Category	A2 CofC	GVC
Training Requirements	Theoretical learning 2.5+ hours of E-Learning Theoretical exam Self-guided practical flight training	Theoretical learning 6+ hours of E-Learning Theoretical exam Practical Flight Examination assessed by the RAE Operations Manual
CAA Fees	£0	Initial application for Operational Auhtorisation: £253 Annual renewal of Operational Authorisation: £190
Permitted SUA	A1 Transitional (until 1st January 2023) 'Legacy' Aircraft between 250g - 500g flying weight A2 Transitional (until 1st January 2023) 'Legacy' Aircraft between 500g - 2kg flying weight C2 Aircraft	All Aircraft between 0 - 20kg (until 31st December 2020) All Aircraft between 0 - 25kg (after 31st December 2020)
Use for Commercial Gain	Yes	Yes
Validity	5 Years	5 Years
Valid From	31st December 2020	Today
Pros	No additional costs No Operations Manual No yearly renewals No Flight Assessment Reduced separation distances under A1 Tranisitional and C2 Aircraft from uninvolved people A1 Transitional: No intentional overflight of uninvolved people A2 Transitional: 50 metres from uninvolved people C2 Aircraft: 30 metres from uninvoled people in normal speed mode and 5 metres from uninvolved people in a low speed mode	Available to use now Bolt-on modules available from 31st December 2020 for EVLOS/BVLOS Fly any aircraft between 0-25kg beyond 1st January 2023 Widely recognised qualification Suitable for people flying larger and heavier aircraft
Cons	Not available to use until 31st December 2020 Limited to 'small' aircraft Not currently widely recognised No C2 aircraft on the market (yet)	Requires yearly renewals with the CAA Requires maintaining an Operations Manual Audited by the CAA Longer training pathway
Who's it suited for	People who fly 'small and light' aircraft Wedding photographers Roof inspectors Small corporate video production Hobbyists who want more freedom to operate 'closer' to people	People with 'large and heavy' aircraft Professional Drone Pilots High End Film Productions Industrial Inspections Land Surveyors