BGA Inspector Information
This webpage describes the experience requirements to qualify for and maintain a BGA inspector rating.
BGA inspectors are a highly valued and important part of UK gliding. BGA inspectors are an integral part of the BGA airworthiness organisation and their experience and skills are regularly relied on by gliding clubs and private owners. BGA inspectors are required to understand and comply with the applicable airworthiness and maintenance requirements, including the BGA Airworthiness Exposition and the AMP.
Responsibility
The owner is responsible for the airworthiness of their aircraft. As described in the BGA Airworthiness Exposition, other than ‘Pilot/Owner Maintenance’, maintenance carried out on aircraft under the control of the BGA airworthiness system is to be certified by an appropriately authorised BGA Inspector.
Any certification by a BGA inspector on behalf of the BGA airworthiness system must be in compliance with the BGA’s published requirements. The inspector is responsible for the standard of their work and for associated compliance with the published requirements.
BGA airworthiness and maintenance
The BGA airworthiness and maintenance webpages are available here.
Insurance
The BGA insures the BGA airworthiness organisation. BGA inspectors who operate commercially are advised to hold appropriate commercial insurance. An insurance broker can advise.
Operating costs
Inspectors are advised to at least cover their ‘out of pocket’ expenses (including addition or renewal of qualification/licence) through charges made for their work or through an arrangement with the gliding club that they support.
Standards, conduct and BGA policies
Good quality work including compliance with the relevant requirements is a fundamental element of airworthiness. All inspectors are encouraged to maintain high standards. Non-compliance is normally identified through the quality system. Using ‘just culture’ principles, where the aim is to learn and improve rather than blame, the BGA welcomes reporting of evidence of non-compliance or poor standards. The BGA does not get involved with commercial or contractual matters between owners and inspectors.
Where non-compliance or an unacceptable standard of work has been identified, the BGA priorities are to ensure the safety of any aircraft involved, and to offer support and guidance within measures taken to ensure compliance and appropriate standards.
Inappropriate or discriminatory conduct, which includes bullying, racist, homophobic, sexist or other inappropriate comment, banter or action is unacceptable. Please refer to the BGA policies.
Becoming a BGA Inspector
Please read the BGA inspector requirements (updated Dec 23)
BGA inspector experience assessment
BGA inspector rating issue or extension application form
Part-66L
UK continuing airworthiness regulation requires BGA inspectors to hold a Part66L licence with the correct category in order to certify Part-21 sailplanes, powered sailplanes, TMGs and aeroplanes. A UK Part 66L licence is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. A Part66L licence is not required to certify non-Part 21 sailplanes or for a BGA inspector authorisation to be issued.
Please follow this link to our Part-66L information webpage.