One of the challenges of learning to fly or progressing as a pilot is the complexity of the various requirements. Establishing a revised, clear and uncomplicated pilot pathway with clubs in 2021 is a part of our ‘fit for the future’ programme. Meanwhile, our pilot training webpage links to the…

To help instructors at the launch point confirm that key areas of training and administration have been addressed prior to first solo flight, one BGA club has introduced a short checklist that is attached to student pilots logbooks which includes; Solo-standard training completed and recorded? Solo airspace/other local knowledge assessed?…

The all-new BGA instructor development week is designed to support both trainee instructors and already qualified instructors. The course runs for a week during which various types of instructor training can be made available over various days. The idea is that people can attend just for the day or days…

A difficult period of lockdown for everyone has resulted in cancelled instructor courses. Working with the continuing COVID19 mitigations at BGA clubs, BGA instructor training is carefully re-emerging. Basic Instructor courses take place at gliding clubs who choose to run them. The (usually) two-day course delivers safety training and instructional…

A transponder code (0034) has been approved for use for sailplane towing. Any transponder equipped aircraft conducting towing operations can use it in the course of towing, including descending after the tow, etc. If crossing controlled airspace while towing (eg class D or E), a pilot may be asked to…

The fast developing COVID19 situation may result in instructors not being able to meet recency and refresher requirements when revalidating their BGA instructor ratings. The BGA will ensure that alternative arrangements for those BGA instructors are in place over the coming weeks and certainly by the time gliding is able…

Due to the fast-developing COVID19 situation, the BGA regrets that with immediate effect, all BGA courses and seminars will be indefinitely postponed. We will aim to deliver as many courses and seminars as possible as soon as the situation changes. We are assessing the possibility of delivering some online training….

The Honourable Company of Air Pilots and the BGA are working together to provide funding for a number of young gliding instructor training bursaries. These bursaries are available to help glider pilots under the age of 25 on application to qualify as either a Basic Instructor or Assistant Instructor. Full…

The CAA has re-issued its exemption authorising glider towing with UK National Permit to Fly aircraft. Please view the exemption here.

As reported in previous years, the ‘Skyway Code’ is a CAA published guide for pilots that is designed to provide easy, quick access to the key information they need, including: pilot responsibilities, flight planning, airspace rules and regulations, using aerodromes, risks and emergencies, flying outside the UK, and links to…