News and Notices

BGA publications and forms

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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…

Altimeter setting and airspace

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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….

Report suspicious behaviour at airfields

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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…

K21 loose article risk - centre section bulkhead plate

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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…

Is your glider fit for flight?

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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?

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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…

BGA Instructor Reference Cards

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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…

'Any Gliding Club' Club Operations Manual'

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The BGA offers a risk management review service to gliding clubs.  Experience from facilitating the reviews has identified a potential need for a draft club document that describes to its members how as far as reasonably practicable it has an integrated approach to operating standards. A draft manual has been…

Canopy Care

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Whilst appearing to be strong, canopy transparencies are easily damaged. Once broken, canopies are difficult and expensive to repair or replace. There are a few basic precautions that can help us avoid canopy mishaps, particularly as we experience stronger winds during the autumn and winter: – Canopies should not be…

Get weaving...

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Some towing aircraft with tail wheels suffer from limited forward visibility. So it’s important to gently weave these aircraft to clear the path ahead. If in doubt, stop and check. Never assume the path is clear.    

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