The Air Navigation Order at Article 87 restricts glider towing to those aircraft that hold a Certificate of Airworthiness. The CAA publishes a general authorisation that allows suitable aircraft with a UK National Permit to Fly to conduct glider towing subject to specified conditions including that it only applies to…

As also reported in the aviation press, the Essex and Suffolk gliding club has announced that it is looking for a new operating base after confirming that its airfield lease expires in September 2026. The Essex and Suffolk gliding club is currently based at Wormingford Airfield (a few miles east…

The Launchpoint charitable trust has announced that they are now accepting applications for Ted Lys awards for 2025. The deadline for applications is (midnight) Sunday 12th January 2025. Ted Lys awards are for qualified glider pilots who wish to develop their gliding skills. Applicants can make a proposal to the…

Effective lookout is the primary means of avoiding collisions and situational awareness can be improved by hearing about the location of others. Pilots flying in the circuit spend a significant part of their lookout time assessing height, position and angle to the landing area. The BGA ‘collision avoidance’ webpage now includes…

We are pleased to announce that Deeside GC are now a BGA WInG endorsed club! Read more about WInG here.

Flight Recorder calibrations for use in assessing badge and record attempts and during competitions must be carried out by persons approved by the BGA who are using equipment which is also approved by the BGA. You can read more here.

The BGA is excited about our Promoting Gliding project, an initiative aimed at increasing awareness of gliding! Our goal is to attract more visitors to club websites and local airfields, ultimately welcoming new members into our clubs. Everyone associated with gliding can play a role, and we need YOUR support…

Glider owners residing outside the EU or whose equipment is not in free circulation within the EU are politely reminded that customs regulations define the maximum length of stay for aircraft, vehicles, or trailers registered in a non-EU country. For example, as highlighted by our friends at the FFVP, French…

The CAA has recently highlighted that aircraft owners are responsible for correct registration markings including following maintenance or repainting. Aircraft markings and placards should be checked during the physical survey for the Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) or National Airworthiness Review Certificate (NARC) recommendation, as required during the ARC/NARC Renewal process,…

The CAA has published a new safety sense leaflet on the topic of carbon monoxide safety. You can view the leaflet here.