BGA Gliding Syllabus

The requirements for the BGA Solo Certificate and Endorsements are detailed in Laws and Rules on the BGA website. The required standards are described in the BGA Examiner Standards publication.

The BGA gliding syllabus prepares new glider pilots initially for first solo flight and subsequent supervised solo flying and moves on to post solo training that prepares new pilots for qualification under the Bronze Endorsement and Cross-Country Endorsement.
The syllabus describes theoretical knowledge and flight training element. It is expected that elements of theoretical knowledge are developed with student pilots during their flight training experience.

Student pilots are formally tested on theoretical knowledge ahead of completing the Bronze endorsement. Student pilot rules of the air and local airspace knowledge is assessed prior to first solo.

Flight training should be recorded on a suitable training record with additional detail describing progress recorded in the student pilot’s logbook. The BGA publishes recommended training record cards as word and pdf documents for downloading and use by clubs. Hard copies can be requested from the BGA office.

All student pilots are encouraged to obtain a copy of the BGA Student Pilot Manual.

Flight training syllabus

The following flight training exercises should be completed satisfactorily by all pilots in advance of carrying out a Bronze Endorsement flying test.

‘Pre and post-flight operations’ detail is introduced at an appropriate point in training. E.g. use of parachute and abandonment is introduced ahead of a first flight and periodically reinforced, particularly with a change in aircraft type. As the flight training progresses, the student pilot should be introduced and progressively be expected to consider and implement threat and error management techniques.

Lookout         

  • Technique & collision avoidance

Effects of Controls   

  • Effects of elevator, rudder, aileron & flaps (if required)
  • Adverse yaw
  • Speed monitoring & control
  • Co-ordination

Use of Trim   

The Straight Glide   

  • Drift, track & heading

Turning         

  • Entry, exit and maintenance
  • Slip & skid
  • Regaining a heading
  • Steeper turns

Airbrakes (and/or Spoilers)

  • Effects

Approach Control    

  • Normal
  • Undershoot
  • Overshoot

Landing         

  • Final approach
  • Round out
  • Hold off
  • Landing
  • Use of wheel brake
  • Cross wind landing

Circuit Planning       

  • Reference point
  • Height/distance/angle judgement
  • Normal circuit
  • Modified circuit
  • Effect of wind

Launching (available launch method)

  • Equipment
  • Launch speeds
  • Safe launching techniques
  • Launch failures
  • Launch abandonment

Stalling          

  • Symptoms 1G stalling
  • Accelerated stalling
  • Lack of effective elevator at stall
  • Reduced G not reliable symptom of stalling
  • Stall with wing drop

Spinning & Spiral Dives      

  • Spinning – recognition & recovery
  • Spiral dive – recognition & recovery
  • ‘Further spin’ loss of control scenarios – recognition and recovery from departure

Solo experience         

  • Including normal take-offs, circuits and landings

Steeper Turns           

  • 45+ degrees angle of bank

Soaring          

  • Safe practical conduct of thermal, wave or ridge soaring as appropriate (and required before a planned solo soaring flight)

Pre & Post Flight Operations 

Including:

  • Use of parachute and abandonment
  • Glider post assembly/rigging checks
  • Pre-flight inspection and positive control checks including recording
  • Obtaining NOTAMs
  • Recording of flight time
  • Glider ground handling/parking/storage

Navigation and Field Landing Flight Training Syllabus

An appropriate level of theoretical knowledge and practical skill must be established through training and assessment in the following subjects ahead of completing the Cross-Country Endorsement.

Navigation – flight planning  

  • Weather forecast and actual NOTAM and airspace consideration
  • Map selection and preparation
  • Route planning
  • Radio frequencies
  • Pre-flight administration
  • Mass, balance and performance
  • Alternative aerodromes
  • Safety altitudes

Navigation – in flight

  • Lookout procedures Maintaining track and rerouting considerations
  • Use of radio (where applicable) In flight planning
  • Procedures for transiting regulated airspace or ATC liaison as required
  • Uncertainty of position procedure
  • Lost procedure
  • Use of GPS moving map
  • Joining, arrival and circuit procedures at another aerodrome
  • Maximising cross-country performance
  • Risk reduction and threat reaction

Field Landing/ Outlanding

  • Gliding range
  • Decision to land out
  • Determination of wind direction
  • Field selection, suitability and hazards
  • Circuit and approach judgement
  • Considerations for landing on slope

 

Queries can be addressed to the Training Standards Manager stu@gliding.co.uk

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