course dates can be added
For more information on our GVC A2 CofC course and becoming a licenced commercial drone pilot - don't hesitate to contact one of the TMST team.
I just completed the 5 day Level 4 Diploma Drone Course run by McAdams Security Training Solutions.
The expertise and knowledge of the instructors was fantastic and gave me the skills and insight to confidently progress as a drone operator in the future. Thanks again to the team for a great week.
I highly recommend McAdams Security Training Solutions.
Very professional and quality products and training.
A must for all sectors requiring the best out in the Security sector.
Just completed the level 4 drone diploma course at TMST solutions. Can’t speak highly enough about the professionalism and knowledge shown by Tom, Richard and the team! Looking forward to moving ahead with everything they taught and gaining my ops manual before growing my SUA career! Would also recommend the bolt on 2 day flight training, having professionals show me how to conduct precision flight manoeuvres has been invaluable! Thanks again and look forward to getting my name down for any other SUA courses you develop! Vinny.
Our instructors are all qualified in their specialised field; they have a wealth of knowledge gained through working in hostile and challenging environments within the military, law enforcement and the private security industry.
T McAdams Security Training Solutions provide commissioned packages to our clients to meet all of their objectives. We do this by using the tried and tested ‘Systems Approach to Training’ (SAT), combined with project management methodology which ensures that courses are delivered on time, to the agreed standard and within budget.