Glider pilot license

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The Schweizer SGS 2-33 glider is commonly used for glider pilot training in North America Schweizer2-33C-GRVS.JPG
The Schweizer SGS 2-33 glider is commonly used for glider pilot training in North America

In most countries one is required to obtain a glider pilot license (GPL) or certificate before acting as pilot of a glider. The requirements vary from country to country.

Contents

In many countries, licensing or certification is similar for gliders and powered aircraft. Training must be undertaken from a certified instructor, and a license or certificate is then issued by the government, limited to gliders only. The exception is when a pilot is flying under Ultralight (Ultralite) glider rules within the United States. The aviation knowledge and skill requirements for a glider are usually similar to those for a powered aircraft, taking into account the different requirements of the aircraft categories.

Most countries also require medical certificates for pilots, although in some countries "self-certification", i.e., a legal statement that one is fit to fly, is allowed for gliders. The United States does not require a medical certificate to operate a glider with a U.S. airman certificate. Canada also permits glider pilot license holders to self-certify, but requires regular medical examinations for gliding instructors.

In some countries, glider instruction and licensing are regulated by a national non-governmental organisation representing the gliding community. This is true in the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. New Zealand also issues a government license to pilots who fly for fees and for those who wish their qualifications to be accepted more readily overseas.[ citation needed ]

Countries vary in their acceptance of pilot licenses from other countries to fly aircraft registered in the home country. Many permit pilots to fly on their home licenses for short periods, others insist on conversion to their license. Generally, a pilot may fly an aircraft registered in their home country with their home country's license or certificate, in any other country, subject to international conventions.

Canada

United States

United Kingdom

The minimum age for a solo glider flight in the UK is 14. [1] A driving licence is adequate evidence of medical fitness for solo flight, and pilots under the age of 25 may self-certify. Failing this a medical certificate is required from the pilot's own doctor, to the same standard as a provisional driving licence, unless the pilot has a higher certificate such as the EASA Class 2 medical required for a Private Pilot Licence (PPL). [2] Gliding in the UK is self-regulated by the British Gliding Association (BGA) and by its member clubs. Training is based on standards defined by the BGA and is conducted by instructors who have been trained on its courses. Further practical training is required after solo, plus a multiple choice test which is very similar to the PPL theory exam, before a pilot is given an endorsement to fly cross-country. Most flights do not require radio contact with air traffic control units, but some pilots obtain a radio operator's licence should that eventuality arise.

As of 2023, the BGA issues two major gliding qualifications, the Gliding Certificate (aka Glider Pilot Certificate), and the Glider Pilot Licence. Both are being phased out in favour of an ICAO-compliant Sailplane Pilot Licence (SPL), which can be used abroad. [3] The SPL is specified in UK Part-SFCL. It will still be issued by the BGA, under Delegated Authority from the CAA. [4] The Gliding Certificate can be converted to an SPL, [5] but the Glider Pilot Licence cannot. [6]

The Gliding Certificate is endorsed for each requirement met, and also shows sporting achievements for the FAI's gliding badges, plus the UK's own 100 km and 750 km Diplomas.

EASA

Throughout Europe the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is the rulemaking body responsible for pilot licensing. For glider pilots there are two options:

In some EASA member states (notably the UK), a lower medical standard applies to the LAPL(S), such that a pilot may choose the LAPL medical instead of a Class 2 medical. During the transition period, UK pilots may self-declare medical fitness, being restricted to UK-registered EASA aircraft. [7]

Crucially, a pilot exercising the rights of a SPL may receive remuneration but the holder of a LAPL(S) may not. [8]

See also

Related Research Articles

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A commercial pilot licence (CPL) is a type of pilot licence that permits the holder to act as a pilot of an aircraft and be paid for their work.

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The British Gliding Association (BGA) is the governing body for gliding in the United Kingdom. Gliding in the United Kingdom operates through 80 gliding clubs which have 2,310 gliders and 9,462 full flying members, though a further 17,000 people have gliding air-experience flights each year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flight instructor</span> Person who teaches others to operate aircraft

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">General aviation in the United Kingdom</span> UK civil aviation (other than commercial air transport)

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Highland Aviation Training Ltd is an Approved Training Organisation at Inverness Airport. Highland Aviation offers flight training and aircraft maintenance, including Piper and Cessna Aeroplanes and Autogyro/Rotorsport Gyrocopters.

The light aircraft pilot licence (LAPL) is a pilot license allowing the pilot to fly small aircraft. It is issued in EASA member states and the United Kingdom. Unlike most other licences, it is not covered by the ICAO framework and is usually not able to be used in other states or regulatory areas.

Zbraslavice Airport is located 1,5 km North of the small city of Zbraslavice, near the main motorway nr. 126. between the city of Zbraslavice and Štipoklasy village in Central Bohemia. The airfield may be used by light aircraft, helicopters, gliders and ultralights. The keeper is civic society Aeroclub Zbraslavice. Zbraslavice airport is the synonym for superior gliding conditions among pilots and fans of aviation sports worldwide. Therefore, the airport is a place where a number of national and international competitions is held and a lot of pilots from the Czech Republic use the airfield as training base.

An aircraft category is defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization as a "classification of aircraft according to specified basic characteristics", for the purpose of personnel licensing. Examples of aircraft categories include aeroplanes, helicopters, gliders, or free balloons.

Aviation in the European Union and the European Free Trade Association is regulated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). EASA specifies common standards for the licensing of aircraft pilots. EASA does not issue licences, rather licences are issued by member states. However, because the same standards are used, EASA licences are recognised by all member states.

References

  1. ↑ "BBC News article". 4 January 2013. Retrieved 23 January 2013.
  2. ↑ BGA Medical Requirements, retrieved 2018-09-19.
  3. ↑ "CAP2532: GA Pilot Licensing & Training Simplification Phase 1 Strategic Direction - Consultation Response Document". publicapps.caa.co.uk. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  4. ↑ "British Gliding Association granted Delegated Authority status | Civil Aviation Authority". www.caa.co.uk. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  5. ↑ "Sailplane Pilot Licence Conversion". Pilot & Club Info. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  6. ↑ "BGA Glider Pilot Licence Application". Pilot & Club Info. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  7. ↑ "CAA says LAPL and PPL holders can self-declare medical fitness". Flyer. 28 March 2018. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  8. ↑ "Guidance for SPL and LAPL(S) Holders". 29 May 2019. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
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