Glider owners residing outside the EU or whose equipment is not in free circulation within the EU are politely reminded that customs regulations define the maximum length of stay for aircraft, vehicles, or trailers registered in a non-EU country. For example, as highlighted by our friends at the FFVP, French…

The CAA has recently highlighted that aircraft owners are responsible for correct registration markings including following maintenance or repainting. Aircraft markings and placards should be checked during the physical survey for the Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) or National Airworthiness Review Certificate (NARC) recommendation, as required during the ARC/NARC Renewal process,…

As previously reported, from 30th September 2025 it will be mandatory to hold a Part SFCL Sailplane Pilot Licence to fly a Part 21 sailplane (other than as a student pilot). The process of converting BGA qualifications to an SPL is well-proven and straightforward. Due to the expected volume of…

Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond to the CAA’s sailplane pilot licensing simplification consultation. The CAA has now published its consultation response documents for the General Aviation Licensing Review Phase 2 consultation. A summary of the responses received, the decisions made, and next steps can be found…

In February 2024 the CAA launched a four-week public consultation seeking stakeholder views on various topics associated with carbon monoxide (CO) in piston engine aircraft. The consultation asked nine technical questions and allowed for additional comments to be provided. A total of 271 responses to the consultation were received. A…

The CAA has issued Official Record Series (ORS) 1601 which regularises the use of non-Part 21 aircraft to conduct the dual refresher training flight for revalidation of SEP or TMG class privileges of class ratings. There are several points of detail in ORS 1601 that holders of SEP or TMG…

In support of its members interests, the BGA works closely with the GA Alliance. The GA Alliance represents some 72,000 subscription paying members of organisations working in in partnership. The members are the British Balloon and Airship Club (BBAC), British Gliding Association (BGA), British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA),…

The CAA has published its phase 2 consultation and response survey into proposed changes to the Sailplane Flight Crew Licensing rules. The BGA encourages all glider pilots to respond and has supplied response guidance. The BGA guidance including links to the consultation and survey can be viewed here. The consultations…

Following the BGA AGM on 21 February 2024, BGA Operational Regulation 38 has been updated to read: “Inspection Before Flight. All gliders operated from a BGA club site shall be inspected before flying on each day by a pilot who has been approved to carry out a daily inspection, who…

Cross-channel gliding flights are incredibly rare. The Home Office has asked us to report that the UK government is introducing regulations that will require information about international GA flights and persons on board to be submitted online in advance of departure for aircraft expecting to arrive or depart the UK….