A quote from a pilot: ‘Flying doesn’t always go as planned and whether it’s your own mistake or a circumstantial one, having a properly specified energy absorbing seat cushion installed is as vital as wearing a parachute. I didn’t have one and my consultant estimated that my recovery time would…

The BGA publishes guidance on the use of emergency parachutes, e.g. thinking ahead to aid decision making. The guidance includes a Bailout Advice video briefing by G Dale, a highly experienced soaring coach who has experienced an emergency bailout following a mid-air collision. The guidance is published under ‘Emergency’ on…

The CAAs CAP413 radiotelephony manual has been updated. The update includes guidance on radio calls at unattended airfields, e.g. airfields without an air traffic service. You can view the current and updated CAP413 here.

Click here to access the OSTIV worldwide survey about injuries in glider accidents. We hope you haven’t been injured this way, but if know someone who has, whether or not they are still in gliding, then if appropriate please invite them to complete the questionnaire. The purpose is to discover…

As part of the BGA’s ongoing conversations with airfields and their operators to inform our safe shared airspace guidance for glider pilots, it has become clear that many of those operators would benefit from knowing more about gliding activity. The BGA has produced and published an aeroplane and helicopter pilot…

The winter weather has resulted in more pilots than usual at this time of year being short of recent flying experience. The SPL and associated instructor certificates are lifetime qualifications that are valid subject to rolling recency requirements. Please refer to SFCL for full details, including how to re-establish rolling recency…

Experience protects us – until distraction, complacency, or fatigue take over. Every pilot, at every level, occasionally makes a mistake. It is a well-known fact that refresher information helps to build resilience. The BGA’s Safe Start 2026 self-briefing has been put together to help glider pilots enjoy a safe start…

An airprox between two aeroplanes highlights the risks that can occur when any approach to an airfield in addition to the ‘standard’ circuit is taking place and the pilots believe they have situational awareness – but that’s based on an assumption. Interoperable EC and use of radio are both aids…

The General Aviation Safety Council (GASCo) has announced that its Board has taken the decision to wind up the organisation in an orderly manner, ending more than six decades of work in support of general aviation safety in the UK. The decision follows a thorough review of the Council’s financial…

Experience protects us until distraction, complacency, or fatigue take over. Every pilot, at every level, occasionally makes a mistake. It is a well known fact that refresher information helps to build resilience. The ‘Safe Start 2026’ self-briefing has been put together to support all glider pilots ahead of the flying season. Please take five minutes…