SPL Theoretical Knowledge and Examinations
- Introduction
- The SPL theoretical knowledge syllabus
- SPL theoretical knowledge study resources
- SPL theoretical knowledge examination notes
1. Introduction
Theoretical knowledge is integrated with SPL flight training. Student pilots are tested on theoretical knowledge ahead of completing the SPL training course. Relevant rules of the air and local airspace knowledge is assessed prior to first solo.
SPL theoretical knowledge examinations are managed at club level by BGA club CFIs, who have access to the BGA’s SPL theoretical knowledge examination system, which replaces the legacy BGA Bronze examination with effect from the 1st of October 2025.
If you are a student pilot and wish to take the SPL theoretical knowledge exams, please contact your club CFI.
2. The SPL theoretical knowledge syllabus
The following table contains the syllabus for theoretical knowledge for the SPL (ref AMC1 SFCL.130)
| Syllabus for theoretical knowledge instruction for the SPL | |
|---|---|
| 1 | AIR LAW AND ATC PROCEDURES |
| 1.1 | International law: conventions, agreements and organisations |
| 1.2 | Airworthiness of aircraft |
| 1.3 | Aircraft nationality and registration marks |
| 1.4 | Personnel licensing |
| 1.5 | Rules of the air |
| 1.6 | Procedures for air navigation: aircraft operations |
| 1.7 | Air traffic regulations: airspace structure |
| 1.8 | Air traffic service (ATS) and air traffic management (ATM) |
| 1.9 | Aeronautical information services (AIS) |
| 1.10 | Aerodromes, external take‑off sites |
| 1.11 | Accident Reporting |
| 1.12 | National Law |
| 1.13 | ICAO Flight Plan (ATS Flight Plan) |
| 2 | HUMAN PERFORMANCE |
| 2.1 | Human factors: basic concepts |
| 2.2 | Basic aviation physiology and health maintenance |
| 2.3 | Basic aviation psychology |
| 2.4 | Use of oxygen |
| 3 | METEOROLOGY |
| 3.1 | The atmosphere |
| 3.2 | Wind |
| 3.3 | Thermodynamics |
| 3.4 | Clouds and fog |
| 3.5 | Precipitation |
| 3.6 | Air masses and fronts |
| 3.7 | Pressure systems |
| 3.8 | Climatology |
| 3.9 | Flight hazards |
| 3.10 | Meteorological information |
| 4 | COMMUNICATIONS |
| 4.1 | Definitions |
| 4.2 | VFR communications |
| 4.2.1 | VFR communication at uncontrolled airfields |
| 4.2.2 | VFR communication at controlled airfields |
| 4.2.3 | VFR communication with ATC (en‑route) |
| 4.3 | General operating procedures |
| 4.4 | Relevant weather information terms (VFR) |
| 4.5 | Action required to be taken in case of communication failure |
| 4.6 | Distress and urgency procedures |
| 4.7 | General principles of VHF propagation and allocation of frequencies |
| 5 | PRINCIPLES OF FLIGHT |
| 5.1 | Aerodynamics (airflow) |
| 5.2 | Flight mechanics |
| 5.3 | Stability |
| 5.4 | Control |
| 5.5 | Limitations (load factor and manoeuvres) |
| 5.6 | Stalling and spinning |
| 5.7 | Spiral dive |
| 5.8 | Speed polar of sailplanes or cruising speed |
| 6 | OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES |
| 6.1 | General requirements |
| 6.2 | Launch methods |
| 6.3 | Soaring techniques |
| 6.4 | Circuits and landing |
| 6.5 | Outlanding |
| 6.6 | Special operational procedures and hazards |
| 6.7 | Emergency procedures |
| 6.8 | Emergency parachute operation and landing |
| 7 | AIRCRAFT GENERAL KNOWLEDGE, AIRFRAME AND SYSTEMS AND EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT |
| 7.1 | Airframe |
| 7.2 | System design, loads and stresses |
| 7.3 | Landing gear, wheels, tyres and brakes |
| 7.4 | Mass and balance |
| 7.5 | Flight controls |
| 7.6 | Instruments |
| 7.7 | Rigging of aircraft, connection of control surfaces |
| 7.8 | Manuals and documents |
| 7.9 | Airworthiness and maintenance |
| 7.10 | Airframe, engines and propellers |
| 7.11 | Water ballast systems |
| 7.12 | Batteries (performance and operational limitations) |
| 7.13 | Emergency parachutes |
| 8 | NAVIGATION |
| 8.1 | Basics of navigation |
| 8.2 | Magnetism and compasses |
| 8.3 | Charts |
| 8.4 | Dead reckoning navigation |
| 8.5 | In‑flight navigation |
| 8.6 | Use of GNSS |
| 8.7 | Use of ATS |
| 8.8 | Flight planning and task setting |
| 8.9 | Flight monitoring and in‑flight re‑planning |
SPL theoretical knowledge study resources
The following publications are helpful:
Most topics:
Licence and Beyond, (formerly Bronze and Beyond) which is periodically updated by the experienced gliding instructor author.
SPL course (formerly the Bronze Course) authored and updated by Andrew Watson.
Human factors:
Human Factors Study Guidance – guidance published by Gliding NZ
Law:
Aircraft general knowledge and systems:
This presentation by Craig Lowrie provides helpful information.
Navigation and field landings
Navigation and field landing courses – videos produced by Paul Ruskin
Operational procedures:
Student Pilot Manual, available from the BGA.
Weather and soaring:
Soaring Weather, a free FAA publication.
The Soaring Engine volume one – which covers theory and practical safety aspects of ridge, wave and thermal soaring, published by a highly experienced gliding instructor and coach.
SPL theoretical knowledge examinations notes
The detailed requirements for the exams can be viewed at SFCL.135 and associated AMCs.
Please note that successful completion of the theoretical knowledge examinations is valid for a period of 36 months, counted from the day when the applicant successfully completed the theoretical knowledge examinations. Completion of all the theoretical knowledge examinations means that the applicant has achieved a pass in all subject papers on or within 18 months of the date of achieving a pass on the most recent subject paper.