SPL theoretical knowledge practice questions are available as an excellent method of checking knowledge before committing to an exam. The questions are supplied by topic in a quiz format. The BGA SPL Theoretical Knowledge and Exam webpage provides guidance and resources, including the all-new SPL theoretical knowledge practice questions. Our…

Full spin recognition and recovery is a required part of the SPL syllabus. Most sailplanes will recover promptly from a spin using a standard spin recovery technique taught to student pilots, as described in the 2025 BGA instructor manual. As highlighted in the instructor manual, it is important to note…

Several updates have been made and a new chapter added to the BGA instructor Manual 2025: 2. Emergency procedures – update 3. Preparation for flight – update 5. Effects of controls – update 11c. Self launch – new F. Supervising flying – update G. Type conversion – update I. Ground…

Detail has been added to the SPL training course programme to clarify how theoretical knowledge and flying experience credits for a licence for another category of aircraft may be evidenced and applied at clubs. Flying experience may only be credited where the BFCL or FCL licence / rating for another…

The so-called CAA GA Pilot Licensing Review Wave 2 has recently been released which includes improved credits for SPL holders (both with and without TMG extension) towards Part FCL qualifications and thereby creating an even stronger route for pilots looking to start a flying career through gliding. You can view…

A refresher seminar in the previous 36 months forms part of the FI(S) rolling recency requirement. You can book a refresher seminar here.

Several BGA facilitated FI(S) courses are now available for booking. The venues to date are: The Gliding Centre Cambridge GC London GC Southdown GC You can read more and book here.

Astral Aviation, a company that is contracted to supply CAA safety promotion, is presenting its ‘Masterclass No 3: Global Navigation Satellite System Workshop’ on 26th November at 7pm. This is a 75-minute look into all things GNSS including how best to use it, the pitfalls and what to do if…

The 2025 revision BGA instructor manual has been updated to reflect the SPL training syllabus and is currently being published as a ‘beta’ version. All the sections of the manual should be published by the end of October 2025. You can view the 2025 BGA instructor manual content here.  

The next BGA Flight Radio Telephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course begins on Tuesday 9th December 2025, providing full training for the licence required to use most non-gliding VHF radio channels. If you’d like to participate, please register now at www.ruskin.me.uk/bga-frtol-course/sign-up We’re also recruiting experienced radio users to coach small groups of FRTOL…