Diploma in the Remote Piloting of Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Commercial Operations (UAQ)

The level 3 part of the course is intended for people who want to act as a remote pilot by being added to an existing Operations Manual. Maybe you wish to apply for jobs with a company or organisation already flying drones or perhaps you’re looking to upskill within your organisation by joining its existing drone team. You will receive a ProQual certificate for your theory exam and flight assessment.

The remaining part of the course is intended for people who want to start their own drone business, operation or who will be responsible for starting the drone capability within an existing organisation. The development of an Operations Manual is an essential component, and is required when applying to the CAA for a Permission for Commercial Operation (PfCO). On successful completion of each module, the course will include a full category NQE recommendation enabling you to apply for your PfCO.

Day 1 – Classroom-based learning

Day 2 – Classroom-based learning + theory exam + flight planning exam

Day 3 – Flight Assessment at a local flying venue (level 3)

Days 4 and 5 – Operations Manual development (leading to level 4)

Our UAQ course will require some study prior to arrival dependent on your previous aviation experience. Someone with little or no experience is recommended to spend a minimum of 20 hours studying before they arrive. The 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 classroom element of the course includes a significant amount of important content. Days 1 and 2 start promptly at 0830 and generally finish no earlier than 1800, with a 45 min break for lunch and 15 min breaks in the morning and afternoon.

The Flight Assessment takes place on day 3 at an agreed local flying venue. You will be given the address in advance and the start time of your 90-min slot. Flight Assessments are subject to weather, and a decision will be made at the end of day 2. In the event of a cancelled Flight Assessment, an alternative date will be offered.

Days 4 and 5 Start the development of your Operations Manual. Your Operations Manual is a very important document; it details how you will fly safely, and how you will conduct risk assessments. On completion of the course, you will need to spend time (typically several weeks) completing your Operations Manual. When your Operations Manual is complete it will be submitted to Consortiq for review. On a successful review by Consortiq they will issue a full category NQE recommendation to accompany your Operations Manual to the CAA.

• Access to the online learning portal
• Course manual
• Lunch and refreshments* – let us know if you have any specific dietary needs
• Instructor-led classroom sessions by experienced professionals
• Theory and Flight Planning exams
• 90-min Flight Assessment to assess practical flying competence
• Operations Manual development session and access to templates
• Operations Manual review service
• Certificates and full category NQE Recommendation**

Note: CAA fees for a PfCO are not included in the course fee.

* No lunch or refreshments will be provided on the Flight Assessment day

** Full category NQE recommendations will be issued following the final review of your completed Operations Manual.

The level 3 phase [first 3 days]

You want to begin a new and exciting career that can take off using drone technology.

You’re interested in the many opportunities working as a remote pilot in the exciting world of unmanned aviation, and want to learn to fly drones safely in all environments and airspace. This course includes all the theory and flight assessments required to qualify as a remote pilot enabling you to fly on an existing Ops Manual as well as a Level 3 Certificate from ProQual in the Remote Piloting of Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Commercial Operation.

To submit an application for your Permission for Commercial Operation (PfCO) to the CAA you must complete the remaining 2 days of the 5-day course.

[Level 4]

You’ve got the level 3 qualification as a drone operator, but want to improve your career options by preparing for level 4.
This part of the course includes the stages required to submit your own request to the CAA for a Permission for Commercial Operation (PfCO) as well as a Level 4 Diploma from ProQual in the Remote Piloting of Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Commercial Operation.

There are 2 exams on day 2 – a theory exam and a flight planning exam. You will need to pass both exams before progressing to the practical Flight Assessment on day 3.

Training is designed to prepare you for the exams. You are advised to complete approximately 20 hours of pre-reading before starting the course to familiarise yourself with the language of aviation and become familiar with the referenced regulatory and legal documentation. This is particularly important if you have little or no previous aviation experience.

Once you’ve confirmed a place on the course you will be sent a course study manual and joining instructions. The course material includes example questions to prepare you for the theory exam.