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…

The BGA receives a steady trickle of reports of gliders being damaged when tow-out gear fails or becomes detached. Fittings can sustain damage or are allowed to deteriorate, which reduces their strength and durability. Now’s a great time to check to the structures and fittings for damage, wear and distortion,…

The Air League gliding scholarships offer opportunities for training to solo, pilot development and motor glider conversion. You read the detail and apply here.

The BGA periodically updates its publications and forms. In doing so, each document is also reviewed for accuracy, clarity and brevity. Where an error is identified by a user of a BGA publication or form, we would be grateful if the BGA office could be advised so that the issue…

The French authorities have published a report into a 2019 infringement of class D airspace in France by a D-registered Nimbus 3DT that resulted in an airprox with a proximity of between 30m and 100m with an HB-registered Challenger bizjet.  The Challenger crew spotted the glider and turned to avoid….

Many GA airfields enjoy a positive professional relationship with local enforcement agencies and Border Force regional teams. As an entry point into the UK, airfields can provide a valuable resource to local law enforcement agencies on spotting and reporting the early signs of any suspicious activity. Airfields should familiarise themselves…

A recent occurrence report submitted to the BGA noted how an object dropped behind the main spar tunnel in a K21. There is an option on new build gliders, and Schleicher will supply the kit, to fit a bulkhead cover plate. The attached photo, supplied by Lasham GS, shows the…

The BGA Safety Leaflet ‘Is your glider fit for flight?’ was first published in 2015, updated in 2018, and further updated in January 2023. All glider pilots are encouraged to read the leaflet which can be viewed here.

New to gliding? An unfamiliar environment can take a while to adjust to and can be a bit overwhelming. Your club should help you understand how the club operates and what you need to do to take part and stay safe. The BGA provides a wide range of gliding information…

Effective instruction is really important. Even the very best instructors can’t always recall the detail of an exercise they haven’t taught for a while. The BGA Instructor Reference Cards are available as a pdf download that has been optimised for use on phones and tablets. Anyone can either open the…