Lasham has a comprehensive training programme, designed to take you from your first flight up to licensed standard and beyond. The training can be summarised into a few stages:

Pre-Solo: During your pre-solo training you will learn how to handle the glider, navigate a circuit and deal with emergency situations.

First Solo: Once you are deemed safe to fly on your own, you will be sent solo (provided you have passed the 'Air Law' exam and have a valid CAA Pilot Medical Declaration).

Post-Solo: You will be required to complete the training syllabus. This includes more advanced skills including soaring methods, and Navigation techniques.

Licence: There are exams to pass. You will fly a practical test on Navigation and a separate practical test (Assessment of Competence) on General Handling. Once completed, you will qualify for the Sailplane Pilots Licence.

Here is a Link to the CAA information regarding Sailplane Pilots Licence.

Training programme



Pre-Solo

You will be required to satisfactory complete Exercises 1 to 12 on your training record card.  These exercises will cover all the handling and judgement skills you require to fly the glider in a safe and responsible manner.  Your skill set will allow you to deal with a wide variety of unusual situations.

First Solo

This is exercise 13 on the training record card and your instructor will authorise this flight once you are competent, safe and when the weather conditions and circuit traffic are suitable.

Post Solo

Exercises 14 to 17 will cover more advanced flying.  Knowing that you have already flown solo, you should have the ability and confidence levels to complete advanced turning, soaring, 'out landings' and navigation.  You will need to pass eight exams on aviation related subjects.  You will of course, be tested on your general handling skills and navigation skills before your licence is issued.

Beyond Licence Aquisition

The BGA and FAI operate a badge claim, Award and Record system.  You will be encouraged and trained where appropriate to pursue these Silver, Gold and Diamond goals.

 

During your training it is important that you stick to these rules. As you become more experienced, you will be able to handle more challenging conditions.

    Frequently asked questions

    What's the difference between Civil Aviation Authority and British Gliding Association?

    • We are governed by CAA regulations. Your SPL is a licence that gives you privileges to fly under the umbrella of the Air Navigation Order and the rules detailed under 'Annex iii Sailplane Flight Crew Licencing' at the link Sailplane Pilots Licence.

    • The British Gliding Association operates as a 'bridge' between it's members and the CAA as well as the FAI (Federation Aeronautique International), an organisation governing badge claims, awards and records.

    • Pilots are recommended to become members of the BGA at the point of 'first solo' and encouraged to continue with badge claims, awards and record attempts.

    Am I qualified once I can fly solo?

    • No, your first solo flight is an exercise as part of your training. Your instructor has decided you are safe to fly on that occasion in those days' conditions. You are still under direct supervision until you attain your licence.

    Is winch launching or aerotowing more difficult?

    • Neither winch launching nor aerotowing are more difficult, however due to the higher loads and steep angle of climb, a lot of emphasis is put on practicing winch launch failures and conducting safe winch launching.

    • To successfully aerotow the pilot needs to be able to fly the glider fairly accurately in order to fly safely in formation with the tow plane.

    What weather conditions are more challenging?

    • Generally, a stronger wind will be more challenging, especially if the wind has a significant crosswind component (i.e. the wind is not aligned with the direction of takeoff / landing). The more experience you get, the easier you will find it to manage these conditions.

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