As previously reported, changes to UK SFCL have been proposed that are expected to be confirmed in law later this summer. One of those changes is the inclusion of a Basic Instructor (Sailplanes) rating. The BGA sailplane pilot licence conversion application forms have been updated, approved, and republished. To help…

The Pennine Region Balloon Association is holding its annual hot air balloon event at Thirsk Racecourse (horsebox park on Newsham Road) over the weekend of the 13-15 June 2025. The PRBA has invited any local glider pilots who are not flying that day to visit the event. Their pilot briefings…

Effective immediately, two frequencies, 123.065 MHz and 123.135 MHz, have been assigned for air-to-air communication for General Aviation. These channels are intended for sharing important safety information in situations where pilots are operating without ATC or FIS support. They can be used for: sharing weather-related information coordinating formation flights flights…

Flying in a competition this year? Competitions bring together groups of like minded individuals to socialise, learn lots, compete and compare their performances when flying the same cross-country task, and all within a fairly tight set of rules that aim to ensure a level playing field. Competitions are great fun….

Professor Ulf Ringertz from Sweden has designed, built and flown a couple of interesting non-Part 21 sailplanes. You can read about them at https://nordicgliding.com/jomfruflyvning-paa-projekt-vm-vinderfly-efter-15-aar/ https://nordicgliding.com/svaevefly-paa-job-og-i-fritiden/ There is a link to an automatic translation in the first lines of the article text.  

Human factors in aviation refer to the study of how human behaviour, capabilities, and limitations affect safety and performance in aviation. Most flying occurrences and accidents include an element of human factors. This NZ study guidance is interesting. As previously highlighted, these presentations from The Gliding Centre led by a…

The UK military is progressively modernising it’s air traffic service radar equipment. The new Topsky/Star NG system that is also used by several airports provides greater processing including reduced clutter, removal of ambiguity giving a constant picture that isn’t adjustable by controllers, and many other technical/ATC related benefits. Glider pilots…

The British Human Powered Flying Club is holding the 2025 Icarus Cup competition at Lasham during June 2025. Full details are available here.

Various forms of airspace restrictions influence where and how we fly. These are either permanent in nature, in which case they are usually marked on charts; or, they might be temporary, in which case they are communicated through NOTAMs. Permanent or temporary, it is the duty of each and every…

The FAI has launched it’s FAI young artist competition theme for 2026 – ‘Fly to save lives’. Full details are available here. Anyone from a BGA gliding club who is entering the competition should submit their piece via the BGA office. Closing date to be announced.