The CAA and the UK Airprox Board have made it clear that the number of reported airprox with drones (also known as unmanned airborne systems, UAVs, etc) is increasing year on year. The government is introducing legislation regarding drone operation near ‘protected airfields’, which by definition does not include most air sport…

The BGA Motor Glider Handbook has been updated and is available here. The handbook provides good practice guidance for clubs, pilots and owners that operate SLMG, self-launching sailplane, TMG or microlight sailplane aircraft, regardless of which regulatory system applies.  

Is your glider (or the club glider you are flying) fit for flight? This safety briefing includes vitally important information. Please note that positive checks are essential for gliders that are not equipped with self-connecting controls. A recent accident investigation has identified that an unapproved modification to a glider with…

The 2017 accident review has been published and is essential reading for glider pilots of all experience levels. The document can be viewed here.

Reporting accidents, incidents and engineering/maintenance occurrences is an important aspect of managing risk in gliding. The BGA is fortunate in that we have a good reporting culture which provides really helpful data. The BGA accident/incident report form was last published in 2005 and was in need of updating. The new…

The 6th Edition of the Safe Winch Launching safety briefing has been published. The content is drawn from the BGA’s long term safe winch launch study and ongoing campaign, and includes new important advice on the wing drop hazard. This information is important reading for ALL glider pilots regardless of…

The AAIB has published a Special Bulletin following a battery fire. You can view the bulletin here.

As noted on the BGA airspace webpage, many UK glider pilots visit the French Alps. The airspace arrangements can be surprisingly complex, but do ensure the needs of gliding and commercial air transport are safely and reasonably accomodated. As ever, it is vitally important that pilots respect the rules. The…

Please check when you last updated your FLARM software. Many owners do not realise that FLARMs now need to be updated with the latest firmware at least once a year on a rolling 365 day basis or the unit will stop functioning. Depending on the type, it may not be…

Feedback from the recent Club Safety Officer seminars indicated that there was real enthusiasm for ‘I learned about flying’ stories that gave specific examples illustrating the safety advice we already offer. To this end, we have decided to share the lessons highlighted by some of the accident reports that we…