Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to ensure a defined transition for commercial drone operators and training providers ahead of the withdrawal of the General Visual Line of Sight Certificate.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) introduced a phased transition from the General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) to the Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) framework. To support operators and training providers, GVC training will remain available until 31 December 2027 and existing GVCs will continue to be recognised until the end of 2032. Existing operators can continue using GVC-based Operational Authorisations, while training providers can deliver both GVC and RPC qualifications, supported by CAA guidance and conversion arrangements.