Laws and Rules
This ‘Laws and Rules’ webpage details BGA Operational Regulations, associated requirements and guidance, and the law. The information is provided to assist BGA member clubs and their members.
Gliding takes place under a mix of national, retained-EU and self regulation.
The BGA is the national governing body of sport gliding. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is the UK aviation safety regulator.
BGA Operational Regulations
BGA Requirements and Guidance
The following BGA requirements and guidance support compliance with BGA operational regulations and the law, and describe established good practice.
Gliding certificate and endorsements
Managing flying risk – every glider pilot needs this information
UK Aviation Law
UK regulations relevant to non-Part 21 aircraft:
UK regulations relevant to Part 21 aircraft (and current applicability):
UK CS-22. Applicable now.
UK CS-STAN. Applicable now.
UK Part M Light (PML). Applicable now.
UK Sailplane Air Operations (SAO). Applicable now.
UK Sailplane Flight Crew Licensing (SFCL). Applicable to pilots of Part 21 sailplanes who choose to utilise SPL privileges. See also this UK SI referencing Sept 2025.
UK Medical (MED). Note Pilot Medical Declaration (SI 2021/10). Applicable to pilots who choose to utilise SPL privileges.
UK Declared Training Organisation (DTO). Applicable to SFCL training.
UK regulations applicable to all aircraft:
UK Standardised Rules of the Air (SERA)
Rules of the Air Regulations (in addition to SERA)
CAA Official Record Series 4 (ORS4)