Statutory instrument updating SPL requirement date
As previously reported, the CAA is carrying out a GA pilot licence simplification project, which includes activity related to the UK-SFCL SPL. The project will take some time to complete, including any associated regulatory changes.
The UK Government has published Statutory Instrument 2023 No. 588 re The Aviation Safety (Amendment) Regulations 2023. Among other detail, this amends the date following which a sailplane pilot must use a sailplane pilot licence (SPL) from 8th December 2023 to 30th September 2025.
Important note. It is only the date that has changed. Any pilot who is flying a sailplane using SPL privileges, eg using self-launching privileges, must of course continue to comply with SFCL and the associated medical requirements.
The SI published detail:
Amendment of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1976 (Sailplanes)
33.—(1) Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1976 of 14 December 2018 laying down detailed rules for the operation of sailplanes as well as for the flight crew licensing for sailplanes(a) is amended as follows.
(2) In Article 3b (Existing pilot licences and national medical certificates), in paragraph 3, for “8 December 2023” substitute “30 September 2025”.
(3) In Article 3c (Credit for training that commenced prior to the date of application of this regulation), in paragraph 2, for “8 December 2023” substitute “30 September 2025”.
Regulation 33 amends Articles 3b and 3c of Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/1976 (“the Sailplanes Regulation”). It extends the date in Article 3b of the Sailplanes Regulation by which a sailplane certificate issued by the British Gliding Association (BGA) must be replaced with a sailplane licence (SPL) issued in accordance with the Sailplanes Regulation, from 8th December 2023 to 30th September 2025. It also extends the deadline in Article 3c of the Sailplanes Regulation, by which training for the issue of a sailplane certificate must have been commenced in order to be credited towards the issue of an SPL under the Sailplanes Regulation, from 8th December 2023 to 30th September 2025.