Frequently Asked Questions

Q How do I become a BGA Instructor?
A There is nearly always an ongoing requirement for new instructors at BGA clubs and by thinking about putting something back into the sport you are clearly a motivated person. The first step is to chat to your CFI, and he or she will advise whether you are suitably experienced.

BGA instructor course information is available on this website - please help yourself. If you intend to become an instructor, you will need to arrive on your booked course with a downloaded hard copy course record countersigned by your CFI. On successful completion of the course, you may apply for the relevent instructor rating using a BGA Instructor Form 1.

Assistant Instructor Rating Courses

The BGA website holds details of available places on BGA approved Assistant Instructor training courses. Assistant Instructor courses are centrally managed by the BGA utilising approved Assistant Instructor coaches and examiners. Contact the BGA for more information.

Basic Instructor Rating Courses

Basic Instructor courses are managed locally by clubs who are fortunate enough to have access to approved Basic Instructor coaches and examiners. Details of locally managed BI courses will be made available here. Contact the relevant club (not the BGA) for more information.

Q What are the medical requirements to become a BGA instructor?
A See BGA medical requirements

Q How is an instructor rating revalidated?

A An instructor rating is valid for 12 months. Well before the end of the 12 month validity period, the rating will appear on the instructor's club CFI's revalidation webpage. The CFI confirms that the instructor has met the revalidation requirement (described in Laws and Rules) and revalidates the instructor via his webpage. The BGA database is updated automatically.

Q How do I renew my instructor rating if I do not meet the annual revalidation requirements?
A See renewal requirements.

Q I let my BGA instructor rating lapse for a couple of years. How do I renew it?
A If you meet the solo flying instructor renewal requirement, talk to your CFI. You will probably have to attend an appropriate BGA instructor course and then have the rating re-issued by your CFI. In exceptional circumstances, usually when the rating has only lapsed for a short period of time but the individual has been in very regular flying practice, it may be possible to renew by test by an RE or SRE. Your CFI will need to consult the Chairman of the BGA Instructors Committee or the BGA National Coach.

Q If I have any gliding accident, I understand that I will be suspended as an instructor?
A Correct. To ensure that the individual concerned is appropriately counselled and to give the local CFI and/or the appropriate authorities the opportunity to investigate the accident, the BGA instructor rating of any BGA instructor who has an accident while flying gliders or motor gliders will automatically be suspended. Reinstatement can take place without time limit following recommendation by the CFI and in consultation with the Chairman of the Instructors Committee or an SRE authorised by him. Details of the process are available here.

Q I hold a CAA/JAR instructor rating. Do I need to do a BGA instructor course?
A Yes, because certain gliding exercises are dissimilar to powered flying exercises. Examples include launching, circuit judgement and further stalling and spinning. However, powered instructional experience will of course be of value to both the individual instructor and the student. Powered flying may count towards the instructor rating requirements.

Q How does the BGA organise its flight examining?
A BGA flight examining standards are described within the BGA Flight Examiner Standards document. The BGA authorises a number of 'Senior Regional Examiners' and 'Regional Examiners' (these are BGA Flight Instructor Examiners when authorised as such by the BGA) who operate in regional teams. Each regional team is represented on the BGA Instructors Committee. The primary function of BGA SREs and REs is to work with club CFIs and their teams to maintain the high standard of instructing and testing within the Association and to assist clubs in maintaining an appropriate number of instructors at their sites.

A number of BGA Full Rated instructors carry out the Bronze & Bronze Cross Country Endorsement GST and NST (these are BGA Flight Examiners when authorised as such by the BGA). Their primary function where carrying out tests is to establish that the candidate can demonstrate the Bronze and Bronze Cross Country endorsement requirement as detailed in BGA Laws and Rules and in associated guidance material.

As directed by his or her CFI, any full rated instructor can supervise and mark a Bronze Theoretical Knowledge Test.

All BGA FIE and FE authorisations are valid for 3 years subject to the examiner holding an appropriate and valid BGA instructor rating.