Drone Pilot Training Academy

Paving the path for a new generation of professional drone pilots in Northern Ireland

VIEW COURSES
The Drone Code VIEW COURSES


Drone Pilot Training Academy,

Support Your Local Business, Save Time & Money,

we are

based in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

#StudyinNorthernIreland

***All products, all brands. Gift Cards available to buy***

A2 CofC

The A2 CofC course is a fairly short course with an emphasis on the operation. The modules cover the CAA specified syllabus and end with an online examination. You will need to make a declaration to us that you have completed a period of practical flight training either self-monitored or under the guidance of 3iC.

GVC

The GVC course will take you a few days to work through but as it is online you can fit this into your work schedule or do it at home. You will take an online theory examination and submit an Operations Manual based on our excellent Template. You will finally arrange with us a suitable date to attend a bespoke Practical Flight Assessment at one of our Drone Pilot Training site near Belfast.

A2 CofC GVC
Can I conduct Commercial work? Yes Yes
What aircraft can I fly? •A1 Transitional (see CAP1789) • A2 transitional • C2 (when the applicable UAS arrive) • Any UAS up to 25Kgs
What are the advantages? • Fly close to people • New aircraft are anticipated to fit into category • No flight assessment req’d • No Operations Manual req’d • Bolt on modules coming • Use of drones up to 25Kgs • Multiple pilots allowed on Operations Manual
What are the disadvantages • C2 standard aircraft not yet released by manufacturers • Bolt on operations modules coming (BVLoS etc)
What is the validity of the certificate? • 5 years • 5 years
What fees are payable? • Drone Pilot Training Academy Course training fee • Nil to CAA • Drone Pilot Training Academy Course training fee • CAA - £500 initial and £193 renewal for Operational Authorisation
What qualifications do I get? • 1 x A2 CofC certificate • 1 x GVC Certificate
What training is required? • Online Theory course • Online Theory Exam • Guided Practical Flight Training Included • Online Theory course • Online Theory Exam • Operations Manual Req’d • Practical Flight Assessment

Open Category

Open Category

A mission is Open Category if it is low-risk and meets all of the following conditions:

Core requirements

• MTOM under 25 kg

• VLOS (you or a UA observer must maintain visual line of sight)

• No dangerous goods

• No dropping of articles

• No overflight of assemblies of people

• Stays within subcategory limits (A1, A2, A3) Subcategory highlights If your mission fits entirely within one of these subcategories, it is Open Category.

Specific Category

Specific Category

A mission falls into the Specific Category when any part of the operation exceeds Open Category limits. Common triggers for Specific Category

• Flying in congested areas with a drone over 4 kg (or any drone without the correct class marking)

• Flying BVLOS (unless using a recognised low-risk model like EVLOS under a PDRA)

• Flying over uninvolved people with a drone not permitted to do so in Open Category

• Operating heavier drones (over 25 kg)

• Operating in restricted airspace without appropriate permissions

• Carrying dangerous goods or dropping items

• Complex operations such as:

• Infrastructure inspection in congested areas with larger drones

• Night operations that exceed Open Category limits

• Multi-drone operations

• Urban operations requiring reduced separation distances

How you operate in the Specific Category You need one of the following:

 • An Operational Authorisation based on a PDRA (e.g., PDRA01 for GVC holders)

• A Pre-Defined Risk Assessment (if your mission fits one)

• A full SORA (for bespoke or higher-risk operations) The simple rule of thumb If your mission is:

• Low-risk

• VLOS

• Within subcategory limits

• Using a class-marked or legacy drone within weight limits → It’s Open Category. If your mission:

• Breaks any Open Category rule, or

• Requires reduced separation distances, or

• Involves BVLOS, congested areas, or higher-risk environments

 → It’s Specific Category.

At Northern Ireland's Number 1 Drone Pilot Training Academy we find the very best drone course to suit you as an individual or business and your budget.

New Service Available Now

Virtual Drone Pilot Training via Video Link

£39.99 Per Hour per student

Virtual Drone Pilot Training via video link.

Connect with Robert Dobbin Northern Ireland's Number 1 Professional Drone Pilot Instructor to chat about your drone options, consultancy service.

What is included:

Helpful tips and advice on what drone to purchase for your budget, 

where you can fly / cannot fly, 

drone laws, 

based around your particular requirements.

Questions & Answers



Buy Here! Click Here to check the Availability and Dates Available for your Virtual Drone Pilot Training

Special Offer

Basic A2 CofC

Drone Pilot Training Course

£140

per student

Full A2 CofC CAA approved

drone pilot training course:

- Online Theory course

- Online Theory examination

- Take exam via Zoom

- Does not include 2 hours Practical Drone  Flight Training with Drone Pilot Instructor.



Buy Here!

Professional A2 CofC

Drone Pilot Training Course

£389

per student

 

Full A2 CofC CAA approved drone

 

pilot training course:

 

- Online Theory course

 

- Online Theory examination

 

Take exam at Drone Pilot Training Academy

 

- 2 hours Practical Drone Flight Training Included with a qualified Drone Pilot Instructor

 

and Practical Flight Assessor.

 


 


 

Buy Here!

GVC Commercial Drone Pilot Training Course

£595

per student


 Commercial Drone Pilot Training

 Online Theory Course

Theoretical & Practical Examination


Buy Here!

GVC Professional Drone Pilot Training Course Including Beginner Drone Pilot Training

£749

per student

GVC  Commercial Drone Pilot Training

Online Theory Course:

 Theoretical & Practical Examination

Free Drone Code Download
Including: 1 Advanced Practical Drone Lesson,

1 Hour on DJI Flight Simulator

Buy Here!

A re-test fee of £39   is chargeable if you have to resit your exam, and and admin fee of £140 to reactivate your 3iC account after 6 months. 

Please read our Terms & Conditions for more details.

*applies to ALL Drone courses

Our A2 CofC and GVC can be taken via

Zoom, please ask for details. 

All our Drone Courses are self paced.

GVC & A2 CofC Combo

Drone Pilot Training Course

£844

per student

Full GVC & A2 CofC CAA approved drone course

- Online Theory course

- Online Theory examination

- Certified Practical Flight Training Included 

Buy Here!

GVC Fixed Wing Professional Drone Pilot Training Course

£899

per student

GVC Fixed Wing Drone Pilot Training Course

Including:

1 Advanced Practical Drone Lesson 

1 Hour on DJI Flight Simulator

1 CAA ID Card

Buy Here!

GVC Public Sector Drone Pilot Training Course Designed for Police, Fire Service, Search & Rescue and Government Agencies, ie Councils etc...

£899

per student

Including:

A 2 hour Demo with a Fantastic DJI Mavic Enterprise Dual Drone

1 Advanced Practical Drone Lesson 

1 Hour on DJI Flight Simulator

1 CAA ID Card


Buy Here!

Drone Pilot Training Course

The course comes in two phases - the online theory course and the theoretical and practical examination. 

Now Includes Additional GVC Module, Operations manual support, and CAA PfCO application support.

Please read the information from 1-5 below carefully and 

click the headings to move to the next section.

Drone Pilot Training Course

Log into your GVC online training course,  you can study at your own pace.  Once payment is made, it can take up to 24 hours to get your log in details for your GVC online training course. 


You will then receive a welcome pack download. Our comprehensive introduction module will guide you through the process of accessing the course and how to get the best from it. Our students love the course content and this style of learning.  I (Robert) will be allocated as your personal Tutor at this point.

 

On average it takes our students around 10-20 study hours to complete this phase. But there is no rush!  You are fully in control and can decide how intensely you want to study. Train at your own pace in your own place!

GVC, Learn in Modules

GVC Modules

Air Law / Responsibilities

Aircraft Knowledge

Meteorology

Flight Safety

Airmanship, Safety & 

Operating Procedures

Navigation / Charts

Human Factors UAS Airspace Operating Principles

GVC Module


Online Theory


We don’t give you piles of reference material to plod through, or expect you to take days off from your work. Using interactive voice-over audio & video presentations, this phase of the training course is delivered Online by a highly experienced instructor. To assist you with any note taking, the presentation material is also available for download.

 

A short test is set at the end of each GVC module which assesses your competency to progress to the next module. You may pause or stop a GVC module at any time and resume at the same place at a later date. You can also revisit completed modules. I will personally tutor you and monitor your progress if required, I am available via email or phone to assist you.  

Please Note: You have 6 months to complete the online GVC training module, after 3 months the online module will deactavate, and you will have to pay a actavation fee of £170.

Operations Manual Theory Exam and Practical Assessment

The venue for the multi-choice exam is at a purpose built drone training centre in Carryduff near Belfast. 

 

The theory exam is normally set on the day, just before the flight assessment at my private location in Carryduff, and cuts down the amount of travel time for you, and on average we can you save approximately between £500 - £700 on expenses travelling to the mainland UK.  


Once you have completed both the Theory course and the Operations Manual, I will arrange your practical flight assessment which is normally bookable within a few days. 

For your convenience, I offer both weekday and weekend assessment slots.  

Candidates have 6 months from the date of course purchase to successfully complete the online part of the course. Where this does not happen, a further administrative charge may apply of £170.

GVC Application Assistance

You will advised on the requirements and we check through your application paperwork before you send it to the CAA.

The Practical Flight Assessment is primarily safety focused and test a students flying skill and safe operational ability. This is set against the students company Operation Manual. I will provide you with close support leading up to the assessment, and we provide guidance documents so nothing will come as a surprise to you. I will be looking for competent safe flying - not amazing hand flying skills and will quickly put you at ease, to ensure that you perform to your maximum capability. 

 

Should you happen to fail the assessment, I will debrief you and offer you a further opportunity to resit the exam the same day. There is no resit charge.


Please note: Application to the CAA & Drone Insurance are not included in any of the drone cources on this website.

Autonomous Flying Drone Master Class

Set up a autonomous flight from a desktop

Sync to flight to your mobile phone

Learn how to set waypoints

Fly an actual flight autonomously​

Camera settings and more


Onsite location: Belfast. Available by appointment only. Subject to weather conditions. Fully Insured PfCO Drone Pilot Training Academy.

£349

per student

BUY NOW

Drone Data Management System Master Class

Features: Flight Analysis, Drone Maintenance, Alerting, Share your flights.


In order to understand the health of your drone and ensure safe flights, advanced analysis of a wide variety of data is required.


Onsite location: Belfast. Available by appointment only. All classes must be pre-booked & prepaid.

£349

per student

BUY NOW

Drone Insurance

Coverdrone Logo

Drone Pilot Training Academy is delighted to announce we have partnered with CoverDrone.

We work with you to come up with the very best solutions for your drone insurance challenges!


Specialist drone insurance for commercial and recreational drone operators.


Coverdrone offer bespoke drone insurance for both commercial and recreational operators, and is currently available to drone pilots in the UK, EU, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.  Coverdrone is fully compliant with EU regulation EC785/2004 and is the largest insurer of commercial drones on the market.  CoverDrone's flexible policies are designed to meet different needs; therefore, drone pilots are able to select each cover as required to suit them individually, for any period between one day and one year.


Get a free quote

We only base our quotes on what you need to insure. No rigid categories, or caveats. We just make sure that you are covered for all eventualities relevant to your flying operations. Our policy has flexible time periods, from one day to one year and everything in between. No overpaying, or underinsuring.    


Office at Coverdrone.com  +44 01270 448 998


Get a free Quote here

No sales scripts. Just helpful advice


You need to make a claim; no problem. You want those technical policy details explained in plain English; we’ll jump at the opportunity. Whatever your requirement we always aim to deliver a 5-star service. Consistency is key when we help our clients. So, you always speak to the same person when you need to check your account. No lengthy sales scripts. Just helpful advice.


Click here to watch the video
Moonrock Drone insurance Logo

Drone Pilot Training Academy is delighted to announce we have partnered with Moonrock

We work with you to come up with the very best solutions for your drone insurance challenges!


Specialist drone insurance for commercial and recreational drone operators.

Moonrock offers Business Continuity 24/7 insurance for 12 months Worldwide inc USA and Canada All Moonrock policies comply with Regulation (EC) 785/2004 as required by the CAA.

Get a free quote

Moonrock  Values always aim to:

Take pride in everything they do

Act with integrity and honesty

Deliver value for money

Treat you with respect at all times

Be role models within our industry

Provide high quality, professional and expert service


All cover includes:

Breach of Data Protection Act 

Multi pilot cover available per policy

Flights over higher risk premises 

Fully flexible policies 

Hired In Theft 

Practice Flights

Cyber Attack

Storm and flood

Invasion of Privacy 

Business Continuity24/7 insurance for 12 monthsWorldwide inc USA and Canada 

All Moonrock policies comply with Regulation (EC) 785/2004 as required by the CAA

Personally owned and hired-in equipment (gimbals, tablets and chargers)

Night flights

info@moonrockinsurance.com +44(0) 2039 150 555

Get a free Quote here

Basic Drone Insurance from £23 per month

1 Milllion Pound Libailty Cover

1,000 Material Damage


Policy includes

Breach of Data Protection Act 

Multi pilot cover available per policy

Flights over higher risk premises 

Fully flexible policies 

Hired In Theft 

Practice Flights

Cyber Attack

Storm and flood

Invasion of Privacy 

Business Continuity24/7 insurance for 12 monthsWorldwide inc USA and Canada 

All Moonrock policies comply with Regulation (EC) 785/2004 as required by the CAA

Personally owned and hired-in equipment (gimbals, tablets and chargers)

Night flights

info@moonrockinsurance.com +44(0) 2039 150 555


Drone Pilot Training Lessons Designed To Meet Your Individual Requirements.

You can meet me at my private location and build confidence with up to two hours of hands-on flying, including orientation and basic manoeuvres. 

You will also learn what to do if you lose GPS, run low on battery charge or experience an emergency. 

More advanced lessons include flying the drone code, safety, various intelligent flight modes, understanding best practice, asking questions and regulations, software, flight management and more. 

All drones and equipment are stored at a secure off site location.

You will need to bring your own drone to the course or you can use my demo DJI Mavic Pro 2 however, you must have your own drone insurance.

Please note: The CAA application fee is not included in this course - additional cost of £500.

Drone Operator ID

You must pass the drone test and 

register with the CAA before you can fly your drone if it is over 100 grams.