Remote Pilot Certificate of Competency (RCoC)
To fly a drone professionally or commercially in Malaysia, obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate of Competency (RCoC) is a mandatory legal requirement. Issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) through accredited training providers, this certificate ensures that remote pilots possess the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical flight skills to operate safely within the Malaysian National Airspace System.
1. Types of Remote Pilot Certificates (2026 Updates)
As of 2026, CAAM has categorized pilot competency into specific modules to better align with industry needs:
- RCoC-B (Basic): The foundation for all drone pilots. It covers Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) operations for drones under 20kg. Ideal for aerial photography, site inspections, and mapping.
- RCoC-AL (Agricultural Light): A specialized certificate for private agricultural UAS works. It combines the Basic module with specific agricultural dispensation (spraying) training.
- Module 1 (EVLOS): An add-on for Extended Visual Line of Sight operations, allowing pilots to fly further using visual observers.
- Module 2 (AGR): The advanced agricultural module for commercial-scale dispensation and automated crop-spraying missions.
- RCoC-M (Module-based): Specialized certifications for high-risk “Specific Category” operations, including night flying and urban logistics.
2. Eligibility & Prerequisites
To enroll in a CAAM-approved drone pilot training program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum Age: 18 years old.
- Language Proficiency: Ability to read, speak, and understand English and Bahasa Malaysia.
- Medical Fitness: Be in good physical and mental health (self-declaration or medical check as required by the RPTO).
- Academic: Recommended SPM or equivalent (some advanced modules may require specific grades in English).
3. The Certification Process (Step-by-Step)
Becoming a certified drone pilot in Malaysia typically involves a 5-day intensive program:
- Ground School (Theory): Study Air Law, UAS General Knowledge, Meteorology, and Operational Procedures.
- Theoretical Examination: Pass a CAAM-standard written exam (minimum 75% passing mark).
- Flight Training: Hands-on maneuvers, emergency procedures, and fail-safe testing.
- Practical Assessment: A flight test conducted by a CAAM-authorized examiner to prove your piloting precision.
- Certificate Issuance: Upon passing, your Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) will facilitate the issuance of your official RCoC.
4. Validity and Renewal (2026 Standards)
- Validity Period: Your RCoC is valid for 24 months (2 years).
- Renewal Process: To keep your certificate active, you must:
- Attend a Refresher Course at an approved RPTO.
- Submit a certified Flight Logbook proving recent flight currency.
- Pay the renewal fee as prescribed in the Civil Aviation (Fees and Charges) Regulations.
5. Official Resources & Reference Links
- CAD 6011 Part I – Remote Pilot Training: The primary directive for drone pilot competency. Download CAD 6011 Part I
- List of Approved RPTOs: Find a CAAM-certified drone academy near you. View Approved RPTO List
- CAC 01/2025 – Revised RCoC Requirements: The latest circular detailing the 2026 module updates. Download CAC 01/2025