The CAA has reported that they are planning changes to the regulations that currently allow flight instruction on SEP/TMG aircraft (Part 21 and non-Part 21) by instructors who have made a Pilot Medical Declaration (PMD) instead of holding a Class 2 Medical Certificate. The CAA has reviewed the policy and…

As detailed in BGA ‘Trailer Requirements’ guidance, all trailers (whether commercial use or non-commercial) of more than 750kg gross weight MUST be registered if travelling to Europe (except Ireland, Cyprus, Malta and Spain). DfT guidance is here.  

To ensure that all qualified BGA glider pilots will have an SPL with the correct privileges when required, the BGA’s CAA-approved SPL conversion application and checking procedure results in a painless application process. Thousands of pilots at BGA clubs now hold an SPL. For a variety of reasons, not all…

The BGA’s Sailplane Flight Crew Licensing (SFCL) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) webpage is regularly updated. If you have a question that you haven’t been able to answer by thumbing through the SFCL rules, the FAQs are a useful resource. You can view the FAQs here.

Up until 15th September 2025, clubs that chose to deliver limited and specific SFCL training to support their pilots could become sites within the BGA facilitated Declared Training Organisation (DTO). We are pleased to advise directly via CFIs earlier this week and this news item that previous ‘BGA DTO site’…

The BGA Medical requirements have been updated to align with the SPL and the related medical requirements. Pilots flying non-Part 21 gliders continue to be supported with essentially unchanged BGA medical requirements. You can view the BGA medical requirements here.

The amended exemption that permits student pilots training for an SPL to fly as pilot in command using a CAA Pilot Medical Declaration (PMD) has been published by the CAA. You can view the CAA exemption here. 

A CAA exemption is expected during September 2025 that will permit use of a Pilot Medical Declaration (PMD) by student pilots flying solo in Part 21 aircraft after 30th September 2025. As previously advised, student pilots are encouraged to obtain a CAA Pilot Medical Declaration without delay. There is guidance…

The CAA aeroplane licensing simplification project has resulted in changes that will come into force from 1st October 2025. Several changes have recently been briefed by the CAA that may be of interest to current and future tug pilots and include: The sailplane towing rating will be removed from UK…

The BGA has updated its published guidance ‘Trailer Requirements’ to reflect a change in EU law that requires all trailers (whether commercial use or non-commercial) of a gross weight greater than 750kg to be registered if travelling to Europe (except Ireland, Cyprus, Malta and Spain). DfT guidance on the topic will…