Advice on Flying Rated Competitions

Mike Fox gives advice in the BGA briefing for pilots flying in their first rated competition.

Aerobatic Rating Progress Sheet

Aerobatic Training Progress Sheet Cover

Aerobility

Aerobility is a registered charity founded in 1993 offering disabled people, without exception, the opportunity to fly an aeroplane.

Aerotow - Gliding Basics

Elementary gliding theory for student pilots

Aerotow Performance

Safety Briefing highlighting the factors affecting aerotow take-off performance - for consideration by glider pilots and tug pilots.

Aerotowing Guidance Notes

Aerotowing good practice guidelines

Air Traffic Services Outside Controlled Airspace (ATSOCAS) interactive guide

About air traffic services

Annex 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...

Application to the CAA for an SPL / LAPL(S) TMG extension (on completion of the BGA DTO course)

Application to the CAA for a TMG extension to a Sailplane Pilot Licence or Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (Sailplanes) following...

Approach and Landing - Gliding Basics

Elementary gliding theory for student pilots

Before you leave the ground - Gliding Basics

Elementary gliding theory for student pilots

BGA 1000km Trophy

Rules and requirements for the BGA 1000km Trophy

BGA Advanced Gliding Training Notes

BGA Basic Instructor Course Information & Record

Everything you need to know about becoming a Basic Instructor

BGA Examining Standards

The BGA Examining Standards booklet is a complete guide to all BGA Full Rated Instructors and Examiners when carrying out...

BGA Flight Examiner Handbook (EASA version)

BGA Flight Examiner Handbook addressing FCL examiner standards

BGA Full Rating Assessment Booklet

For use leading up to and during a BGA Full Rating assessment.

BGA Gliding Syllabus

Solo, Bronze, and Cross Country Endorsements to the Gliding Certificate

BGA Ground Training Progress Record Card

BGA Ground Training Progress Record Card for use by clubs.

BGA Instructor Manual

The latest edition of the BGA Instructor Manual. This is the complete document - individual sections can also be downloaded...

BGA Instructor Manual - Addenda and Revisions

BGA Instructor Manual, section 1-1

Introduction and Giving Your Best as an Instructor

BGA Instructor Manual, section 1-2

Ground Handling

BGA Instructor Manual, section 1-3

How to Read a Logbook

BGA Instructor Manual, section 1-4

Checklists

BGA Instructor Manual, section 1-5

Lookout

BGA Instructor Manual, section 1-6

Airmanship and Threat Management

BGA Instructor Manual, section 2-10

Turning

BGA Instructor Manual, section 2-11

Airbrakes and Spoilers

BGA Instructor Manual, section 2-12

Approach Control

BGA Instructor Manual, section 2-13

Landing

BGA Instructor Manual, section 2-7

Effects of Controls

BGA Instructor Manual, section 2-8

Use of the Trimmer

BGA Instructor Manual, section 2-9

The Straight Glide

BGA Instructor Manual, section 3-14

Circuit Planning, part 1

BGA Instructor Manual, section 3-15

Circuit Planning, part 2

BGA Instructor Manual, section 4-16

Wire Launching

BGA Instructor Manual, section 4-17

Aerotow Launching

BGA Instructor Manual, section 5-18

Stalling

BGA Instructor Manual, section 5-19

Spinning and Spiral Dives

BGA Instructor Manual, section 6-20

First Solo

BGA Instructor Manual, section 6-21

Flaps

BGA Instructor Manual, section 6-22

Type Conversion

BGA Instructor Manual, section 6-23

Solo Supervision

BGA Instructor Manual, section 6-24

Thermalling

BGA Instructor Manual, section 7-25

Navigation

BGA Instructor Manual, section 7-26

Radio Telephony (RT)

BGA Instructor Manual, section 7-27

Meteorology and Instructing

BGA Instructor Manual, section 7-28

Aerobatic Training

BGA Instructor Manual, section 8-29

Conduct of Trial Lessons

BGA Instructor Manual, section 8-30

Instructor Patter Notes

BGA Instructor Manual, section 8-31

Rigging, Derigging and Daily Inspection

BGA Instructor Manual, section 9-32

The BGA Training Organisation and BGA Instructor Guidance Notes

BGA Instructor Year 3 Check Notes

Suggested content of 3 year checks for BGA Assistant and Full rated instructors

BGA Instructor Year 5 Refresher Notes

Recommended content of 5 year refresher for BGA Assistant and Full rated instructors

BGA Modular FI Training Handbook

BGA Flight Instructor Programme and Record of Training

BGA Motor Glider Handbook

Guidance for BGA clubs that have motor gliders (MGs) operating from their sites and for the pilots and owners of...

BGA Navigation and Airspace Awareness Training Guidance

This document forms the basis of a formal training scheme for navigation training within the BGA syllabus.

BGA Post-Instructor Course Review

Description and syllabus of the BGA Post-Instructor Course Review

BGA Recommended Sailplane Towing Syllabus

The BGA recommended sailplane towing syllabus is contained within the BGA Sailplane Towing Course Programme linked here.

BGA Regions

List dated Apr 20

BGA 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

BGA Waypoint List

The current BGA Waypoint list. Link to external site containing the definitive list of BGA Turning Points (Waypoints) Waypoints are...

Breaking the Site Barrier

S&G Article on breaking away from local flying

British Aerobatic Association (BAeA)

Link to BAeA web site

British Junior Gliding Team Update April - May 17

The first in a series of British Junior Gliding Team Newsletters aiming to provide an insight into preparations to fly...

Bronze & Beyond

Recommended pre-Bronze endorsement reading. Link to shop.

Bronze Theoretical Study Guide

Syllabus for BGA Bronze Endorsement Theoretical Knowledge

CAP 1434: UK Flight Information Services: Guidance from the CAA

CAP 737 - Flightcrew human factors handbook

CAA publication describing providing guidance on crew resource management including situational awareness

CAP804 - Flight Crew Licensing

The UK requirements for pilot licensing and a guide to the new European Flight Crew Licensing requirements.

Class D Airspace - R/T Example

Example of a typical radio interchange for a glider wishing to crosss Class D airspace

Conduct of Field Landing Training

Guidance to instructors who conduct field landing training in Motor Gliders.

Converting aeroplane pilots to gliding - a guide for gliding instructors

Guide to support gliding instructors.

Cross-Country and Airspace Guidance

Laws and Rules Cross Country and Airspace Guidance

Deaf Pilots UK

A web site for all deaf/hard of hearing people interested in flying.

Deregulation of Single Seat Microlight Aeroplanes

Briefing note re re CAA exemption for deregulation of single-seat microlights under 300kg

Distress 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

EASA medical requirements

Effects of Controls - Gliding Basics

Elementary gliding theory for student pilots

Eurofox Towing Evaluation

Report by BGA Chief Tug Pilot

Examining Guidance

Laws and Rules Examining and Assessing Pilots and Instructors Guidance

FAI Distance Calculator

FAI Sporting Code Section 3 - Gliding

FAI sporting code section 3 - gliding updated Oct 17

FI(S) Refresher Seminar Application

Part FCL FI(S) refresher seminar application form - BGA ATO GBR.ATO.0446

Field Crops - for Glider Pilots

Website describing and showing photographs from the air of 9 different crops and discussing their suitability or otherwise for field...

Field Landing Tutorial - Chapter 1

Introduction; The process of field selection; Size, slope, surface

Field Landing Tutorial - Chapter 2

Obstacles on the approach; The effect of wind; The biggest is not always the best!

Field Landing Tutorial - Chapter 3

Chapter 3 - Slope: identifying and dealing with it...

Field 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...

Field Landing Tutorial - Chapter 5

Grass for silage, hay and pasture.

Field Landing Tutorial - Chapter 6

Horses, stud farms and gallops; Sheep; Cattle and stock-fences; Identifying fences and avoiding landing across colour changes

Field Landing Tutorial - Chapter 7

Overhead wires; Spotting the poles; Approaching harvest

Field Landing Tutorial - Chapter 8

Harvest time, stubble and straw; Random tractor tracks; Land along the direction of cut; After the harvest; Happy landings

Field Landing Tutorial - Entire Video

Field Landing Tutorial produced by the Ted Lysakowsky Trust

Flight Training Progress Record Card

We suggest printing this training record card using 'Fit Page' and 'Booklet Printing' settings.

Flying in French National Parks

FFVV briefing for pilots planning to fly in French national parks

Full Instructor Test Record

Everything you need for the Full Rating test

Getting to the Core of Clouds

S&G Article - John Coutts offers tips on improving thermalling

Getting Your Soaring Up To Speed

S&G Article- Jay Rebbeck explains why slower can be faster

GliderFX Glider Aerobatics Display Team

Gliding - Theory of Flight

BGA Manual. Recommended reading for all pilots and instructors. Link to shop.

Gliding Aerobatics Badge Requirements

Laws and Rules Aerobatics Badge Requirements

Gliding in France

Information about gliding in France

Gliding in the Alps - Links

Useful links for pilots considering flying in Sisteron or in the Alps

Gliding Record Claim Form

BGA and FAI claims should be made using the forms supplied by the IGC - link supplied. There are seperate...

Gliding terms and definitions guide

Guidance for instructors and student pilots where English is a second language.

Going Further and Faster

S&G Article - Pete Masson offers tips on improving your cross-country speed

Guidance - After a Field Landing

BGA guidance for glider pilots on what to do after a field landing

Hon Co of Air Pilots/ BGA Gliding Instructor Bursary Application

Young instructor bursary details and application form

How 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

How to Fly Longer Distances

S&G Article - Ian Baker shares 7 success factors

How to Share a Thermal

S&G Article - Simon Adlard offers advice on keeping station in a thermal

How to Thermal Better

S&G Article - Jay Rebbeck advises on how to use a thermal

Human Factors for Glider Pilots - Guidance

IGC Approved Flight Recorders

Links to FAI web site

IGC Document Library

Links to various IGC documents, including Sporting Code Annexes, records, awards, etc

IGC GNSS Flight Recorder Approval Committee

Lists approved devices (flight recorders and position recorders) and other useful information

Information for Chief Flying Instructors

This guide aims to address the organisational and flying responsibilities of being a CFI. It also contains ideas on how...

Instructional Flights: How to Make the Most of Them

S&G Article - Debb Evans has some tips fpr making the most of your instructional flights

Instructor reference cards

Instructor Requirements

PLEASE NOTE - Due to the COVID19 restrictions, the BGA has issued: - modified BGA instructor (Basic, Assistant and Full)...

Instructor Revalidation During the Opt Out from EASA Part FCL

A summary of the transition arrangements for instructor rating revalidation during the period of opt-out from EASA FCL.

Introductory and passenger flights

Laws and Rules Introductory and Passenger Flights Requirements Summary

Introductory Flight Pilot - Course Booklet and Record of Training

BGA Introductory Flight Pilot (IFP) endorsement course detail and record of training

LAA Pilot Refresher

Guidance for those about to spend an hour with an instructor for class rating revalidation purposes

Learning to Soar Slopes

S&G Article - Don Puttock offers advice on how to exploit hills

Lessons and Disabilities

Advice for Instructors - Gliding Lessons Involving People with Disabilities

Letter (M Fox) to instructors re stall/spin training

Lookout - Gliding Basics

Elementary gliding theory for student pilots

Making the Most of the South Downs

A presentation that aims to introduce ridge soaring to pilots of all levels

Managing Flying Risk

Laws and Rules Managing Flying Risk guidance for ALL pilots Updated July 2020

Managing partial power failure

An Australian ATSB publication re managing partial power loss after takeoff in single-engine aircraft

NATS AIS website

Aeronautical information published by NATS

NCO SPEC sailplane towing generic risk assessment and checklist

Applicable to sailplane towing with EASA aeroplanes and TMG's

Passenger to Pilot

'Gliding - Passenger to Pilot'. Recommended pilot theroretical knowledge training manual linked from the BGA shop

Pilot briefing topics

Topics that could be used during a pre-flight briefing of inexperienced pilots

Planning Sheet

A planning sheet to help pilots map out their gliding goals

Prepare for Some Fun

S&G Article - Debb Evans offers some tips for a successful early cross-country flight

Preparing for the BGA BI course - notes for coaches and candidates

Qualifying to fly self launching gliders

BGA guidance on self-launch training requirements updated in Aug 17

RASP demystified and other guidance

Reading the Sky Ahead

S&G Article - Jay Rebbeck advises on how to improve decision making

Regional Examiner - Role Description

Rotax 914 operating guidance

LAA article by Francis Donaldson

Safe Winch Launching Videos with Subtitles

Safe winch launching videos, february 2014

Searching the Sky

S&G Article - Jay Rebbeck explains how to pick the racing line

Senior Regional Examiner Role Description

Shortened Part NCO

Containing Annex VII as applicable to operation of aeroplanes and TMG's

Soaring and airspace - the glider pilots perspective

An education piece about how glider pilots stay airborne.

Solo Endorsement and Gliding Certificate Application Form

Application for the solo endorsement and gliding certificate

Sowing the seeds of success - S&G

S&G article describing how coaching pilots can grow success

Speed to Fly Calculator

An Excel spreadsheet that will calculate the theoretical speed to fly for any glider under any set of specific situations

Spinning - Gliding Basics

Elementary gliding theory for student pilots

Stalling - Gliding Basics

Elementary gliding theory for student pilots

Takeover Control Guidance

BGA safety briefing describing takeover control guidance

The BGA Training Organisation

The BGA Flight Training Organisation explained

The Circuit - Gliding Basics

Elementary gliding theory for student pilots

The Glider and its Components - Gliding Basics

Elementary gliding theory for student pilots

The Straight Glide - Gliding Basics

Elementary gliding theory for student pilots

The Vintage Glider Club (VGC)

Vintage glider club web site

Thermal, ridge and wave soaring techniques and safety

The FAA publication describing thermal, ridge and wave soaring techniques and safety considerations. Source URL also supplied.

Thermalling secrets of success - S&G article

S&G article describing how to fly cross country more successfully through improved thermalling

Training News - Issue 1

BGA Training News - June 2014

Training News - Issue 2

BGA Training News - August 2014

Training News - Issue 3

BGA Training Organisation News - May 2015

Training News - Issue 4

BGA Training Organisation News - September 2015

Training News - Issue 5

BGA Training News - August 2016

Training News - Issue 6

BGA Training News - Spring 2017

Training News - Issue 7

Trigger 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

Turning - Gliding Basics

Elementary gliding theory for student pilots

Turning Point Calculator

Turning Point Search Tool

Turning Poiont Information

UK Aeronautical Information Package (UKAIP)

Use of UL31

Guidance for operators considering use of Unleaded AVGAS UL91

Use the Others to Climb

S&G Article - Simon Adlard explains how to exploit company in your thermal

VFR Chart Publication Dates

Visual Reference Points (VRPs)

A list of VRPs - not definitive

Walking on Air

A charity enabling people with disabilities to glide

What makes a glider fly? - Gliding Basics

Elementary gliding theory for student pilots

Winch Launch - Gliding Basics

Elementary gliding theory for student pilots

Worldwide Soaring Turnpoint Exchange

Links to turning point files from around the world