Clubs and pilots are respectfully reminded of the need for caution when operating in unusually warm weather conditions as expected over some parts of the UK during the next few days. Staying hydrated, screening from direct sunlight, and not overdoing it are important considerations for people. Take-off performance can be…

Skydiving takes place into Drop Zones (DZs), radius 1.5 or 2nm up to FL150, as marked on a chart and listed in the UK AIP. Please note that skydivers usually drop directly upwind of the DZ and routinely descend through cloud. The ANO 240 notes that ‘a person must not…

Flying in a competition this year? Competitions bring together groups of like minded individuals to socialise, learn lots, compete and compare their performances when flying the same cross-country task, and all within a fairly tight set of rules that aim to ensure a level playing field. Competitions are great fun….

Human factors in aviation refer to the study of how human behaviour, capabilities, and limitations affect safety and performance in aviation. Most flying occurrences and accidents include an element of human factors. This NZ study guidance is interesting. As previously highlighted, these presentations from The Gliding Centre led by a…

The UK military is progressively modernising it’s air traffic service radar equipment. The new Topsky/Star NG system that is also used by several airports provides greater processing including reduced clutter, removal of ambiguity giving a constant picture that isn’t adjustable by controllers, and many other technical/ATC related benefits. Glider pilots…

Various forms of airspace restrictions influence where and how we fly. These are either permanent in nature, in which case they are usually marked on charts; or, they might be temporary, in which case they are communicated through NOTAMs. Permanent or temporary, it is the duty of each and every…

All pilots are human – which is why they occasionally forget things. Airspace rules can be complicated and unless used regularly, our memory doesn’t always serve us as well as it needs to. Checking the facts at the start of the flying season can pay dividends. The Skyway Code is…

EASA has republished its Safety Information Bulletin regarding rigging gliders, which notes ‘statistical data, accident reports, and occurrence reports indicate a number of incidents, which were caused by improper execution of rigging procedures and subsequent inspection. The number of fatalities related to improper rigging is accumulating to 3 to 4…

The CAA’s Safety Sense leaflet ‘Radiotelephony’ includes helpful summaries that are a useful reminder for those with a FRTOL and provide guidance for those who have not. You can view the ‘Radiotelephony’ Safety Sense leaflet here. Links to other BGA and CAA safety education resources can be found here.