Instructor requirements
Updated 23rd October 2025
The BGA continually reviews instructor training and performance to ensure that safe, standardised and good quality instruction is maintained.
‘Senior Regional Examiners’ are suitably qualified and experienced instructors and examiners who are appointed in the role on the recommendation of the Instructing and Examining Committee. Where requested, SRE’s provide guidance and support to clubs and CFIs.
The BGA operates a Qualified Entity to support BI(S) and FI(S) applications to the CAA. Applications are submitted to the BGA.
Instructor requirements
All Basic Instructor (Sailplanes) (BI(S) and Flight Instructor (Sailplanes) (FI(S)) operating at a BGA club must:
- hold BGA instructor membership (via their club)
- be approved to instruct by the club Chief Flying Instructor (CFI)
Chief Flying Instructor Endorsement
The BGA Chief Flying Instructor (CFI) endorsement is mandatory for the instructor who is responsible for flying training standards at a BGA club where flight training and/or solo flight by unqualified/student pilots takes place.
Requirements:
- SPL with FI(S) certificate, and
- at least 150 hours pilot in command on at least six different types of glider or motor glider, and
- at least two years of instructing experience
The endorsement will be issued, without charge, on receipt by the BGA of written (eg by email) notification of appointment as CFI elect from the Club Chairman with the advice of the SRE.
Senior Pilot Endorsement
At clubs where the club has formally notified the BGA that no flight training or solo flight by unqualified/student pilots takes place, it is not necessary to have a CFI. Instead, a Senior Pilot is to be appointed. The Senior Pilot provides an informed point of contact on club flying matters.
Requirements:
- SPL, and
- a Silver badge, and
- at least 150 hours pilot in command on at least six different types of glider or motor glider
The endorsement will be issued, without charge, on receipt by the BGA of written (eg by email) notification of appointment as Senior Pilot from the Club Chairman.
Insurance and BGA Records
The BGA maintains a back up insurance policy against liabilities resulting from activities that result in third party damage and injury.
The details and confirmation of instructor (and introductory flight pilot) operating at a BGA club must be submitted annually to the BGA office by the club CFI using the password protected CFI e-services online tool. In the event of the online tool being unavailable, alternative notification should be made as agreed with the BGA office.
Communication
Providing the BGA office is annually supplied with instructor details and has the instructors email address, the BGA office will periodically provide relevant instructor related information including newsletters to instructors and CFIs.
Instructing following an accident (23 Oct 25 update)
Following an accident whilst flying or instructing in sailplanes or TMGs, an instructor must not continue instructing until the circumstances of the accident have been determined. This is not intended to be a sanction for the individual but to protect all concerned from possible delayed effects of the accident, and from recurrence of similar circumstances. The return to instructing will be supported by the CFI liaising with the SRE.