Flying cross-country or even locally in some parts of the UK without a moving map can be extremely challenging from an airspace perspective. Which is why most glider pilots fly with a GPS moving map with audible and visual warnings etc. Like all technology, to be effective and safe a…

Pilots are reminded of the need to ensure that they are medically fit to fly. Where flying using SFCL or FCL or UK/NPPL pilot licence privileges, pilots are reminded that they must comply with regulated medical requirements, eg the CAA PMD or medical certificate requirements. BGA medical information is available…

Wake vortices are generated by aircraft including helicopters operating at high angle of attack, eg on takeoff and landing. Large GA aircraft can produce significant wake vortices. The heavier an aircraft, and the slower it is flying, the stronger its vortex and the greater the risk to following aircraft. The…

The BGA ‘Managing Flying Risk’ publication aims to provide pilots and clubs with guidance on how to better understand, minimise, and manage the hazards associated with gliding operations, including with powered gliders and tug aircraft. It does not replace any existing law, which should always take precedent. There is a…

Club technical officers and tug masters have been reminded that both UK Part-ML (for certified aircraft) and BCAR A3-7 (for Permit to Fly aircraft) include requirements for owners, operators, and organisations managing aircraft to review and assess both mandatory and recommended instructions for continuing airworthiness within the Aircraft Maintenance Programme…

Several airfields with ATZs in class G use instrument approach procedures. In most cases, the procedures are not obviously apparent from using a 1/2 mil VFR chart. Procedure details can be found in the AIP here under ‘Part 3 AD2 aerodromes’. Which isn’t easily accessible but can be useful information….

BGA safety briefings ‘Is your glider fit for flight?’ and the ‘2022 Accident Review’ are available as downloads and Club Safety Officers are invited to request hard copies for their club from the BGA office. Other BGA safety briefings are available here.  

All of aviation including gliding has a very low percentage of women participants. The BGA fully recognises that gliding needs to do more to increase the percentage of women participants. To help with this aspiration, some time ago the BGA appointed Yvonne Elliott as the BGA Women’s Advocate. Yvonne has…

Incomplete or incorrect rigging of gliders is a significant risk; the outcome is usually a serious injury or a fatality. The BGA has published new safety information that includes a ‘toolbox’ of suggested actions that clubs as well as pilots and owners can take to help to avoid a glider…

Failure to recognise and react promptly to a significant wing drop during a launch ground roll can result in an accident. The published advice is Start the launch with your hand on the release If you cannot keep the wings level, release IMMEDIATELY “Release IMMEDIATELY” means BEFORE the wing touches…