Rolling recency

The Sailplane Pilot Licence and associated instructor certificates are lifetime qualifications that are valid subject to rolling recency requirements. Please refer to SFCL for full details, including how to re-establish rolling recency where required. The following guidance is provided as a quick reference and includes links to the SFCL requirements.

Recency requirements are minimum legal requirements. The BGA also recommends all pilots and instructors refer to currency guidance, which should always be considered. As routinely noted by the BGA, clubs can of course require additional requirements as appropriate to their operation.

SPL

The SPL is subject to rolling recency – SFCL.160 refers

The quoted 24-month period should be counted from the last day of the month in which the respective training flight took place.

Don’t forget:

Where SPL TMG privileges are being used, the specific requirements for SPL TMG rolling recency apply – SFCL.160 refers

BI(S)

The BI(S) certificate is subject to rolling recency – SFCL.365 refers

Don’t forget:

  • SPL rolling recency needs to be valid
  • launch type recency
  • medical validity

FI(S)

The FI(S) certificate is subject to rolling recency – SFCL.360 refers

Don’t forget:

  • SPL rolling recency needs to be valid
  • launch type recency
  • medical validity

FE(S)

The FE(S) authorisation is valid for five years – SFCL.460 refers.

Don’t forget:

  • SPL and FI(S) rolling recency need to be valid
  • launch type recency
  • medical validity

90-day recency for passenger carrying

The 90-day rolling recency requirement for carrying passengers described at SFCL.160(e)

The 90-day requirement aims to protect the occupant of the second seat in a glider through the PIC having adequate experience in the last 90-days, including take-offs/launches and landings.

Solo flying or passenger carrying experience counts towards meeting the 90-day recency for passenger carrying.

Dual flying experience that is not passenger carrying, for example an SPL holder pilot in command flying with another qualified pilot designated as crew in accordance with SAO.GEN.135 including AMC and GM, may count towards meeting the PIC’s 90-day recency for passenger carrying. Note the key point about take-off and landing practice.

Dual instruction by a BI(S) or FI(S) with a student pilot which is not passenger flying, may count towards meeting the PIC’s 90-day recency for passenger carrying. Note the key point about take-off and landing practice.

BGA February 2026