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Drone Pilot License Malaysia: RCoC Explained

People searching for a drone pilot license Malaysia usually mean the Remote Pilot Certificate of Competency (RCoC) administered through training and assessment by a CAAM-approved Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO).

An RCoC is not required for every drone flight. The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) states that RCoC-B and its relevant modules are required for Special UAS Project or agricultural UAS operations. Operators must first identify the correct operational approval and competency requirements for their intended activity.

1. When Do You Need an RCoC in Malaysia?

  • Standard Authorisation to Fly (ATF): CAAM’s RPTO FAQ states that RCoC-B is not required for a Standard ATF application covering qualifying lower-risk operations such as mapping or surveillance.
  • Special UAS Project: RCoC-B is accepted for VLOS operations under a published standard scenario or predefined risk assessment. Operations may require additional competency according to the aircraft, risk assessment and project.
  • Agricultural UAS operations: RCoC-B is accepted for qualifying VLOS agricultural operations other than dispensation. Commercial agricultural dispensation requires RCoC-B with Module 2 (AGR).
  • Private agricultural dispensation: CAC 01/2025 introduced RCoC-AL for private agricultural UAS works that include dispensation, subject to CAD 6011 Part II.

2. RCoC Types and Modules

CAAM links remote pilot competency to the type and risk of the proposed operation. The main certificates and modules relevant to current CAAM guidance are:

  • RCoC-B: Basic remote pilot competency used for qualifying VLOS operations in the Specific category and for applicable agricultural operations.
  • Module 1 (EVLOS): Supports extended visual line of sight operations using visual observers, subject to the applicable operational approval.
  • Module 2 (AGR): Required with RCoC-B for commercial agricultural UAS works involving dispensation.
  • RCoC-AL: Introduced by CAC 01/2025 for private agricultural UAS works involving dispensation.
  • A2 RCoC: A separate theoretical competency certificate described in CAD 6011 Part I for the A2 subcategory when the relevant framework applies.

CAAM states that the minimum age for RCoC-B, its additional modules and RCoC-AL is 18. The minimum age for A2 RCoC is 16.

3. CAAM-Approved Training and Assessment

Remote pilot training and assessment should be completed through a CAAM-approved ATO-RPTO. CAAM authorises these organisations to provide theoretical instruction, practical flight training and competency assessment, and to supply the required reports for certificate issuance.

  1. Choose the correct competency: Confirm whether the intended operation requires RCoC-B, Module 1, Module 2, RCoC-AL or another approval-specific competency.
  2. Attend an approved RPTO: Use CAAM’s current approved training organisation list.
  3. Complete theory and practical training: RPTO students undergo theoretical examinations and practical flying tests.
  4. Pass the assessment: CAAM’s FAQ states that the RCoC-B theoretical examination has at least 40 questions. Module 2 and A2 RCoC papers have at least 30 questions each. The passing mark is 75%, with no penalty marking.
  5. Complete certificate issuance: The approved RPTO supplies the assessment reports required for CAAM issuance.

4. Certificate Timing and Operational Approval

  • Theory-to-issuance period: CAAM states that successful theoretical examination results remain valid for RCoC issuance for one year from the date the remote pilot completes the examination.
  • Check current certificate conditions: Confirm current validity, recency and any additional module requirements with CAAM or an approved RPTO before relying on older course information.
  • RCoC is not an operating approval: Holding an RCoC does not replace the Standard ATF, Special UAS Project approval or Agricultural UAWC that may be required for the intended flight.
  • Apply according to the operation: The aircraft, location, VLOS or EVLOS method, agricultural activity, risk and project scope determine the correct CAAM pathway.

5. Official CAAM Resources

  • CAAM Unmanned Aircraft System portal: Current approval pathways, RPTO information and UAS application guidance. View the CAAM UAS portal.
  • CAD 6011 Part I – Remote Pilot Training Organisation: Requirements for approved training and remote pilot competency. Read CAD 6011 Part I.
  • CAC 01/2025: Legally binding revisions affecting CAD 6011 Parts I and II, including RCoC-AL. Read CAC 01/2025.
  • Approved RPTO list: Follow the current approved training organisation link provided on CAAM’s UAS portal before enrolling.

This Aviation Malaysia guide uses the search phrase “drone pilot license Malaysia” while retaining CAAM’s official term, Remote Pilot Certificate of Competency.