News and Notices

'Point Blank' military flying exercise - January and February 2026

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A military flying exercise involving up to 90 aircraft is expected to take place in northern England and the Scottish borders during 26-29th January 2026 and 2-5th February 2026, as detailed in CAA Airspace Co-ordination Notice AR-2025-8163. ACN AR-2025-8163 can be viewed here

Next Generation Inspector Part66L roadshows

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The ‘Next Generation Inspector’ initiative is focussed on developing and delivering theoretical knowledge guidance and online training, as well as encouraging and informing practical experience supported by existing inspectors and clubs. Several information roadshows have taken place at BGA clubs that are open to all. There are more planned, including…

Doncaster Sheffield Airport airspace change proposal

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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…

ScTMA ACP stage 3 consultation

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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…

National 15m Class 100km triangle speed record

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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…

DG sailplanes - Airworthiness Directives

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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…

Mandatory Permit Directive 2026-002-E - Eurofox aircraft

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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…

Cockpit crashworthiness

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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…

Supporting gliding as a volunteer

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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…

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