The CAA has launched a consultation on their Charges Scheme for 2024/25, with the proposed changes due to come into effect on the 1 April, 2024. The CAA proposals include a general 5.3% increase with an additional 3% being used to support innovation, i.e a total increase of 8.3%. ‘Innovation’…

Gliding takes place under a mix of national, retained-EU, and self regulation. All glider pilots need a good awareness of the requirements, or at least where to find them. The ‘Laws and Rules’ BGA webpage provides gliding clubs and their members with clear details and links to BGA Operational Regulations,…

The Sailplane Pilot Licence (SPL) is an ICAO compliant licence (ICAO compliance depends on the type of medical held by the pilot) that can be obtained from the BGA by converting from BGA qualifications. Pilots of Part-21 sailplanes are currently exempt from the requirement to hold an SPL to fly…

As previously reported, the CAA is carrying out a GA pilot licence simplification project, which includes activity related to the UK-SFCL SPL. The project will take some time to complete, including any associated regulatory changes. The UK Government has published Statutory Instrument 2023 No. 588 re The Aviation Safety (Amendment)…

Pilots are reminded of the need to ensure that they are medically fit to fly. Where flying using SFCL or FCL or UK/NPPL pilot licence privileges, pilots are reminded that they must comply with regulated medical requirements, eg the CAA PMD or medical certificate requirements. BGA medical information is available…

To participate in a flying display, display pilots are required to obtain a Display Authorisation (DA). A flying display is ‘any flying activity deliberately performed for the purpose of providing an exhibition or entertainment at an event that has been advertised and is open to the public’. A typical example…

Following their GA Pilot Licensing and Training Simplification Phase 1 Consultation, the CAA has published their Consultation Response Document CAP2532. The response document includes two decisions relating to sailplanes: – The CAA ‘will proceed with the previous decision to finalise implementation of the UK Part-SFCL regulations for all operations in…

Following the PMD review conducted last year, the CAA has provided a brief analysis of the review findings and the CAA’s next steps. You can read more here.

Following its recent consultation, among other detail the CAA has reported to the BGA that 88% of respondents who had a view on UK-SFCL preferred to continue with implementation of UK-SFCL. As a result, the CAA intends to continue the transition to Sailplane Pilot Licences and is working with the…

Many GA airfields enjoy a positive professional relationship with local enforcement agencies and Border Force regional teams. As an entry point into the UK, airfields can provide a valuable resource to local law enforcement agencies on spotting and reporting the early signs of any suspicious activity. Airfields should familiarise themselves…