The BGA has received a report of an SZD 54 Perkoz that has suffered an airbrake torque tube failure on the ground. Perkoz owners have been contacted by the BGA, including an instruction to check before next flight that the air brake torque tube complies with a specific AD. If…

A CAA exemption is expected during September 2025 that will permit use of a Pilot Medical Declaration (PMD) by student pilots flying solo in Part 21 aircraft after 30th September 2025. As previously advised, student pilots are encouraged to obtain a CAA Pilot Medical Declaration without delay. There is guidance…

A CASC club was recently challenged by their fuel supplier as to whether they should be using red diesel. Clarification was sought from HMRC who confirmed that red diesel can be for vehicles operating on land maintained by a CASC and moreover that this is not confined to airfield maintenance activities and so also…

Restriction of Flying Regulations have been established for a glider aerobatics contest at Saltby, Grantham, between 12 September 2025 and 14 September 2025. Details by NOTAM and in Briefing Sheet 051/2025 on the NATS website.

The CAA aeroplane licensing simplification project has resulted in changes that will come into force from 1st October 2025. Several changes have recently been briefed by the CAA that may be of interest to current and future tug pilots and include: The sailplane towing rating will be removed from UK…

The BGA has updated its published guidance ‘Trailer Requirements’ to reflect a change in EU law that requires all trailers (whether commercial use or non-commercial) of a gross weight greater than 750kg to be registered if travelling to Europe (except Ireland, Cyprus, Malta and Spain). DfT guidance on the topic will…

The vote to select the Team to represent Great Britain at the 40th World Gliding Championships 18m, 20m, and Open classes at Częstochowa, Poland will open on 8th September 2025 and will run up to and including the 21st August. Once again, the voting will take place via votingplace.net, a…

Please note that due to a significant temporary workload, during September the BGA office phones will not be attended from 3pm each day.  

An FI(S) refresher seminar (a part of the FI(S) rolling recency requirement) has been added for 23/24 September 2025. You can find details about the seminar and book here. 

All glider pilots who fly cross-country should read this news item which includes a link to the UK Airprox Board’s report. On the 8th Apr 2025 at 4nm west of Ely in East Anglia, a JS1 and a KC135 (an airline sized tanker aircraft) that were flying in class G…