TRAIN TO BE A DRONE PILOT
Our fully approved Drone Training and OFQUAL accredited courses will get you into the skies with confidence.
Download our Training Brochure to find out how you can get started with your Drone Training in the UK.
Download BrochureWELCOME TO COPTRZ ACADEMY
If you want to stand out from the crowd, you’re going to need a training provider that offers Drone Training, Global Qualifications and on-going support from industry experts from across the world.
Getting your GVC or A2 CofC with Coptrz Academy, the UK’s Leading Drone Training provider, is a signal of intent.
Who is Coptrz Academy for?
✓ Individuals wanting to start a drone business.
✓ Organisations wanting to make their operations faster, safer and more cost-effective.
✓ Individuals or Organisations that operate a variety of drones (DJI, Parrot, Flyability, Wingtra) and want a training team who works day in, day out with their specific set-up
✓ We also run exclusive OFQUAL Level 5 courses for those organisations wanting to run large, complex UAV projects that involve a number of pilots, as well as a number of industry-specific courses for surveying, inspection and public safety.
Don’t leave your training to chance, start your drone training journey with Coptrz Academy.
Live webinar: How to build a successful drone business with Jamie Cording
Join Jamie Cording, UAV Strategist for COPTRZ, and learn how to build a successful drone business.
Jamie guides you through the steps required to complete your drone training, hardware options for specific industries, and the software, accessories and how to enhance your skill-set to stand out from the competition.
Save your seatDRONE REGULATIONS 2021
“The new drone regulations are designed to align with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and build on the new Drone and Model Aircraft Registration Scheme in the UK. The main reason to do this is so that Europe as a whole are operating under the same standard rather than having different regulations in each country.
The new regulations and classifications will be based around three basic concepts; Type of operation being conducted; Level of risk involved and the level of performance/capabilities required.
I recommend before choosing the A2 CofC or the GVC that you read through our handy Drone Regulation guide for a complete overview on the latest changes.”
Duncan Hewitson, Head of Training, Coptrz
Drone Training
A2 CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY (A2 COFC)
Free (£49 + Vat exam fee)
You want to fly drones commercially and need Drone Training
What’s included?
- A2 CofC Training and Certificate
- Lifetime Membership to Coptrz Academy
- Access to the Coptrz Pilot Facebook Community
*Not applicable to ELC students
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GENERAL VLOS CERTIFICATE (GVC) TRAINING STACK
£899 + Vat
Payment plans available
You want to fly drones commercially and need Drone Training
What’s included?
- GVC General “Visual Line of Sight” Certificate online course
- How to start a successful drone business eLearning course – worth £99
- Introduction to Aerial Thermography eLearning course – worth £99
- One Certified UAV Specific Course 12-hour eLearning course, choose from: Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual Thermal, Matrice 300 RTK, Phantom 4 RTK or ELIOS 2 – worth £149
- Two Amazon No 1 Business Books by Coptrz CEO’s Steve Coulson and Paul Luen – worth £20
- £200 Coptrz Training Voucher use towards additional Drone Training Courses on Coptrz Academy including the OFQUAL 5 Chief Pilots course or the UAV Surveying Course
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OFQUAL 5 Award for Commercial Drone Pilots
£999 + Vat
Payment plans available
You want to manage large, complex UAV projects involving a number of pilots
What’s included?
- A globally recognised OFQUAL 5 Training Course
- EVLOS, BVLOS and Planning and Operating in congested areas
- Lifetime membership to COPTRZ Training Academy
- Unlock discounts on your Drone Insurance with Moonrock
- Access to the Coptrz Pilot Facebook Community
- *3-month free subscription to AIVA Asset Inspection Software
*Not applicable to ELC students
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PfCO to GVC Conversion Course
FREE (£99 + Vat exam fee)
You already have a valid PfCO and want to convert it to a GVC
What’s included?
- General ‘VLOS’ Certificate (GVC) online course
- Lifetime membership to COPTRZ Training Academy
- Access to the Coptrz Pilot Facebook Community
Drone Training with a Drone
DRONE PILOT TRAINING PACKAGE
Now £1,499 + Vat
Finance packages available
A fantastic business starter drone for those on a budget, this compact aircraft is equipped with a 4K camera and gives you access to work in Photography and Inspection.
Drone
• Parrot Anafi Work quadcopter with 4K Camera
• Controller and accessories
Training & Extras
• A2 CofC online training course + one exam token
• GVC online training course + exam + flight test
• Start a Drone Business eLearning course
• One-year subscription to Pix4Dcloud
• Lifetime access to Coptrz Academy
• First Annual Ops Manual review
• Access to the Coptrz Drone Pilot Facebook Community
• 3-month subscription for AIVA with 1,000 images
• Two Amazon No1 Best-selling Business books: “Big Thinking for Small Business” and “8 Figure Entrepreneur” by Coptrz co-founders Steve and Paul
Optional OFQUAL 4 Certificate available for £100 + Vat
FIND OUT MOREBUSINESS STARTER PACKAGES
From £2,795 + Vat
Payment plans available
You’re starting your own business and you need the full works
What’s included?
- A Quadcopter Drone (DJI or Parrot)
- GVC Drone Training Course
- OFQUAL 4 Accreditation
- A2 COFC included
- Flight Test at one of 11 locations across the UK
- Lifetime membership to COPTRZ Training Academy
- Operations Manual Support
- 3-month free subscription to AIVA Asset Inspection Software
- Access to the Coptrz Pilot Facebook Community
- Big Thinking for Small Business book by Steve Coulson, Coptrz co-founder
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SPECIALIST DRONE TRAINING COURSES
CERTIFIED UAV TYPE SPECIFIC COURSES
To be competent, confident and safe with a manned aircraft you need to be trained and certified on the model you are flying.
This is just the same with an unmanned aircraft and why COPTRZ have worked with industry experts to create courses for the most commonly used commercial UAV’s:
• DJI Matrice 300 RTK
• DJI Phantom 4 RTK
• DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual
• Flyability ELIOS 2
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Pix4Dmapper Essentials online course
£149 + Vat
Payment plans available
Learn to create 2D and 3D maps using PixDmapper and data captured by your drone. Aimed at beginners to intermediate level this online 12-hour course will give you the confidence to start mapping using drones.
By the end of the course you’ll be able to:
✓ Produce accurate 2D and 3D georeferenced representations of reality, including orthomosaics and 3D models.
✓ Acquire accurate measurements
✓ Share your deliverables with stakeholders
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Commercial UAV Surveying Course
£475 + Vat
Payment plans available
You want to manage large, complex UAV projects in the survey sector
Course Benefits
- If you’re a Drone Service Provider you’ll be armed with the knowledge to win and deliver business in the surveying space
- Existing Survey, Geotechnical or Civil Engineering organisation you’ll have a simple way to start using drone effectively
- You’ll fill the knowledge gap in capturing high-quality data and photogrammetric theory
- It will enhance and refresh your skills in the drone surveying space
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Aerial Thermal Imaging Category 1
£1,299 + Vat
Payment plans available
Learn how to capture, process and analyze thermal images captured by drone
Coptrz have partnered with iRed, the UK market leader in thermal drone training to deliver a world-class online Thermal Imaging Course. The course is aimed at professionals working in Asset Inspection and Drone Service Providers.
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ADVICE CENTRE
How much is Drone Insurance?
You can get Drone Insurance from as little as £23 per month depending on the level of cover you need. Head here to find out more and see which insurance providers we recommend:
Do I need to be a qualified Surveyor or Asset Inspection professional to work in these sectors as a Drone Service Provider?
No. You do need to invest in some additional training so that you can understand what your clients are trying to achieve, then your role is to help your client capture that data by operating the drone. With anything the more you know and the more you can understand your clients’ needs you are more likely to win work and retain clients.
For example if you are looking to get into the Survey sector check out this online course:
What do you recommend as a starter drone?
For the Media sector so film and photography Coptrz recommend a Mavic 2 Pro. However, if you’re looking for a drone that will cover you also for survey and inspection applications then you should look at the Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual or a Parrot ANAFI Thermal. Check out our Business Starter Packages for more information.
What weight category does my drone fit into?
This depends entirely on the drone you’re flying. To find out more about the different weight classes and categories read our handy guide to drone regulations here:
What does the A2 CofC course include?
Our A2 CofC course includes 4 online training modules, virtual classrooms, practical self-study guidance, and ends with a multiple-choice theory exam (30 questions).
Classroom options available (however, if you’re wanting to take the exam on the same day, some online training is required). Find out more about the A2 CofC here:
What does the GVC course include?
Our GVC course includes 9 online training modules, virtual classrooms, practical self-study guidance, and finishes with a multiple-choice theory exam (40 questions). The course also includes training and support with developing your operations manual and a practical flight assessment where you will be assessed in line with your procedures.
Classroom options are available. Find out more about the GVC here:
What happens to my PfCO If I already have one?
You can continue to operate under your PfCO’s specific limitations and conditions while it’s valid and you can continue to renew it for the next few years. When it comes to renewing your PfCO, its name will change to an Operational Authorisation.
If you let your PFCO lapse you will then have to sit a GVC so that you can apply for an Operational Authorisation. You can convert your valid PfCO to a GVC with our conversion course.
What course do I need to do if I want to fly commercially?
As of December 31st 2020, whether you fly for hobby or commercial reasons is no longer a consideration in what course you need, it comes down to the risk your flight would pose to uninvolved people. If you are flying a smaller aircraft with low risk, an A2 CofC may be perfect. For larger aircraft that pose a bigger risk, you may need an Operational Authorisation, a GVC is needed to apply for this.
For example, if you need to conduct flights closer to uninvolved people than what would be possible within the Open Category with your drone, completing a GVC and applying for Operational Authorisation from the CAA will open up more opportunities.
Can I do the GVC and A2 CofC online?
Yes! You can complete these courses online or at one of our many training locations (classroom courses will only be held if it safe to do so in line with government advice around COVID-19).
WHY CHOOSE COPTRZ?
OFQUAL ACCREDITED DRONE TRAINING PROVIDER
It's globally recognised meaning your earning potential has just gone to the next level. It's also a quality stamp, it lets companies know that you're a serious pilot. No one outside the drone industry knows what a GVC or A2 CofC is, but they know what OFQUAL is. To win the contracts you need to speak in a language everyone understands.
FLIGHT TEST LOCATIONS ACROSS THE UK
We have 11 flight test centres across the UK including Northern Ireland. That means you won't be travelling long distances to take a 1.5 hour long flight assessment (if required as part of your training).
CHIEF DRONE PILOT TRAINING
We want you to be a success, that's why we don't just stop at the GVC and A2 CofC. We provide a learning pathway that takes you all the way up to a Chief Drone Pilot. This is the best of the best, and we've got these 'Top Gun' pilots operating across the globe.
FINANCE OPTIONS AVAILABLE
We have finance options to suit all budgets. You can put a part payment down on your training course, and then pay the rest just before you start. We will work with you all the way.
GRADUATE FROM THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS DRONE TRAINING ACADEMY IN THE UK
Think about it. Will Balfour Beatty or the BBC really hire someone who got their qualifications quick and easy. We've trained some of the best drone pilots in the world, trust us when we say it matters who you're trained by if you want to be successful.
ACCESS INDUSTRY EXPERT WORKSHOPS
We don't just work with one drone brand, we work with the largest range the UK has to offer. They like to drop in on a regular basis to give you exclusive masterclasses and workshops on their drones and software - think DJI, Parrot, Flyability and Flir. There's a reason these Industry giants work with Coptrz.
LIVE TRAINER SUPPORT
During Covid-19 we will be running our training courses through a virtual classroom with live trainer support and sessions for you to attend throughout the week. We truly will be with you every step of the way. Plus, we find standard online training courses really dull.
ELCAS APPROVED FOR EX-MILITARY
You're coming out of the military and want to continue being excellent, but with drones. You're in the right place, we're the only drone training provider approved by ELCAS. Even better, you can use your ELCAS credits towards our courses.
PERKS EXCLUSIVE TO COPTRZ ACADEMY
We're the UK's leading commercial drone expert, we don't just run the biggest training academy in the UK. Throughout the year we offer trials and perks like free access to AIVA, the leading inspection software. In fact, you can have 3 months free access to this tool right from the start.
CONTINUAL LEARNING PLATFORM
We aren't a one and done kind of organisation. We're on a mission to revolutionise the world with drones, and we can only do that if we walk side by side with you on your journey. So we keep Coptrz Academy fresh with new content on a weekly basis from global experts. It's all about keeping the saw sharp.
TRAIN WITH THE INDUSTRYS BEST
We are proud to have one of the most highly qualified training teams in the world. They've flown commercially, they know what it takes to be 'Top Gun' in the drone industry. If you want to know the secrets of the trade, then you're in the right place.