As the spring gets enticingly closer, it’s a reminder that our gliders and equipment need to be checked, maintained and ready to go. Every year we see glider ground towing equipment failures or towing driver errors that result in expensively broken gliders that take a long time to repair. It’s…

In addressing an AAIB recommendation regarding carbon monoxide detectors, the CAA has published proposals set out in a consultation that are integral to understanding what may be holding pilots back from using this potentially lifesaving equipment, and whether the CAA should be doing more to encourage its adoption. You can…

Following detailed work by Paul Ruskin (Cambridge GC) and the CAA, thirty BGA gliding clubs now have newly allocated radio frequencies to help with local situational awareness. The frequencies are valid from 21st March. You can view the new frequency allocations here.  Electronic and paper charts will be updated when…

If a canopy opens in flight, it can be disastrous. Uncontrolled opening on the ground will usually result in damage. Here’s a note recently published by one of our busier gliding clubs, which states: the simple rule is, if the canopy is closed, it is locked. The pre-flight checks also…

The DfT funded scheme for general aviation pilots to claim a 50% rebate of the cost to a maximum of £250 (including VAT) of purchasing of an Electronic Conspicuity device is due to end on the 31st March 2024. Read more about the EC rebate scheme and how to apply…

A mobile defibrillator, where it is locally available, can save a life in the event of cardiac arrest. At least one glider pilot we know of is around to talk about it through his friends rapid use of a defibrillator that was available at the airfield. This recent news story…

The November edition of INSIGHT from the United Kingdom Airprox Board (UKAB) looks at an Airprox involving a glider and a Europa near Basingstoke. The article looks at an encounter between two aircraft that were equipped with identical electronic conspicuity (EC) devices and offers some points to consider when using…

The BGA has been advised that some users have discovered issues and been advised of a fix associated with EasyVFR Basic. We have shared the details here so that users of EasyVFR Basic either alone or as a SkyEcho2 display are aware of the problem and the available fix. EasyVFR…

Version 4 of the Skyway Code has been published. The code is designed to provide all pilots with quick and easy access to key information relevant to their flying. Access a searchable or printable version of the Skyway Code here.

The Gliding Centre has recently presented a short series of seminars on Human Factors topics, which have been made available to others as Zoom recordings. View Part 1 – Situational awareness View Part 2 – Decision making View Part 3 – Communication View Part 4 – Teamwork