Whilst UK gliding has made great progress over the many years of the safe winch launching campaign, new pilots need to understand the issues and existing pilots need to be periodically reminded about the available guidance. This Dutch report into a tragic accident references BGA safe winch launching information published…

A CAA safety notice has been published that aims to raise awareness of i) the hazards associated with carbon monoxide exposure, ii) the means of minimising the likelihood of carbon monoxide contamination and iii) to provide guidance on the use of carbon monoxide detectors in GA aircraft. The safety notice…

BGA medical requirements, which incorporate CAA medical requirements, have been updated to include note d. re decrease in fitness, ie: ‘Pilots are reminded of their responsibility not to fly in the event of a decrease in their fitness with respect to an illness, medical condition, medical surgery or treatment that…

Seen a glider on final approach with the gear up instead of correctly lowered for landing? Please avoid the temptation to make a radio call, which experience has shown could lead the pilot to attempt to lower the undercarriage during the final stage of landing resulting in loss of control…

A field landing can stretch any pilot’s experience and flying abilities. This ‘Field Landing’ safety briefing is aimed at all glider pilots regardless of experience.  

Several airfields with ATZs in class G use instrument approach procedures (IAPs), which are designed to improve approach safety in poor weather, at night, etc. However, these IAPs are frequently utilised during fine weather in daylight by commercial pilot training organisations as well as by commercial business jet operators. The…

The risk of mid-air collision remains high for Class G airspace users, despite such advances as the carriage and use of electronic conspicuity devices. Although it is five years since the last fatal mid-air collision in the UK and longer since a mid air collision involving a glider in the…

Wake vortices are generated by aircraft including helicopters operating at high angle of attack, eg on takeoff and landing. Large GA aircraft can produce significant wake vortices. The heavier an aircraft, and the slower it is flying, the stronger its vortex and the greater the risk to following aircraft. The…

The BGA ‘Managing Flying Risk’ publication aims to provide pilots and clubs with guidance on how to better understand, minimise, and manage the hazards associated with gliding operations, including with powered gliders and tug aircraft. It does not replace any existing law, which should always take precedent. There is a…

Several airfields with ATZs in class G use instrument approach procedures. In most cases, the procedures are not obviously apparent from using a 1/2 mil VFR chart. Procedure details can be found in the AIP here under ‘Part 3 AD2 aerodromes’. Which isn’t easily accessible but can be useful information….