News and Notices

Sailplane GP at Lasham - coming soon!

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Three weeks to go until the Sailplane Grand Prix arrives in the UK.       The Grand Prix always brings together some of the best pilots, aircraft and competition flying – join the fun at Lasham or watch online! The Lasham SGP is supported by some great sponsors including…

Restriction of Flying - Saltby 22-25 May

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A restriction of flying has been notified for an aerobatic competition at Saltby on the 22-25 May 2026. You can read the detail in AIC M 040/2026 here.  

Flying in gliding competitions

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The BGA publication ‘Managing flying risk – flying in gliding competitions’ is useful reading for any cross-country pilot. You can view the webpage here.  

Vanoise National Park

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We have been asked to pass on to UK pilots who are flying or intend to fly in the S French Alps important information supplied by the FFVP regarding soaring in the Vanoise National Park. You can read the information here (which has been reformatted from an email). Further details…

Another new UK record!

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We’re delighted to highlight that on 19th April 2026 Jan McCoshim flying an LS8-18 (15m) launched from Dunstable set a new UK feminine Open, 20m, 15m and Standard Class 200km triangle speed record at 107.85kmh. The previous records in all classes were 104.94km/h set by the late Kay Draper in…

A reminder for LAPL(A) users

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Pilots who fly using a LAPL(A) (e.g. some tug pilots) are reminded that they must comply with FCL.740.A by the 1st October 2026. Pilots must have transitioned their rating to a fixed 24-month validity by this date and had their licence endorsed. Failure to do so would mean the pilot would…

Energy absorbing cushions

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A quote from a pilot: ‘Flying doesn’t always go as planned and whether it’s your own mistake or a circumstantial one, having a properly specified energy absorbing seat cushion installed is as vital as wearing a parachute. I didn’t have one and my consultant estimated that my recovery time would…

Safe shared airspace - avoiding active DZs

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Skydiving /  parachuting takes place at DZs identified in the AIP and on charts and temporarily elsewhere as notified by NOTAMs. To help raise the awareness of skydiving activity, the BGA has liaised with British Skydiving and subsequently published a glider pilot self-briefing that highlights the key issues. You can…

Use of emergency parachutes

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The BGA publishes guidance on the use of emergency parachutes, e.g. thinking ahead to aid decision making. The guidance includes a Bailout Advice video briefing by G Dale, a highly experienced soaring coach who has experienced an emergency bailout following a mid-air collision. The guidance is published under ‘Emergency’ on…

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