AMC1 Article 8(2) Remote Pilot Competence

CAA ORS9 Decision No. 46

INTRODUCTION

The following AMC and GM have been developed to support remote pilot training and progression for increasingly complex UAS operations.

This AMC, in so far as it relates to an RAE(PC), forms part of the RAE(PC) scheme, which also includes the CAA policy for approving an RAE(PC) to carry out the training and assessment of remote pilots, as set out in Unmanned Aircraft System Operations in UK Airspace – Recognised Assessment Entity for Remote Pilot Competence RAE(PC), Fifth Edition (CAP 722B).

The training has been designed to deliver the relevant remote pilot competencies based on the required task performance, knowledge, skills, and attitudes for future remote pilots.

The training is not designed to cover all operational scenarios on all types of UAS as this would create significant complexity.

UAS operators continue to be responsible for UA specific training and remote pilot standardisation, proportional to the complexity of their individual organisation. Operators should carefully consider what UA or operation specific training is required for remote pilots prior to making an application for an Operational Authorisation.

DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of this AMC, the following definitions apply:

  • “Trainee” means a remote pilot undergoing training at an RAE(PC)

  • “OA Applicant” means applicant for an Operational Authorisation.

  • "Assessment of competence" means the demonstration of skills, knowledge, and attitudes for the initial issue, revalidation, or renewal of a remote pilot certificate.

  • "Competency" means a combination of skills, knowledge and attitudes required to perform a task to the prescribed standard.

  • “UA Category” or “Category of UA” means a categorisation of unmanned aircraft according to its basic characteristics. For this AMC that could mean an unmanned aeroplane or unmanned rotorcraft.

  • “Type” or “UA Type” means a categorisation of unmanned aircraft according to the specific manufacturer and model.

  • “Credit” means the recognition of prior experience or qualifications.

  • “Flight instruction” means imparting of aeronautical knowledge through a combination of ground schooling, simulated, and practical flight instruction.

  • “Live flight hours” means practical flight undertaken in real world conditions and   cannot be simulated.

  • “Simulated flight hours” means flight undertaken in a CAA approved simulator.

  • “Practical Flight Instructor” (PFI) means an individual who is authorised by an RAE(PC) to conduct flight instruction of remote pilots.

  • “Theoretical Knowledge Instructor” (TKI) means an individual who is authorised by an RAE(PC) to conduct theoretical training of remote pilots.

  • “Practical Flight Assessor” (PFA) means an individual who is authorised by an RAE(PC) to conduct flight assessments and evaluations of remote pilots.

  • “Air Risk Class” (ARC) is a classification of the risk of the air environment as defined in UK SORA.

  • “Certificate Currency” means the minimum currency to maintain the privileges of the remote pilot competence certificate for the relevant UA category. Certificate currency must be live flight hours only.

  • “Operator Currency” means the minimum currency determined by the operator for the relevant UA type.

  • “RAE(PC)” means Recognised Assessment Entity (Pilot Competence).

  • “RPC” means Remote Pilot Certificate.

  • "Must" indicates:

    (a) a condition a trainee is required to comply with to be assessed as competent to the relevant standard or

    (b) a condition an RAE(PC) is required to comply with to maintain approval under the RAE(PC) scheme.

REMOTE PILOT FLIGHT LOGGING

Remote pilots must keep accurate flight logs in accordance with mandatory operator’s procedures and UAS.SPEC.050(1)(g). To be accepted for the purpose of training course entry requirements, crediting, revalidation, and renewal, remote pilot flight logs, including flight logs for routine flight operations, must:

  1. Be accurate and recorded in accordance with UAS.SPEC.050(1)(g).

  2. Be auditable by an RAE(PC) and/or the CAA including by being:

    1. Verifiable by means of a corresponding aircraft technical log entry held by the operator.

    2. Supported by all other relevant operational documentation relating to that flight.

It is not an operator’s responsibility to provide the remote pilot with digital or paper flight records, although this is common practice. Remote pilots should keep their own remote pilot logbook as necessary.

The CAA takes falsification of RP logs extremely seriously. Falsifying RP logs is a serious offence and could result in the suspension or revocation of the RP's certificate of competence and criminal prosecution.

The CAA is also under an obligation to be satisfied, on a continuing basis, of the fitness of character of individuals we licence or approve in accordance with applicable legislation. We must be satisfied that all such individuals can be relied on as honest and truthful and that they are demonstrably consistent in applying the rules, in spirit and letter. When considering these behaviours, we will take into account the overriding need to protect the general public, maintain public confidence in the individual privileges we licence, and maintain public confidence in our decision-making processes. Providing false information or other dishonest behaviour may call into question an individual’s fitness of character. This fitness of character policy sits alongside any competence or skills requirements a remote pilot must demonstrate in order to obtain and maintain an RPC. For more information on our fitness of character policy, see Fitness of character policy framework | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk).

REMOTE PILOT COMPETENCE STRUCTURE

To demonstrate RP competence a RP may hold one of the following certificates of competence in each UA category:

General VLOS Certificate (GVC) Multirotor and/or Fixed Wing

Level 1 Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC-L1) Rotorcraft (R) and/or Aeroplane (A)

Level 2 Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC-L2) Rotorcraft (R) and/or Aeroplane (A)

Level 3 Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC-L3) Rotorcraft (R) and/or Aeroplane (A)

Level 4 Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC-L4) Rotorcraft (R) and/or Aeroplane (A)