Welcome to Northern Ireland's
Number 1 Drone Pilot Training Provider
Northern Ireland’s Leading Drone Pilot Training Provider
Looking for drone training in Northern Ireland?
Start your journey with the region’s Number 1 CAA‑accredited drone pilot training academy, based right here in Belfast.
We are fully approved in association with 3iC (RAE 1625) and deliver industry‑leading CAA drone courses designed to give you the essential knowledge, skills, and confidence to fly safely and professionally.
Why Choose Us for Your Drone Training?
CAA‑accredited drone pilot courses
Expert instruction from a fully approved training academy
The only premier drone training provider in the UK & Ireland offering practical training with the DJI Flight Simulator
A dedicated 20‑acre, fully insured drone training site
Specialist drone training, consultancy, and operational advice not available anywhere else in the UK or Ireland
We welcome enquiries from the Republic of Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and worldwide, and we proudly support both public sector and private sector organisations across Northern Ireland.
A huge thank you to all our drone training students for their support in 2025.
We proudly welcome learners from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, the UK, The Nertherland, Germany, Norway and worldwide.
What Does Drone Pilot Training Academy offer:
At Drone Pilot Training Academy, I help new and aspiring drone pilots build real skills, real confidence, and real qualifications. Whether you’re flying for fun or planning to work commercially, I provide clear, supportive training that takes you from complete beginner to fully certified pilot.
Beginner Drone Pilot Training
Perfect for anyone starting out.
You’ll learn:
How to fly safely and confidently
How to understand UK drone laws
How to plan flights and avoid common mistakes
How to prepare for formal certification
This is the ideal first step before moving on to the A2 CofC or GVC.
A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC)
The A2 CofC is the entry‑level qualification for flying drones closer to people in the Open Category.
It’s designed for pilots flying drones under 2kg, such as DJI Mini, Air, and Mavic series.
You’ll learn:
UK airspace rules
Operating safely around people
Meteorology, flight planning, and risk awareness
Next step:
Once you complete your A2 CofC, you can legally fly in more locations with fewer restrictions—ideal for hobbyists, content creators, and small business operators.
General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC)
The GVC is the professional-level qualification required for commercial operations in the Specific Category.
It’s the industry standard for pilots who want to work professionally.
You’ll learn:
Advanced flight planning
Operational risk assessments
Emergency procedures
How to build and follow an Operations Manual
Next step:
After passing your GVC, you can apply to the CAA for an Operational Authorisation, allowing you to carry out commercial work such as inspections, mapping, surveying, and media production.
Which Path Should You Choose?
Just starting out? Begin with Beginner Training.
Flying for fun or content creation? Go for the A2 CofC.
Planning to work commercially? The GVC is your route to professional operations.
Robert Dobbin is Northern Ireland’s leading Drone Pilot Instructor
A trusted, experienced mentor for anyone serious about becoming a safe, skilled, and 3iC CAA‑qualified drone operator.
As a 3iC A2 CofC and 3iC GVC‑qualified Drone Pilot Instructor, Practical Flight Assessor, and Examiner with 3iC, I bring a calm, structured, and highly professional approach to every stage of pilot development. Based in Belfast, I specialise in guiding new and developing pilots through the full training journey — from first steps on the sticks to achieving recognised CAA certification with confidence.
My training style is hands‑on, supportive, and focused on real‑world flying. Every session is designed to build genuine competence, not just pass a test. With a background in training development and specialist practical flight instruction, I tailor each course to the individual, ensuring every pilot leaves with the skills, understanding, and mindset needed to operate safely and professionally.
At my fully insured Drone Pilot Training Academy, you’ll receive high‑quality instruction, clear guidance, and the reassurance of learning with an instructor who puts safety, standards, and student success first.
Click here to view my full Meet your 3iC Drone Pilot Instructor page.
Robert Mitchell Dobbin
Director of Commercial Drone Pilot Training
Trusted by
DJI Mavic Pro 2, DJI FPV,
Ready to Demo
and DJI Flight Simulator Available.
Introduction to Drones
Beginner Drone Pilot Training
***All products, all brands. Gift Cards available to buy***
Drone Pilot Training Academy Northern Ireland's
Number 1 Drone Pilot Training Provider
We offer a wide range of drone services to meet every type of business and individuals need.
Drone Pilot Training for Beginners
We’re Northern Ireland’s leading provider of A2 CofC and GVC drone pilot training, and the specialists in Beginner Drone Lessons in Belfast.
Our introductory training is designed to match your skill level, giving you a safe, supportive environment to learn the fundamentals of flying with confidence.
Advanced Lessons
Your first session will take you straight into the more advanced techniques of professional drone flying.
We’ll focus on the higher‑level skills required for safe, accurate, and commercially competent operations.
Straightforward and confident:
Specialist Aerial Photography & Commercial Drone Services
I’m a full‑time, fully qualified drone operator available for a wide range of commercial aerial work — including photography, estate agency marketing, business promotions, farm and land inspections, and golf‑course flyovers.
If your project involves a drone, I have the skills and certification to deliver it to a professional standard.
