Managing Flying Risk

The British Gliding Association, which comprises of member clubs each of which supports its own individual members, is committed to facilitating an environment within which our sport can be successful and safely enjoyed by anyone who is a member of a BGA club.

Gliding operates under a mix of regulation and self-regulation. BGA self-regulation comprises of Operational Regulations and associated requirements and guidance which are all developed with members input and periodically reviewed. A Safety Management System is established with the objective of facilitating a sport gliding environment where the levels of risk to participants are as low as reasonably practicable and where third parties are not affected by the activity.

Airmanship has three fundamentals: skill, proficiency and the discipline to apply them in a safe and efficient manner. Beyond these fundamental principles, expert pilots have a thorough understanding of their aircraft, their team, their environment, their risks and themselves. Clubs manage their airfield operating environment and the associated risks. With all of these elements in place, there is the best opportunity to exercise consistently good judgement through a high state of situational awareness which supports safe decision making.

‘Managing Flying Risk’ aims to provide BGA clubs and pilots with guidance on how to better understand, minimise, and manage the risks associated with gliding operations, including with powered gliders and tug aircraft. It does not replace any existing law, which should always take precedent.

Contents

Organisation

• Culture and Safety Management System
• Gliding operations
• Supervision
• Ground handling
• Reporting accidents and incidents
• Site hazards and mitigations example template
• Publications

Human factors

• Instructor fatigue and medical fitness
• Ageing pilots
• Distraction

First flights

• First flights – introductory flights and trial lessons

Preparing for flight

• Preparing for flight
• Currency Barometer
• In-flight equipment including radio
• Safe rigging

Avoiding mid air conflict

• Collision avoidance
• Maintaining safe airspace
• Soaring Protocol

Launching

• Winch launching
• Aerotow launching
• Launch signalling
• Motor gliders, self-launching and self-sustainer sailplanes
• Towing / operating tug aircraft

Soaring

• Safe thermal soaring
• Hill, ridge and mountain soaring

Other

• Flying with other pilots
• Flying in gliding competitions

Terminology

Within this document, the term ”must” or “shall” is used where referring to something that has to be done because it’s absolutely necessary ,including to obey a rule or law. Examples include “the pilot in command must reasonably ensure that the intended flight can be completed safely” and quotes from Standardised European Rules of the Air. The term “should” is used where referring to the appropriate way of doing something including guidance based on known good practice. For example “a first aid kit should be kept in a prominent and easily accessible place”.

Updates

This document will be frequently reviewed and updated as required. Clubs will be consulted prior to any significant amendments.