Portmoak Pilot's Information and Airfield Manual

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airfieldmanual:4._flying_authorisation [2025/02/21 09:09] – created - external edit 127.0.0.1airfieldmanual:4._flying_authorisation [2025/10/04 16:19] (current) – bruced
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-====== 4. Flying Authorisation ======+====== -#4 4. Flying Authorisation ======
  
-===== 4.1 Supervision =====+===== -#1 Supervision =====
  
-Flying will normally take place when an SGC or approved visiting instructor has been designated as Lead Instructor to supervise. During the week this is by arrangement. At weekends there is a Duty team with a designated Lead Instructor and supporting Duty Instructors. The Lead Instructor should be a BGA Full Cat instructor or, alternatively, an SFCL FI(S) or a BGA Asst. Cat Instructor approved to supervise airfield operations.+Flying will normally take place when an SGC or approved visiting instructor has been designated as Lead Instructor to supervise. During the week this is by arrangement. At weekends there is a Duty team with a designated Lead Instructor and supporting Duty Instructors. The Lead Instructor should be a suitably experienced FI(S) approved to supervise airfield operations.
  
 Lead Instructors, Support Instructors, and Duty Pilots have a duty of care and supervision to ensure that all flying and airfield activity is carried out safely and efficiently, in particular ensuring that newer, less experienced members are given suitable coaching and mentoring. Lead Instructors, Support Instructors, and Duty Pilots have a duty of care and supervision to ensure that all flying and airfield activity is carried out safely and efficiently, in particular ensuring that newer, less experienced members are given suitable coaching and mentoring.
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 On each organised flying day, there will be a morning briefing given by the Lead Instructor in the briefing room. All pilots who intend to fly on that day are expected to attend the briefing. Any pilot who cannot attend the briefing is required to present themselves to the Lead or Support Instructors for a personal briefing. On each organised flying day, there will be a morning briefing given by the Lead Instructor in the briefing room. All pilots who intend to fly on that day are expected to attend the briefing. Any pilot who cannot attend the briefing is required to present themselves to the Lead or Support Instructors for a personal briefing.
  
-On days without a supervising instructor, club flying is possible by qualified pilots (Bronze+CCE, Silver or SPL). On those days, an experienced pilot will be nominated (on click'n'glide) to organise the operation, including setting up the airfield, coordinating between the winch driver or tug pilot and the launch point, ensuring logs are kept and the airfield is put away after flying. They will also be the emergency contact. No passenger or pre-qualified pilots flights will be permitted. These "pilot-supervised" days must obtain the authorisation of the (D)CFI or other nominated experienced instructor.+On days without a supervising instructor, club flying is possible by licenced pilots. On those days, an experienced pilot will be nominated (on click'n'glide) to organise the operation, including setting up the airfield, coordinating between the winch driver or tug pilot and the launch point, ensuring logs are kept and the airfield is put away after flying. They will also be the emergency contact. No passenger or pre-qualified pilots flights will be permitted. These "pilot-supervised" days must obtain the authorisation of the (D)CFI or other nominated experienced instructor.
  
-==== 4.1.1 Logs ====+==== - Logs ====
  
 A complete and accurate log of glider flights must be kept so that pilots can be tracked and any overdue gliders identified, as well as being a legal requirement. Launch point controllers are briefed that **“no details = no launch”**. A complete and accurate log of glider flights must be kept so that pilots can be tracked and any overdue gliders identified, as well as being a legal requirement. Launch point controllers are briefed that **“no details = no launch”**.
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 If you land away from Portmoak you must report it, otherwise SAR (Search and Rescue) procedures will be implemented to find you. If you cannot contact the office or duty instructor **leave a message on the answerphone (01592 840543)**, as this will be checked before calling the emergency services. If you land away from Portmoak you must report it, otherwise SAR (Search and Rescue) procedures will be implemented to find you. If you cannot contact the office or duty instructor **leave a message on the answerphone (01592 840543)**, as this will be checked before calling the emergency services.
  
-Pilots are also required to maintain their personal flying logbooks. This is especially important for pilots under training and for those who are exercising the privileges of an SPL. All pilots are required to bring their logbook for inspection by the Duty Instructor team.+Pilots are also required to maintain their personal flying logbooks. This is especially important for pilots under training and is a legal requirement for a valid SPL. All pilots are required to bring their logbook for inspection by the Duty Instructor team.
  
-===== 4.2 Pilot Licencing and Qualifications =====+===== - Pilot Licencing and Qualifications =====
  
-==== 4.2.1 Certificates ====+==== - Licences ====
  
-Until 30<sup>th</sup>  September 2025 in the UK a glider pilot is not required to hold a glider pilot’s licence. The BGA instead issues a gliding certificate on reaching solo standard which is then used to record a pilot’s progress from solo, through the Bronze endorsement, to Cross Country Endorsement (CCE) and beyond (aerobatics, cloud flying, introductory flight endorsements). A pilot with a Bronze certificate and a CCE is a Qualified Pilot. The gliding certificate along with a current logbook is a sufficient demonstration of the level of competence achieved for gliding in the UK. +As of 30<sup>th</sup>  September 2025 in the UK a glider pilot is required to hold a Sailplaine Pilot Licence (SPL) to fly Part 21 sailplanes. This replaces both the Bronze plus Cross-Country Endorsement and LAPL(S).
-==== 4.2.2 Licences ====+
  
-Alongside the system above, the BGA, via the UK CAA, also supports the Sailplane Flight Crew Licencing system, SFCL. Under this system, which was retained from the EASA system, a glider pilot has a Sailplane Pilots Licence (SPL) - this is equivalent to the Bronze C plus CCE (the LAPL(S) has been phased out and holders are deemed to have the privileges of the SPL). The UK CAA SPL is an ICAO compliant licence and is recognised in Europe and other countries when paired with a suitable medical.+Only student pilots flying with the authorisation and under the supervision of a Flight Instructor (Sailplanes) (FI(S)) may fly Part 21 sailplanes without an SPL.
  
-By 30<sup>th</sup>  September 2025 all glider pilots flying Part-21 gliders (basically any glider with a G- registration) in the UK will require a SPL unless under training or direct supervision.+The UK CAA SPL is an ICAO compliant licence and may be recognised in Europe and other countries when paired with a suitable medical.
  
 A licence does not exempt the holder from following the currency requirements listed below. In some aspects the legal minimum recency is very generous and these limits are not suitable to judge currency. A licence does not exempt the holder from following the currency requirements listed below. In some aspects the legal minimum recency is very generous and these limits are not suitable to judge currency.
  
-===== 4.3 Medicals =====+===== - Medicals =====
  
-All PIC’s must have a current medical certificate or medical declaration (which may be GP countersigned or a Pilot Medical Declaration made via the [[https://www.caa.co.uk/medical/|CAA Portal]]). For solo flying a driving licence is sufficient to obtain a PMD.+All PIC’s must have a current medical certificate or Pilot Medical Declaration (PMD) (made via the [[https://www.caa.co.uk/medical/|CAA Portal]]).
  
-The medical assessment must be appropriate for the glider pilot’s licence or certificate and for the type of flying he/she wishes to do. It should be noted that the medical requirements for gliding and GA in general are under review and subject to change. The BGA website details the latest [[https://members.gliding.co.uk/medical-2/|medical requirements]] for pilots.+The medical assessment must be appropriate for the glider pilot’s licence and for the type of flying he/she wishes to do. It should be noted that the medical requirements for gliding and GA in general are under review and subject to change. The BGA website details the latest [[https://members.gliding.co.uk/medical-2/|medical requirements]] for pilots.
  
 A copy of your current medical assessment must be held by the SGC office. A copy of your current medical assessment must be held by the SGC office.
  
-==== 4.3.1 IMSAFE Check List ====+==== - IMSAFE Check List ====
  
 As well as holding a valid medical, pilots should also ensure that on any given day they are fit to fly; the following “I’M SAFE” check list can be used; As well as holding a valid medical, pilots should also ensure that on any given day they are fit to fly; the following “I’M SAFE” check list can be used;
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 |E|Eating  |Have you (had) adequate food and drink?  | |E|Eating  |Have you (had) adequate food and drink?  |
  
-===== 4.4 Currency and Privileges =====+===== - Currency and Privileges =====
  
-==== 4.4.1 Currency and Privileges Table ====+==== - Currency and Privileges Table ====
  
 The following table summarises the SGC minimum currency requirements for solo pilots. The following table summarises the SGC minimum currency requirements for solo pilots.
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 Obviously some weather conditions are much more challenging than others, and being current on winch doesn’t mean you can aerotow, or vice versa. The supervising instructor may impose limits on solo flying, or conversely may waive the currency recommendations for an individual, in both cases dependent upon the individual’s overall experience. However, the person primarily responsible for deciding if a proposed flight is safe is not the supervising instructor but the pilot. All pilots must make considered and rational judgements about their own currency – depending on the launch method, the glider and the weather – and discuss their situation with an instructor if in any doubt. Obviously some weather conditions are much more challenging than others, and being current on winch doesn’t mean you can aerotow, or vice versa. The supervising instructor may impose limits on solo flying, or conversely may waive the currency recommendations for an individual, in both cases dependent upon the individual’s overall experience. However, the person primarily responsible for deciding if a proposed flight is safe is not the supervising instructor but the pilot. All pilots must make considered and rational judgements about their own currency – depending on the launch method, the glider and the weather – and discuss their situation with an instructor if in any doubt.
  
-A “qualified pilot” is one holding Bronze plus CCE (Cross Country Endorsement) or SPL. In the case of those who were pilots before CCE was invented, holding a Silver C makes them “qualified”.+A “qualified pilot” is one holding an SPL.
  
 <blockquote> <blockquote>
  
-In addition to the requirements in the table, all pilots intending on carrying passengers in gliders, motor gliders or aeroplanes must have completed 3 take-offs and landings in the last 90 days in accordance with EASA air operations and licencing rules, refer [[https://www.easa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/dfu/Sailplane%20Rule%20Book.pdf|Sailplane Rule Book]].+In addition to the requirements in the table, all pilots intending on carrying passengers in gliders, motor gliders or aeroplanes must have completed 3 take-offs and landings in the last 90 days in accordance with SFCL.160(e) and also SFCL.115 (10 hours flight time or 30 launches after issue of the SPL, plus a demonstration of competence with an FI(S)).
  
 </blockquote> </blockquote>
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 ^Level of Experience^Restrictions/Currency^Privileges| ^Level of Experience^Restrictions/Currency^Privileges|
 |Solo, with fewer than 10 satisfactory solo flights.|Daily check flight before flying. Signature in logbook from supervising instructor for all check and solo flights.|All flying must be under the direct supervision of an instructor.| |Solo, with fewer than 10 satisfactory solo flights.|Daily check flight before flying. Signature in logbook from supervising instructor for all check and solo flights.|All flying must be under the direct supervision of an instructor.|
-|10 satisfactory solo flights, but not yet a qualified pilot.|SGC instructor recommendation and signature in logbook. Briefing before every flight. Signature in logbook from supervising instructor for all check and solo flights. Check after every 10<sup>th</sup>  flight until Bronze completed. Check flight every 3 weeks. {{:annualbiennialcheckform.pdf|24 month progress check}}  required.|As above.|+|~10 satisfactory solo flights, but not yet a qualified pilot.|SGC instructor recommendation and signature in logbook. Briefing before every flight. Signature in logbook from supervising instructor for all check and solo flights. Check after every 10<sup>th</sup>  flight until SPL skills test completed. Check flight every 3 weeks. {{:annualbiennialcheckform.pdf|24 month progress check}}  required.|As above.|
 |Qualified pilot, but pre-Silver or less than 100 hours. Note: minimum age 16 for this qualification.  |Check flight every 3 weeks if red on currency barometer. Otherwise, check flight every 6 weeks since last flight using proposed launch method. {{:annualbiennialcheckform.pdf|12 month checks}}  required.  |Self-authorising for flights in own aircraft, under overall supervision by an instructor on the field. Authorisation required from SGC instructor for all flights in SGC aircraft. Briefing recommended from SGC instructor for cross country flights in own aircraft.  | |Qualified pilot, but pre-Silver or less than 100 hours. Note: minimum age 16 for this qualification.  |Check flight every 3 weeks if red on currency barometer. Otherwise, check flight every 6 weeks since last flight using proposed launch method. {{:annualbiennialcheckform.pdf|12 month checks}}  required.  |Self-authorising for flights in own aircraft, under overall supervision by an instructor on the field. Authorisation required from SGC instructor for all flights in SGC aircraft. Briefing recommended from SGC instructor for cross country flights in own aircraft.  |
 |Silver Badge and 100 hours or holding a BGA Instructor rating|Check flight or discussion with instructor if 6 weeks since last flight using proposed launch method. {{:annualbiennialcheckform.pdf|12 month checks}}  required, except that instructors follow standard BGA annual revalidation requirements. Must retain 30 days currency to instruct or carry passengers.|Self-authorising for flights in own aircraft. Authorisation required from SGC instructor for all flights in SGC aircraft. Briefing recommended from SGC instructor for cross country flights in own aircraft.| |Silver Badge and 100 hours or holding a BGA Instructor rating|Check flight or discussion with instructor if 6 weeks since last flight using proposed launch method. {{:annualbiennialcheckform.pdf|12 month checks}}  required, except that instructors follow standard BGA annual revalidation requirements. Must retain 30 days currency to instruct or carry passengers.|Self-authorising for flights in own aircraft. Authorisation required from SGC instructor for all flights in SGC aircraft. Briefing recommended from SGC instructor for cross country flights in own aircraft.|
  
-==== 4.4.2 Club Aircraft Flight Requirements ====+==== - Club Aircraft Flight Requirements ====
  
 ^Aircraft^Members^Visitors| ^Aircraft^Members^Visitors|
 |Junior|All SGC solo pilots with 10 solo flights or more.|Site familiarisation check. Approval of CFI or deputy (logbook signature) plus review with lead instructor.  | |Junior|All SGC solo pilots with 10 solo flights or more.|Site familiarisation check. Approval of CFI or deputy (logbook signature) plus review with lead instructor.  |
-|DG505/Perkoz|All SGC Bronze+CCE pilots, subject to satisfactory check flight(s) (logbook signature).|Silver plus 100 hours, subject to satisfactory check flight(s). Approval of CFI or deputy (logbook signature) plus review with lead instructor.|+|Perkoz|All SGC qualified pilots, subject to satisfactory check flight(s) (logbook signature).|Silver plus 100 hours, subject to satisfactory check flight(s). Approval of CFI or deputy (logbook signature) plus review with lead instructor.|
  
 All initial flights must only be made after approval and briefing by a SGC instructor, refer [[:airfieldmanual:4._flying_authorisation#glider_conversion_and_private_purchase|Glider Conversion and Private Purchase]]. All initial flights must only be made after approval and briefing by a SGC instructor, refer [[:airfieldmanual:4._flying_authorisation#glider_conversion_and_private_purchase|Glider Conversion and Private Purchase]].
  
-Flights in the Junior, DG505 and Perkoz require that pilot has current spin training and relevant conversion briefing and check flights and that the pilot is in currency (green or yellow on the BGA currency barometer).+Flights in the Junior and Perkoz require that pilot has current spin training and relevant conversion briefing and check flights and that the pilot is in currency (green or yellow on the BGA currency barometer).
  
-==== 4.4.3 Introductory Flights and Trial Lessons ====+==== - Introductory Flights and Trial Lessons ====
  
 These must be conducted within current BGA guidelines with approved instructors and appropriate supervision. Due to the nature of this flying with members of the public, we must ensure we fully exercise our duty of care during these flights. The BGA guidance on Introductory Flights and Trial Lessons can be found in the BGA [[https://members.gliding.co.uk/managing-flying-risk-index/|Managing Flying Risk]] area. These must be conducted within current BGA guidelines with approved instructors and appropriate supervision. Due to the nature of this flying with members of the public, we must ensure we fully exercise our duty of care during these flights. The BGA guidance on Introductory Flights and Trial Lessons can be found in the BGA [[https://members.gliding.co.uk/managing-flying-risk-index/|Managing Flying Risk]] area.
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 The passenger or student must wear a parachute and must be briefed on how to escape from the aircraft and use the parachute in an emergency. If it is found that the use of a parachute results in the passenger/student exceeding the maximum load for a particular aircraft, use another aircraft which will cater for that weight. If it turns out impossible to meet the weight requirements in any aircraft and/or by getting a lighter instructor then the individual concerned should be politely told that we cannot fly them. The passenger or student must wear a parachute and must be briefed on how to escape from the aircraft and use the parachute in an emergency. If it is found that the use of a parachute results in the passenger/student exceeding the maximum load for a particular aircraft, use another aircraft which will cater for that weight. If it turns out impossible to meet the weight requirements in any aircraft and/or by getting a lighter instructor then the individual concerned should be politely told that we cannot fly them.
  
-==== 4.4.4 Friends and Family ====+==== - Friends and Family ====
  
-Qualified Pilots can obtain a F&F rating which is issued by the CFI or deputy. Pilots so authorised must ensure that the care and supervision standards set down by the BGA for trial lessons are applied to this flight activity and that they adhere strictly to these guidelines. All flying must be approved by the Lead Instructor. The PIC must have a current F&F rating (via an annual check with a Full Rated instructor) and satisfy the requirements in **[[:airfieldmanual:4._flying_authorisation#currency_and_privileges|Currency and Privileges]]** .+Qualified Pilots can obtain a F&F rating which is issued by the CFI or deputy. Pilots so authorised must ensure that the care and supervision standards set down by the BGA for trial lessons are applied to this flight activity and that they adhere strictly to these guidelines. All flying must be approved by the Lead Instructor. The PIC must have a current F&F rating (via an annual check with an authorised FI(S)) and satisfy the requirements in **[[:airfieldmanual:4._flying_authorisation#currency_and_privileges|Currency and Privileges]]** .
  
 Any PIC flying with a non-pilot passenger must have a suitable medical ([[https://members.gliding.co.uk/medical-2/|BGA Laws and Rules - Medical]]) Any PIC flying with a non-pilot passenger must have a suitable medical ([[https://members.gliding.co.uk/medical-2/|BGA Laws and Rules - Medical]])
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 Passengers flown by F&F pilots must be personally known to the pilot and must have completed a day membership form. Members who are not qualified for F&F themselves may still bring friends or family members to fly with an instructor or IFP. Passengers flown by F&F pilots must be personally known to the pilot and must have completed a day membership form. Members who are not qualified for F&F themselves may still bring friends or family members to fly with an instructor or IFP.
  
-==== 4.4.5 "Mutual" Flying ====+==== - "Mutual" Flying ====
  
-Only qualified pilots (Bronze+CCE or SPL) approved by the CFI or deputy (evidenced by logbook signature) may fly together (except when the PIC has an instructor, IFP or F&F rating). Each flight must be approved by the Lead Instructor.+Only qualified pilots (SPL) approved by the CFI or deputy (evidenced by logbook signature) may fly together (except when the PIC is an instructor). Each flight must be approved by the Lead Instructor.
  
   * It must be clearly written and agreed who is the Pilot In Command.   * It must be clearly written and agreed who is the Pilot In Command.
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   * Any insurance requirements or restrictions need to be borne in mind when flying private two-seaters.   * Any insurance requirements or restrictions need to be borne in mind when flying private two-seaters.
  
-===== 4.5 Visitors =====+===== - Visitors =====
  
 Visiting pilots wishing to fly solo must become temporary (reciprocal) members of the SGC and must provide a copy of their current medical or PMD and bring their up-to-date log book for inspection even if flying in their own gliders. Visiting pilots flying their own private gliders must show a current ARC, annual and insurance. First-time visitors must get a site briefing and a site familiarisation flight, refer [[:airfieldmanual:7._visitors|7. Visitors]]. Visiting pilots wishing to fly solo must become temporary (reciprocal) members of the SGC and must provide a copy of their current medical or PMD and bring their up-to-date log book for inspection even if flying in their own gliders. Visiting pilots flying their own private gliders must show a current ARC, annual and insurance. First-time visitors must get a site briefing and a site familiarisation flight, refer [[:airfieldmanual:7._visitors|7. Visitors]].
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 Visiting pilots may only fly club aircraft as PIC with the permission of the CFI or deputy (evidence of logbook signature) Visiting pilots may only fly club aircraft as PIC with the permission of the CFI or deputy (evidence of logbook signature)
  
-===== 4.6 Glider Conversion and Private Purchase =====+===== - Glider Conversion and Private Purchase =====
  
 SGC members converting to a new club glider type, or considering purchasing a whole or part share of a glider, or taking an insurance share, must ensure that they follow a proper conversion process. SGC members converting to a new club glider type, or considering purchasing a whole or part share of a glider, or taking an insurance share, must ensure that they follow a proper conversion process.
  
-==== 4.6.1 Key requirements ====+==== - Key requirements ====
  
   * Agreement **must**  be obtained from the CFI prior to purchase or taking an insurance share of a glider in whole or in part;   * Agreement **must**  be obtained from the CFI prior to purchase or taking an insurance share of a glider in whole or in part;
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   * You must not take your first flight in any glider (club or private) unless you have followed a proper conversion process as set out in the [[https://members.gliding.co.uk/library/instructors/bga-instructor-manual-section-6-22/|BGA Instructor Manual, Section 6-22]] and have had a briefing and approval from the Lead Instructor for the flight on that day.   * You must not take your first flight in any glider (club or private) unless you have followed a proper conversion process as set out in the [[https://members.gliding.co.uk/library/instructors/bga-instructor-manual-section-6-22/|BGA Instructor Manual, Section 6-22]] and have had a briefing and approval from the Lead Instructor for the flight on that day.
  
-===== 4.7 Discipline =====+===== - Discipline =====
  
 The CFI has the power to revoke solo flying privileges at SGC if he or she deems it necessary. In the absence of the CFI, any instructor may, when necessary, ground a club member who is guilty of a breach of flying discipline until the circumstances of the case can be reported to the CFI. The CFI has the power to revoke solo flying privileges at SGC if he or she deems it necessary. In the absence of the CFI, any instructor may, when necessary, ground a club member who is guilty of a breach of flying discipline until the circumstances of the case can be reported to the CFI.
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