A2 CofC Drone Training Course

The A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) is the UK’s leading recreational drone course, essential for new pilots looking to fly further.

CAA A2 COFC COURSE

The A2 Certificate of Competency is a new drone certificate introduced on the 1st January 2021, and is designed to get pilots flying safely and legally within the UK.

The CAA Approved certificate also opens up access to a wide range of new areas to fly – without it, pilots will not be able to operate within 150m of recreational, commercial, industrial or residential areas.

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WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH THE A2 COFC?

£75 GVC VOUCHER

Get your money back when you book onto our GVC course at a later date

FREE THERMAL COURSE

Free thermal imaging e-learning training is included with this course

24/7 E-LEARNING*

Access your course anytime, with no waiting for your final exam

UNLIMITED RE-SITS*

Unlike our competitors, we offer free and unlimited re-sits for your exams

£200 TRAINING VOUCHER

Kickstart your drone career with £200 off our thermal imaging courses

100% PASS RATE

We’re proud to have a 100% pass rate for this course (2021)

*For the iRed® A2 CofC E-Learning course only

DO I NEED THE A2 COFC?

To put it simply, without an A2 CofC new pilots will not be able to fly their drone in most places within the UK. This qualification enables new pilots to legally fly their drone closer to people and buildings – both recreationally and commercially.

WHICH DRONE QUALIFICATION DO I NEED?

From the 1st January 2021, new drone regulations based on European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) rules will come into effect. These new rules will put drone flying into 3 separate categories, which will require specific qualifications to fly in.

A2 CofC

Ideal for small, recreational aircraft

  • Fly drones between 250g-2kg

  • Fly within 5m of people

  • Fly within 5m of buildings

  • Fly in recreational areas

  • Fly in congested areas

GVC

Suited for professional drone pilots

  • Fly drones between 2-25kg

  • Fly within 50m of people

  • Fly within 50m of buildings

  • Fly in recreational areas

  • Fly in congested areas

Unqualified

Suitable for private-land flying only

  • Can’t fly drones over 250g

  • Can’t fly closer than 150m

  • Can’t fly in recreational areas

  • Can’t fly in congested areas

TRUSTED BY OVER 2,500 STUDENTS

We’re proud to deliver drone training for a variety of customers ranging from recreational pilots right through to global brands

BBC Drone Training
DJI Drone Logo
London Metropolitan Police Drone

“The A2 CofC course provided by iRed is the perfect step to take on the path to becoming a certified drone operator in the UK. Whilst thorough, the course is easy to pick up due to its manageable modules and well-structured sections.”

Bertie Eldridge, A2 CofC

“I love photography and flying drones, so taking the A2 CofC was a course I wanted to invest in. Not only could I grow, but it also gave me more freedom and confidence when flying my drone.”

Paul Watson, A2 CofC

“Recently took my A2 CofC drone pilot licence with iRed. I thought the quality of the training course material was very good and could not fault it at all – highly recommended.”

Gordon Mackenzie, A2 CofC

“I can’t speak high enough of iRed as their training format and training manual are extremely enjoyable and very informative, even if like me you have been flying RC aircraft for many years!”

Paul Lewis, A2 CofC

COURSE TOPICS & MODULES

  • Meteorology

  • Weather Assessments

  • UAS Flight Performance

  • Emergency Operating

  • Flight Procedures

  • VLOS Operations

  • Congested Area Operations

  • Mass, Balance & Gravity

  • System Maintenance

  • Battery Types

  • Flight Planning

  • Hazard Identification

  • Dynamic Risk Assessment

  • Overflight of People

  • 1:1 Rule

  • Collision Avoidance

  • Ongoing Instructor Support

  • Practical Flight Assessment

  • Operating Limitations

  • Industry Insight

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

To get the A2 Certificate of Competency, students will need to complete the e-learning A2 CofC course from iRed. Once completed, all that’s left is to complete some self-monitored practical flight training and submit a form to iRed for assessment. Your A2 Certificate of Competency will then be sent both digitally and physically within 2-3 days of course completion.

There are no requirements to complete an in-person test or operations manual for the A2 CofC.

The A2 Certificate of Competency lasts for five years, after which you’ll need to renew it.

Without the A2 Certificate of Competency, you will find yourself limited in terms of where you can fly your drone.

Unless you have an A2 CofC between the 1st January 2021 and 1st January 2023, all drones that weigh more than 500g (Mavic 2, Phantom 4, Inspire 2) will have to operate within the A3 Subcategory. This means that you will be unable to fly within 150m of people or buildings, and you will not be allowed to fly in residential, commercial, industrial or recreational areas.

Likewise, ‘legacy aircraft’ that weigh less than 500g (Mavic Mini/Spark/Air) will also have to operate within the A3 Subcategory.

Yes – to complete your A2 Certificate of Competency, students will need to undertake 2 hours* of self-monitored practical flight training either before or after the course. The practical flight training will involve simulating operating situations associated with the A2 Subcategory, under the conditions of the A3 Subcategory. Further guidance for the practical flight training will be provided upon course booking.

Once completed, students will need to fill out a Candidate Practical Flight Training & Declaration Form and submit this to iRed to get the A2 CofC qualification.

*This is recommended by iRed, however you should undertake as many flights as deemed necessary to gain a reasonable level of knowledge and skill when operating your drone.

No – iRed provides free drone insurance for your practical flight assessment through Flock®.

We also provide students with a 10% discount off their first year of drone insurance.

Yes – to complete this course, students will need to have a laptop or tablet with access to the internet.

To get your A2 Certificate of Competency, students will need to undertake 2 hours* of self-monitored practical flight training either before or after the course. This can be completed either with your own drone (the easiest option), or by borrowing or hiring a drone for the duration of the course.

*This is recommended by iRed, however you should undertake as many flights as deemed necessary to gain a reasonable level of knowledge and skill when operating your drone.

A2 COFC (E-LEARNING)

£99 INC. VAT  £75 INC. VAT

Learn online at your own pace with our flexible e-learning course, designed to get you up and flying as soon as possible.

A2 COFC (CLASSROOM)

£245 INC. VAT

Our classroom and blended A2 CofC courses are taught over one day with an expert instructor.