Pilot Resources - Flying and Training
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Advanced Soaring Syllabus
BGA advanced soaring syllabus - aimed at qualified glider pilots.
View DocumentAdvice on Flying Rated Competitions
Mike Fox gives advice in the BGA briefing for pilots flying in their first rated competition.
View DocumentAerobatic Rating Progress Sheet
View DocumentAerobatic Training Progress Sheet Cover
View DocumentAerobility
Aerobility is a registered charity founded in 1993 offering disabled people, without exception, the opportunity to fly an aeroplane.
View DocumentAerotow Performance
Safety Briefing highlighting the factors affecting aerotow take-off performance - for consideration by glider pilots and tug pilots.
View DocumentAerotowing Guidance Notes
Aerotowing good practice guidelines
View DocumentAnnex C to IGC Approval for EW Avionics EWFR Models A-D Flight Recorders
Note that this IGC approval has been cancelled. However, the document is referenced in the BGA approval for EW Models...
View DocumentBGA 1000km Trophy
Rules and requirements for the BGA 1000km Trophy
View DocumentBGA Advanced Gliding Training Notes
View DocumentBGA Basic Instructor Course Programme
View DocumentBGA Examining Standards
The BGA Examining Standards booklet is a complete guide to all BGA Full Rated Instructors and Examiners when carrying out...
View DocumentBGA Form 5 Instructor Coach issue
BGA Basic Instructor Coach or Flight Instructor Coach application form
View DocumentBGA Full Rating Assessment Booklet
For use leading up to and during a BGA Full Rating assessment.
View DocumentBGA Gliding Syllabus
BGA training syllabus leading to Solo, Bronze, and Cross Country Endorsements.
View DocumentBGA Ground Training Progress Record Card
BGA Ground Training Progress Record Card for use by clubs.
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual
The latest edition of the BGA Instructor Manual. This is the complete document - individual sections can also be downloaded...
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual - Addenda and Revisions
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 1-1
Introduction and Giving Your Best as an Instructor
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 1-2
Ground Handling
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 1-3
How to Read a Logbook
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 1-4
Checklists
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 1-5
Lookout
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 1-6
Airmanship and Threat Management
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 2-10
Turning
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 2-11
Airbrakes and Spoilers
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 2-12
Approach Control
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 2-13
Landing
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 2-7
Effects of Controls
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 2-8
Use of the Trimmer
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 2-9
The Straight Glide
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 3-14
Circuit Planning, part 1
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 3-15
Circuit Planning, part 2
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 4-16
Wire Launching
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 4-17
Aerotow Launching
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 5-18
Stalling
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 5-19
Spinning and Spiral Dives
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 6-20
First Solo
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 6-21
Flaps
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 6-22
Type Conversion
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 6-23
Solo Supervision
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 6-24
Thermalling
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 7-25
Navigation
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 7-26
Radio Telephony (RT)
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 7-27
Meteorology and Instructing
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 7-28
Aerobatic Training
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 8-29
Conduct of Trial Lessons
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 8-30
Instructor Patter Notes
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 8-31
Rigging, Derigging and Daily Inspection
View DocumentBGA Instructor Manual, section 9-32
The BGA Training Organisation and BGA Instructor Guidance Notes
View DocumentBGA Instructor Year 3 Check Notes
Suggested content of 3 year checks for BGA Assistant and Full rated instructors
View DocumentBGA Instructor Year 5 Refresher Notes
Recommended content of 5 year refresher for BGA Assistant and Full rated instructors
View DocumentBGA Motor Glider Handbook
Guidance for BGA clubs that have motor gliders (MGs) operating from their sites and for the pilots and owners of...
View DocumentBGA Navigation and Airspace Awareness Training Guidance
This document forms the basis of a formal training scheme for navigation training within the BGA syllabus.
View DocumentBGA Post-Instructor Course Review
Description and syllabus of the BGA Post-Instructor Course Review
View DocumentBGA Regions
List dated Apr 20
View DocumentBGA Training Organisation and Instructor Guidance Notes
This publication is designed to support BGA instructors with appropriate guidance as a helpful companion to the BGA Instructor Manual
View DocumentBGA Waypoint List
The current BGA Waypoint list. Link to external site containing the definitive list of BGA Turning Points (Waypoints) Waypoints are...
View DocumentBreaking the Site Barrier
S&G Article on breaking away from local flying
View DocumentBritish Aerobatic Association (BAeA)
Link to BAeA web site
View DocumentBronze & Beyond
Recommended pre-Bronze endorsement reading. Link to shop.
View DocumentBronze Theoretical Study Guide
Syllabus for BGA Bronze Endorsement Theoretical Knowledge
View DocumentClass D Airspace - R/T Example
Example of a typical radio interchange for a glider wishing to crosss Class D airspace
View DocumentConverting aeroplane pilots to gliding - a guide for gliding instructors
Guide to support gliding instructors.
View DocumentDeaf Pilots UK
A web site for all deaf/hard of hearing people interested in flying.
View DocumentDeregulation of Single Seat Microlight Aeroplanes
Briefing note re re CAA exemption for deregulation of single-seat microlights under 300kg
View DocumentDistress and Diversion Cell cell c/s "London Centre" on 121.5 - see this link for the D & D leaflet
Leaflet about the D&D Cell on 121.5
View DocumentEurofox Towing Evaluation
Report by BGA Chief Tug Pilot
View DocumentFAI Distance Calculator
View DocumentField Crops - for Glider Pilots
Website describing and showing photographs from the air of 9 different crops and discussing their suitability or otherwise for field...
View DocumentField Landing Tutorial - Chapter 1
Introduction; The process of field selection; Size, slope, surface
View DocumentField Landing Tutorial - Chapter 2
Obstacles on the approach; The effect of wind; The biggest is not always the best!
View DocumentField Landing Tutorial - Chapter 3
Chapter 3 - Slope: identifying and dealing with it...
View DocumentField Landing Tutorial - Chapter 4
Surface, early spring to mid-season; What's growing, can we land on it?; Winter and spring cereal crops; Tram-lines and tractor...
View DocumentField Landing Tutorial - Chapter 5
Grass for silage, hay and pasture.
View DocumentField Landing Tutorial - Chapter 6
Horses, stud farms and gallops; Sheep; Cattle and stock-fences; Identifying fences and avoiding landing across colour changes
View DocumentField Landing Tutorial - Chapter 7
Overhead wires; Spotting the poles; Approaching harvest
View DocumentField Landing Tutorial - Chapter 8
Harvest time, stubble and straw; Random tractor tracks; Land along the direction of cut; After the harvest; Happy landings
View DocumentField Landing Tutorial - Entire Video
Field Landing Tutorial produced by the Ted Lysakowsky Trust
View DocumentFlying in French National Parks
FFVV briefing for pilots planning to fly in French national parks
View DocumentFull Instructor Test Record
Everything you need for the Full Rating test
View DocumentGetting to the Core of Clouds
S&G Article - John Coutts offers tips on improving thermalling
View DocumentGetting Your Soaring Up To Speed
S&G Article- Jay Rebbeck explains why slower can be faster
View DocumentGliding - Theory of Flight
BGA Manual. Recommended reading for all pilots and instructors. Link to shop.
View DocumentGliding in France
Information about gliding in France
View DocumentGliding in the Alps - Links
Useful links for pilots considering flying in Sisteron or in the Alps
View DocumentGliding navigation and field landing training record card
View DocumentGliding Record Claim Form
BGA and FAI claims should be made using the forms supplied by the IGC - link supplied. There are seperate...
View DocumentGliding terms and definitions guide
Guidance for instructors and student pilots where English is a second language.
View DocumentGliding Training Progress Record Card (excluding navigation and field landing)
We suggest adapting the record card for club use, ensuring no exercises from the syllabus are missed. The word document...
View DocumentGoing Further and Faster
S&G Article - Pete Masson offers tips on improving your cross-country speed
View DocumentGuidance - After a Field Landing
BGA guidance for glider pilots on what to do after a field landing
View DocumentHow To Enjoy Your First Gliding Competition
S&G Article - Andy Davis draws on the team training programme and his own experience for tips to help you
View DocumentHow to Fly Longer Distances
S&G Article - Ian Baker shares 7 success factors
View DocumentHow to Share a Thermal
S&G Article - Simon Adlard offers advice on keeping station in a thermal
View DocumentHow to Thermal Better
S&G Article - Jay Rebbeck advises on how to use a thermal
View DocumentIFP and course coach resources
Information and guidance for pilots and coaches involved in IFP training
View DocumentIGC Approved Flight Recorders
Links to FAI web site
View DocumentIGC Document Library
Links to various IGC documents, including Sporting Code Annexes, records, awards, etc
View DocumentIGC GNSS Flight Recorder Approval Committee
Lists approved devices (flight recorders and position recorders) and other useful information
View DocumentInformation for Chief Flying Instructors
This guide aims to address the organisational and flying responsibilities of being a CFI. It also contains ideas on how...
View DocumentInstructional Flights: How to Make the Most of Them
S&G Article - Debb Evans has some tips fpr making the most of your instructional flights
View DocumentInstructor reference cards
View DocumentIntroductory Flight Pilot - course programme and record of training
BGA Introductory Flight Pilot (IFP) endorsement course programme and record of training.
View DocumentLAA Pilot Refresher
Guidance for those about to spend an hour with an instructor for class rating revalidation purposes
View DocumentLearning to Soar Slopes
S&G Article - Don Puttock offers advice on how to exploit hills
View DocumentLessons and Disabilities
Advice for Instructors - Gliding Lessons Involving People with Disabilities
View DocumentLetter (M Fox) to instructors re stall/spin training
View DocumentMaking the Most of the South Downs
A presentation that aims to introduce ridge soaring to pilots of all levels
View DocumentManaging partial power failure
An Australian ATSB publication re managing partial power loss after takeoff in single-engine aircraft
View DocumentNCO SPEC sailplane towing generic risk assessment and checklist
Applicable to sailplane towing with EASA aeroplanes and TMG's
View DocumentPilot briefing topics
Topics that could be used during a pre-flight briefing of inexperienced pilots
View DocumentPlanning Sheet
A planning sheet to help pilots map out their gliding goals
View DocumentPrepare for Some Fun
S&G Article - Debb Evans offers some tips for a successful early cross-country flight
View DocumentPreparing for the BGA BI course - notes for coaches and candidates
View DocumentRASP demystified and other guidance
View DocumentReading the Sky Ahead
S&G Article - Jay Rebbeck advises on how to improve decision making
View DocumentRotax 914 operating guidance
LAA article by Francis Donaldson
View DocumentSafe Winch Launching Videos with Subtitles
Safe winch launching videos, february 2014
View DocumentSearching the Sky
S&G Article - Jay Rebbeck explains how to pick the racing line
View DocumentSFCL Flight Examiner Handbook
SFCL Flight Examiner Handbook Please note - this publication is subject to periodic updates. It is recommended that users only...
View DocumentSoaring and airspace - the glider pilots perspective
An education piece about how glider pilots stay airborne.
View DocumentSolo Endorsement and Gliding Certificate Application Form
Application for the solo endorsement and gliding certificate
View DocumentSowing the seeds of success - S&G
S&G article describing how coaching pilots can grow success
View DocumentSpeed to Fly Calculator
An Excel spreadsheet that will calculate the theoretical speed to fly for any glider under any set of specific situations
View DocumentTakeover Control Guidance
BGA safety briefing describing takeover control guidance
View DocumentThe BGA Training Organisation
The BGA Flight Training Organisation explained
View DocumentThermal, ridge and wave soaring techniques and safety
The FAA publication describing thermal, ridge and wave soaring techniques and safety considerations. Source URL also supplied.
View DocumentThermalling secrets of success - S&G article
S&G article describing how to fly cross country more successfully through improved thermalling
View DocumentTraining News - Issue 1
BGA Training News - June 2014
View DocumentTraining News - Issue 2
BGA Training News - August 2014
View DocumentTraining News - Issue 3
BGA Training Organisation News - May 2015
View DocumentTraining News - Issue 4
BGA Training Organisation News - September 2015
View DocumentTraining News - Issue 5
BGA Training News - August 2016
View DocumentTraining News - Issue 6
BGA Training News - Spring 2017
View DocumentTraining News - Issue 7
View DocumentTraining news issue 10 Oct 2021
View DocumentTrigger Points and Feeders
S&G Article - Justin Needham's experience of hang-gliding has led him to devote serious thought to thermal triggers and feeders
View DocumentTurning Point Calculator
View DocumentTurning Point Information
View DocumentTurning Point Search Tool
View DocumentUse of UL91
Guidance for operators considering use of Unleaded AVGAS UL91
View DocumentUse the Others to Climb
S&G Article - Simon Adlard explains how to exploit company in your thermal
View DocumentVisual Reference Points (VRPs)
A list of VRPs - not definitive
View DocumentWalking on Air
A charity enabling people with disabilities to glide
View DocumentWorldwide Soaring Turnpoint Exchange
Links to turning point files from around the world
View Document