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BGA Update

November Newsletter 13th November 2008

The BGA has now published its draft response and explanatory notes concerning the EASA consultation about its proposals for pilot licensing. These proposals, if accepted, will bring about significant changes to the way in which pilot licensing (including glider pilot licensing) is structured and managed throughout Europe.  A number of these changes will directly impact us, including potentially removing our ability to fly closer than 1.5 km horizontally or 1000' vertically from cloud above 3000', the proposed new medical examination process, the removal of an instructor rating equivalent to the Basic Instructor, and restrictions on the ability of instructors without an ICAO class 2 medical to instruct for all classes of glider pilot licences.  The BGA is encouraging all pilots to read and understand what is being proposed and appreciate the context and content of the BGA response. We hope that you will be encouraged to respond to EASA, in your own words.  The final date for submissions is 15th December 2008. Full details, including a summary of the key issues, are on the Future Licensing page on this website. 9also see below for details of a briefing being run by the RAec on 22nd November.

November Newsletter 13th November 2008

The BGA Newsletter for November has been published and is available here.

The EASA Consultation Deluge Continues 3rd November 2008

EASA has published its expected NPA 2008-22 proposals (another huge document) affecting flight training under EASA rules. The BGA is engaged with these issues and is working with the European Gliding Union and others to develop an appropriate response. The consultation closes in January 2009.

NPA 2008-17 Briefing 31stOctober 2008

The Royal Aero Club is hosting a briefing and workshop on the subject at Turweston on 22nd November (0900-1200). The briefing will help attendees to understand some of the key elements of the proposals and to be in a better position to respond to the consultation, which closes on 15th December 2008.  The proposals affect all pilots of aircraft within the scope of EASA, but the briefing will focus on the impact on pilots flying non-commercially with aeroplanes up to 2mt MTOM, light helicopters, gliders and balloons.  If you would like to attend, please Email the RAEc Secretary by 18 November. Please use an email header ‘NPA Briefing 22 Nov’. More details of the RAeC briefing are here.

BGA Conference & AGM 28th October 2008

Please note for your diary that the BGA Conference and AGM will be held on Saturday 7th March 2009 at the Hellidon Lakes Hotel near Daventry. Full details of this unmissable event which will include something for everyone in gliding will be published in due course.

DfT Consultation re Extension of EASA Remit 20th October 2008

The BGA has now responded to the Department for Transport consultation about whether the remit of EASA should be extended to include the safety or aerodromes, air traffic management and air navigation services. You can view the BGA response here.

Ofcom Radio Spectrum Pricing Consultation 14th October 2008

The BGA has responded to the current Ofcom consultation about their proposals about spectrum pricing to the maritime and aviation sectors.  These proposals, if accepted, could result in significant extra costs for clubs and glider owners. You can view the BGA response here; the Ofcom consultation documents are availabe on the Ofcom web site.

Continuing Airworthiness / Maintenance 8th October 2008

The CAA has issued exemptions (Oct 08) from Part M requirements that permits the ongoing operation of EASA gliders under existing BGA maintenance arrangements. The documents are here.

Glider Registration 6th October 2008

The CAA exemption which allowed EASA gliders to fly unregistered in the UK has now expired.  Any active EASA glider must now be UK registered, i.e. must have a G- registration. Any owner who is still unclear on this issue should review the existing advice in the EASA C of A Transition pages.

October Newsletter 1st October 2008

The BGA newsletter for October has been published and can be viewed here.

EASA Pilot Licensing Consultation UPDATE 1st October 2008

EASA has advised that the deadline for responses to the NPA (Notice of Proposed Amendment) concerning pilot licensing has been extended to 15th December 2008. The BGA is actively working on this critically important issue and asks all pilots to continue to monitor BGA news sources for the latest information. Information will appear on the Future Pilot Licensing page of this website.

ELTs in France 1st October 2008

The French DGAC (equivalent of our CAA) has issued a recommendation that all gliders flying in French airspace should carry an ELT operating on the 406MHz frequency.  The recommendation (which is a mandate for many aircraft categories) can be viewed here.

RAeS General Aviation Conference 25th September 2008

The Royal Aeronautical Society is running a general aviation conference this weekend (27/28 September) at Marshall Aerospace, Cambridge. The conference will look at the latest developments and techniques being used to design and build light aeroplanes, covering the complete range from light aircraft to microlights.  There will be ten papers given by leaders in their field.  Some are subject based, design and innovation, structures, project development and airworthiness; others will project based on recent new aircraft and engine developments, available now in the market place.  Full details are available from the RAeS website.

Fuel Duty 24th September 2008

The BGA has learned that in relation to the Energy Products Directive and a subsequent consultation that there will be no increase on the duty applied to avgas. The rate of 30.35p per litre (the EU permitted minimum) is the rate that was proposed by the GA Alliance and its members, including the BGA. Unfortunately the duty applied to diesel will be increased to 50.35p per litre. Please note that this information is subject to confirmation by HMRC.

Ofcom Consultation 21st September 2008

Ofcom is currently consulting on the application of spectrum pricing to the aeronautical sector. Ofcom are proposing that frequency use will be subject to charging. This could result in significant cost being passed on to sporting aviation. Charging for the use of a small number of VHF radio frequencies that are solely, and efficiently, used in gliding to improve situational awareness and other safety purposes is disproportional and will impact negatively on flight safety. The BGA will of course be responding and encourages others to do the same. The consultation closing date is 31st October 2008.

Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT) 19th September 2008

Pilots and operators with emergency locator transmitters (ELT) should check that they can operate on the new location frequency of 406MHz.  From 1 February 2009, ELTs tuned only to the analogue frequencies of 121.5/243MHz will no longer be picked up by the international satellite system that guides search and rescue teams.  Transmissions will only be recognised from digital beacons transmitting on 406MHz.  The new frequency will transmit an encoded message that includes a unique identifier which may include location data if the unit is connected to a global positioning system (GNSS). ICAO have initiated the changeover because of the superior capabilities of the 406MHz alerting system. The inclusion of GNSS information ensures that very accurate location of an incident is possible, thereby facilitating rescue.  New ELTs should still transmit on 121.5/243 MHz as these frequencies will continue to be used in the final homing stages of a rescue.

Safety Recommendation  18th September 2008

Following the publication of a report into a fatal accident in New Zealand, the UK AAIB has asked that we draw UK pilots’ attention to the recommendation made by the NZ CAA. The recommendation is in the accident report, available at on the NZ CAA web site.

FLARM Approval   16th September 2008

Following consultation, Ofcom has published their decisions regarding making certain radio equipment licence-exempt.  These decisions mean that the use of FLARM will be approved under the Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 2008, with effect from 1st October.

ARC Issue   16th September 2008

We are delighted to announce that the CAA are now able to issue EASA C of As and ARCs for gliders. So far about 500 have been issued and we are working with the CAA to clear the remaining backlog as soon as possible.  A number of owners who applied for transition early in 2007 should have received a transition refresh notification, following agreement from the CAA to allow these gliders to have their temporary BGA C of A renewed.  If your glider’s BGA C of A is due to expire before 31 December 2008 and you have not received a refresh notification, please contact the BGA as soon as possible.  

Parachute Theft  10th September 2008

York Gliding Centre was broken into on 6 September.  All their computers were taken and, additionally, two parachutes were stolen. One was of fairly standard design while the other was designed to fit young people having a cross-over arrangement for the straps. Both were blue and had FFF embroidered on the left shoulder strap. If anyone is offered these parachutes or if they see parachutes answering this description coming into use, please would they contact the club chairman, Keith Batty.

Salisbury Danger Area Proposed Airspace Changes 8th September 2008

The Army intend in due course to operate UAV's in the Salisbury danger areas and are currently consulting on this issue through QinetiQ. The BGA has for some time been talking to directly affected clubs as well as the agencies involved, including QinetiQ and the CAA. The Army, unfortunately, are unwilling to discuss their needs with other airspace users. There are of course detailed elements of this consultation that could have significant implications for cross country flying. Since the BGA advised the LAA of this issue, their airspace advisor is now involved in discussion as well as those from the BHPA - this is a joint effort. Clubs who are not involved but feel that they want to know more should in the first instance contact Gordon McDonald of the BGA airspace committee who can provide detailed advice. The consultation closes on the 29th September.

EASA Pilot Licensing Consultation 8th September 2008

The BGA is continuing to develop a response to the EASA consultation on flight crew licensing & medicals (NPA 17a, 17b & 17c) and is currently in discussion with European Gliding Union, Europe Airsports, as well as other organisations and agencies within the UK with a view to maximising the consistency of European responses in support of our position.  There are some very significant issues for UK gliding and it is important for the future of our sport that EASA responds to our representations.  In this respect you are encouraged before the closing date to submit personalised responses either by e-mail or using the EASA on-line Common Response Tool.   In due course you will find a summary of the BGA views on the Future Pilot Licensing page of the BGA website – there will be an announcement when the draft has been published.  The EASA licensing NPA 17 response date is currently October 15th.

EASA Airworthiness 8th September 2008

Following a major effort by the UK’s EASA-glider owners and the BGA, many owners will by now have received their EASA C of A and ARC from the BGA. Those that have not received their EASA C of A and ARC by 28th September 2008 because the CAA is catching up with its workload will of course continue to fly on their BGA C of A under a CAA general exemption until their EASA C of A and ARC arrives.

In addition, the CAA announced very recently that it has decided to opt out of the EASA option offered to EU member states that would delay the implementation of the Part M (maintenance rules) to the light end of aviation by 12 months ie to 28 September 2009. This EASA proposed delay made sense as Part M is currently going through the European legislative process again having been significantly modified following lobbying by the BGA and very many other air sport and GA organizations across Europe. How does this affect UK gliding? The BGA is continuing to work with the CAA to try to ensure that this incoming EASA driven maintenance regulation is implemented proportionally, efficiently and at minimum cost to owners and operators. Where required an exemption will apply to ensure continued airworthiness via BGA process until the right framework ie one that works for owners and clubs, is in place.

More detail will follow in due course.

September Newsletter 3rd September 2008

The BGA newsletter for September has been published and can be viewed here.

Lottery Funding Consultation 3rd September 2008

Sport England is currently consulting about how to distribute future lottery funding - currently £45m pa - to sports club projects. If you are able to, we would really appreciate you taking time to respond. The document and response form are both available from the Sport England web site.  The BGA has prepared s ome background and guidance notes. These are available here. The opportunity to respond is only open until 16th September.

RAeS EASA Forum 1st September 2008 UPDATED 3rd September ******* CANCELLED *******

Following successful events in 2006 and 2007, the Royal Aeronautical Society has arranged another EASA Forum on Wednesday, 17th September at the RAeS head-quarters at 4 Hamilton Place, London. This year the event will concentrate upon General Aviation issues.  EASA attendees will include representatives from their Rulemaking and Certification Directorates.  This event will have a similar format to previous years with brief presentations by senior EASA staff, followed by questions both submitted in advance and directly from the attendees.  More information is on the RAeS web site.

Controlled Airspace at Robin Hood Airport 23rd August 2008

A reminder that new Class D Control Zones (CTRs) and Control Areas (CTAs) will be introduced around Robin Hood Airport (Finningley) on 28 August 2008.  The 1:500000 Aeronautical Chart ‘Northern England and Northern Ireland’ (Sheet 2171AB) Edition 31, to be published on 28 August 2008, will incorporate the changes.  Details of the changes are in Aeronautical Information Circular 67/2008 (Yellow 269) dated 17 July 2008 and in AIRAC 9/2008.

British Gliding Team Manager 20th August 2008

Phil Sturley, a recently retired RAF fighter pilot and senior officer, has been appointed as the British Gliding Team manager. Phil, an experienced glider pilot and ASH26E owner, flies with the Four Counties Gliding Club. Brian Spreckley, who is standing down from the Team manager role following many highly successful and busy years, will continue to work with the Team as the Head Coach.  

RAeC Trust Bursaries 12th August 2008

The Royal Aero Club Trust has opened its Flying for Youth bursary scheme for 2009.  Each bursary, of up to £500, is available to anyone between 16 and 21 years of age wishing to progress their interest in either air sports or aviation. The closing date for applications is 31 March 2009 but, as applications need to be countersigned and submitted by the BGA, please ensure that they reach the BGA office by the start of March.  Many young glider pilots have benefited from these bursaries in previous years and they will again, this coming year, be available for a wide range of disciplines, including gliding and motor gliding.  Full details are available from the RAeC Trust web site.  We are very grateful to the Trust for once again making these bursaries available.

RAeC Awards 12th August 2008

Glider pilots featured strongly at the recent Royal Aero Club  Awards ceremony.  Awards were presented by the President of Europe Air Sports, Sir John Allison, to John Williams, the British Women’s Gliding Team, Derek Piggott, Pete Harvey, John Glossop, Jack Harrison, John Blackmore, Derek Platt, Jim O’Donnell, and Michael Bird.  In addition, the FAI Pirat Gehriger Diploma was presented to Brian Spreckley and Keith Nicholson.  Sir John made an impassioned speech about the importance of preserving the freedoms that allow air sports to flourish – a transcript is available here.

GETMET 12th August 2008

The latest edition of the pilot weather guide GETMET is now available.  It can be can be requested or downloaded from the Met Office website free of charge.  The new 2009 edition includes information for the Met Office on-line weather briefings, fax & telephone services, weather reports and en route information to help with flight planning.  GETME' also includes important information on the forthcoming TAF changes due in November.

Air League Scholarships 8th August 2008

The Air League has published the list of the 11 Gliding Scholarships that it has generously awarded for 2008 . You can see the list here. Our thanks to the Air League for continuing to support young glider pilots in this way. The League is holding a Young Members Fly-in and Gliding Day at Bicester on 30 August. This has been a great flying day in previous years - full details are available on the Air League web site.

August Newsletter 6th August 2008

The BGA newsletter for August has been published and can be viewed here.

Aerodrome Safety Consultation 31st July 2008

The DfT is consulting on an EC proposal to bring aerodrome safety into EASA’s remit. The wording in the complex documents suggests that there may be an important issue regarding the scope of the proposed regulations. It is particularly important - as the BGA pointed out in an earlier response to EASA in 2006 – that air sport sites are not caught up in well-meaning safety regulation targeting commercial air transport activity. Key to us is that the text describing the scope of the regulation should clearly state that non-commercial air transport activity sits outside the regulation. Currently, this is not clear within the available text.  The DfT and CAA are very supportive of the need to limit the scope of this regulation to commercial air transport. We are currently working on this issue and, when available, will publish information to support any members who may wish to respond personally.  The consultation closes on20th October 2008.

Laws & Rules 31st July 2008

The 16th edition of Laws & Rules has been published.  You can download a PDF copy or buy the printed version, which fits neatly in your gliding bag, price £2.50 (plus P&P) from the BGA shop or through many clubs.

UK Grand Prix 24th July 2008

The UK Qualifying Grand Prix will be held at Lasham from September 1-7. Preparations are going well and the public day is shaping up to be a fantastic day out - not just for gliding and aviation enthusiasts but for the general public as well. The public website is now live and taking bookings for free tickets and advance car parking tickets along with tickets for the evening party. Lasham's chairman, Chris Lewis, is inviting all UK pilots to come along and take part in the excitement - you can read his invitation here. Do try to be there.

Clued Up 18th July 2008

Clued Up is a new annual magazine from the CAA aimed improving safety awareness among pilots.  It contains safety information, advice, facts and figures and much more and copies will be sent, by post, to all licensed pilots.  You can view an online copy here.

Controlled Airspace At Robin Hood 4th July 2008 UPDATED 7th July

New Class D Control Zones (CTRs) and Control Areas (CTAs) will be introduced around Robin Hood Airport (Finningley) on 28 August 2008.  The 1:500000 Aeronautical Chart ‘Northern England and Northern Ireland’ (Sheet 2171AB) Edition 31, to be published on 28 August 2008, will incorporate the changes.  Details of the changes will be published in Aeronautical Information Circular 67/2008 (Yellow 269) dated 17 July 2008 (add in link) and in AIRAC 9/2008. In the meantime, a map showing the new airspace is available here. NOTE - The map published on 4 July contained an error (Scampton marked as Waddington). The reissued and corrected map is linked to above.

RIAT Fairford 4th July 2008

Please be aware of the airspace arrangements for the RIAT, Fairford between 7 and 14 July. As well as the usual air tattoo there will be a mass flypast involving 90 aircraft in three packages (11 July, rehearsals on 7/8 July). The area of temporary restricted airspace extends as far north as Birmingham and west almost to the M5. Please make sure that you are aware. Full details are in AIC 40/2008 (Mauve 264); in addition, the RAF has produced a briefing pack in PowerPoint format with more detail. This is available here.

July Newsletter 2nd July 2008

The BGA newsletter for July has been published and can be viewed here.

PIB Hints 20th June 2008

Following the change to the AIS web site (see news item, 11 May below), there is now a revised set of hints and tips for using the site to obtain a Pre-Flight Information Briefing (PIB). You can download here.

ATSOCAS 12th June 2008

CAP774, the official CAA publication describing the new Air Traffic Services Outside Controlled Airspace (ATSOCAS), has now been published. The suite of services detailed in the document together form the UK Flight Information Services (FIS), which (excluding aerodrome services) are the only ATS provided in Class F/G airspace within the UK Flight Information Region (FIR). The introduction of the new ATSOCAS will take place on 12 March 2009. You can download CAP774 from the CAA web site. In addition, the CAA has produced an interactive educational CD to allow pilots to learn how the new ATSOCAS services will operate.  Licensed private pilots will receive their own copy by post, but you can access the full content now at on the Airspace Safety website. Alternatively, you can request your own copy of the CD by Emailing the CAA.

Queen's Birthday Flypast 11th June 2008

The flypast for the Queen's Birthday on Saturday 14th June (and rehearsals on 12th & 13th June) will involve large numbers of aircraft over a large part of the south of England. Please would all pilots in the area make themselves aware of the arrangements and the areas of temporary restricted airspace that have been established. More details are on the airspace news page.

Weston Under Threat 10th June 2008

Weston on the Green airfield, home of Oxford GC, is under threat from proposals to build a new Eco-town. The Weston-Otmoor proposal is one of 15 shortlisted sites, of which the government is proposing to build on 10. OGC is working closely with the local residents, elected representatives and the BGA team to try to prevent Weston being developed. Oxford GC's chairman is asking that pilots help them to oppose the threat. You can read his request, get more information and find out how you can help here.

BGA Team Supporters Kit 10th June 2008

Get the latest gliding must-have wear and support the British gliding team into the bargain. Team supporters T shirts are now available through It's a wing thing.  10% of the sale price goes to assist the GB team when they compete later this summer in the World Championships at Rieti, Italy (Club and Standard classes) and Lusse Germany (15m, 18m and open classes).