The recently published AAIB report details an accident to SB-5E sailplane G-DEJH, that resulted from an extremely rare in-flight structural failure. We thank the AAIB for their efforts, as well as the BGA subject matter experts who supported the AAIB in their work. We are delighted that the pilot involved…

Following a change in policy by CAA, SkyEcho 2 users (other ADS-B devices are available) can now legally set the Systems Design Assurance (SDA) flag to ‘1’. This change will mean that the device will be visible to some certified ADS-B systems which previously would have filtered out the signal…

FLARM uses a rolling release cycle, requiring an annual update. Each update can be applied anytime during a rolling one-year period. As the update cycle is individual, no generic information is sent out on individual firmware expiration dates. There is a FLARM news sign-up that can help users stay up…

The DfT funded CAA managed scheme to rebate the cost of new electronic conspicuity equipment has been extended to 30th September 2021. More details are available here.

The CAA has published a safety notice to raise awareness of the risk of engine power loss caused bylockable gascolator fuel drain valves being inadvertently left latched open on general aviation aircraft. You can view the safety notice here.

Electronic conspicuity technology provider PilotAware report that they ‘will provide financial assistance for gliding clubs and users that have a suitable existing OGN installation to upgrade them to the full functionality of PilotAware ATOM GRID sites.  The upgrade will provide a complete virtual radar view of all aircraft detected directly…

Following input from subject matter experts, the BGA publication ‘Managing Flying Risk’ has been updated to include guidance re ‘Motorgliders, self-launching and self-sustainer sailplanes’. You can view Managing Flying Risk here.

Following input from subject matter experts and advice from the AAIB, the BGA publication ‘Managing Flying Risk’ has been updated to include additional guidance for pilot soaring hills, ridges and mountains. The guidance and the associated soaring protocol also assist pilots to interpret how to safely utilise the long-established exemption…

Heading for the hills this winter? Don’t forget to remind yourself about managing the risks – including how to safely use the hill soaring exemption from SERA requirements. Full details here.

Rebates of up to £250 for new Electronic Conspicuity (EC) devices are now available thanks to funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) aimed at encouraging more adoption of EC within the UK’s General Aviation (GA) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) communities. The CAA will distribute the funds via a…