The Council owners of Doncaster airport have launched an Airspace Change Proposal (ACP) that proposes to reintroduce the controversial controlled airspace previously established by Doncaster-Sheffield Airport prior to its commercial failure. The ACP is at stage 1 and 2 of 7 stages. The BGA is responding to the ACP sponsors…

NATS, Edinburgh airport and Glasgow airport are consulting on several proposed airspace changes under ACP-2019-074 Future Airspace Strategy Implementation – ScTMA.  The BGA is responding to these complex interdependent proposals and supporting a response by the GA Alliance. Thanks very much to John Williams and Colin Hamilton. The consultation closes…

We are pleased to report that Ed Downham now holds the National 15m Class 100km triangle speed record following a flight launched from New Tempe, South Africa on the 4th of December 2025. Glider: JS3-TJ 15m Speed: 173.40km/h The previous record was 166.38km/h set by Bruce Cooper in Australia during…

EASA have upgraded Proposed Airworthiness Directives (PAD) in respect of DG sailplane control column pivot bearings to Airworthiness Directives. See links below for more detail. AD 2026-0009 – DG AVIATION GmbH: Flight Controls – Control Column Pivoting Bearing – Inspection. To see the details of this Publication, please click OR copy…

There have been five reported instances in the UK of Eurofox aircraft experiencing cracking in the vicinity of the welded joint between the rudder pedals and the rudder pedal torque tube, leading to the pedal no longer being rigidly attached to the torque tube. One event was potentially linked to…

The OSTIV Cockpit Crashworthiness Subgroup focuses on enhancing glider safety through research into pilot injuries sustained in aircraft accidents. By collecting and analysing injury data from crash survivors, the group identifies design improvements that can significantly reduce injury severity and save lives. This scientific approach enables glider manufacturers to implement…

Gliding has always relied on volunteers. Volunteers supply amazing expertise, enthusiasm and experience that would otherwise be unavailable. Most of the people helping at a national level to ensure that our aircraft are affordably airworthy, that our clubs and airfields are protected, and that the shared airspace we fly in…

The CAA is consulting on its draft guidance and requirements for the UK airspace design and co-ordination services. The BGA has responded to the consultations through the GA Alliance.

The Air League scholarships A reminder that The Air League scholarships opened during December and include specific gliding bursaries. Read more and apply here. RAeC Trust bursaries The closing date for RAeC Trust bursaries is the 31st December! Read more and apply here. Ted Lys Launchpoint awards The closing date for…

The BGA is actively engaged in increasing participation in gliding and our strategy includes identifying actions and implementing those actions to increase women’s participation at gliding clubs. We are looking for a volunteer Women’s Advocate who can positively influence our work including engaging with others who are promoting women’s participation…