Safety
Airworthiness Directives. Rotax 912 and 914 Engines. EASA has issued AD 2013-0055-E (at http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/20130306EASAAD20130055E.pdf) for the inspection and possible replacement of cylinder head sections installed in specified engines within 5 flying hours or 20 days whichever occurs first.
ATZs. As we anticipate the main cross-country season, we remind pilots about Aerodrome Traffic Zones. Given the number of incursions that occur every year, it seems that many do not realise that ATZs are controlled airspace and must be treated with the same respect as Class A or D. We published a briefing document (http://www.gliding.co.uk/bgainfo/airspace/documents/atz.pdf) last year and the CAA later produced its own advice (available at http://www.gliding.co.uk/bgainfo/airspace/documents/20121129AerodromeTrafficZones.pdf). If you are not fully aware of ATZ restrictions and your responsibilities, please read these documents now.
Safe Winch Launch Material. Some items from the Safe Winch Launch DVD, including presentations and movie files, has been made available on the BGA web site http://www.gliding.co.uk/bgainfo/safety/safewinchlaunching.htm. If you have not already done so and are involved in winch launches in any capacity (not just as a pilot), please look at items 1,3, and 4 on the web page. Every instructor should have their own copy of the DVD so please ask one to borrow one if you would prefer to view the material directly from the DVD.
High Voltage Electricity Lines. UK Power Networks (the Electricity Distribution Network Operator for the SE, London and East Anglia) has produced a leaflet discussing the dangers of high voltage overhead cables and what pilots and clubs can do to mitigate these. The document is at http://www.gliding.co.uk/bgainfo/clubmanagement/documents/powerlines.pdf. Please note that, although the document contains sensible guidance that clubs and pilots would do well to consider, the views in the document are those of UK Power Networks and are not necessarily those of the BGA.
Regulatory
Flight Crew Licensing. From April 7th 2015, all pilots who intend to fly EASA sailplanes will have to hold one or other of the two new EASA Part-FCL sailplane licences – either a LAPL(S) (Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (Sailplanes)) or an SPL (Sailplane Pilot Licence). The BGA has, along with its colleagues within the European Gliding Union, fought long and hard to achieve as proportionate, low complexity and low cost an outcome as possible. To ensure that all pilots will have the correct licences, ratings and certificates by the 7th April 2015, the BGA has agreed with the CAA that we will shortly begin the process of conversion from the existing BGA pilot certification system to the EASA Flight Crew Licensing system. Although there are still a few issues to be clarified, the process is now sufficiently well-established for us to provide details about how the conversion will happen, how it will affect you and what you need to do. Please look at the EASA Licensing page on the BGA web site http://www.gliding.co.uk/bgainfo/licensing/easalicensing.htm

8.33kHz Radio Channel Spacing. Please note that the date given in the February Newsletter regarding the change to 8.33kHz channel-spaced radios was incorrect. The date from which all radios installed in aircraft operating below FL195 must support 8.33kHz channel spacing is 1st January 2018 (and not 31st December 2018 as previously stated – 31st December is the date from which ground stations must comply). The CAA Information Notice relating to this (IN-2013/018) is at http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/InformationNotice2013018.pdf. The BGA is compiling advice to owners and inspectors and this will be published as soon as all the facts are known. In the interim we strongly recommended that anyone considering the purchase of a new or replacement transceiver only installs an 8.33 kHz set.
EAS Newsletter. The latest editions (Nov/Dec 2012 and Feb 2013) of the Europe Air Sports Newsletter, which contain a raft of regulatory background and information, are now available for download from http://www.europe-air-sports.org/activities/newsletter/. You can sign up to receive your own copy of the newsletter on the site home page.
BGA
BGA Conference. The BGA Conference, held in Nottingham on 2nd March, was generally viewed by the over 400 attendees as ‘the best ever’. Planning is already under way for the 2014 event - watch this newsletter for advance information.
BGA Awards. A number of BGA awards were made at the conference. BGA Gold Medals were presented to Patrick Naegeli (Lasham GS) and Roger Coote (Southdown GC). BGA Diplomas were presented to Richard Brickwood (Cambridge GC), John Giddins (Banbury GC), Bruce Stephenson (Vintage GC), Jon Hall (Midland GC), Sam St Pierre (Yorkshire GC), and Phil Sturley (Four Counties GC). The Bill Scull Safety Award was presented to Colin Cownden (Cambridge GC). Congratulations to all the winners.
Other Awards. A number of national and international awards, awarded to members of our community were also highlighted at the conference: an FAI Companion of Honour Award* to Peter Saundby (Black Mountains GC), an FAI Tissandier Diploma and the OSTIV Morelli Award* to Hugh Browning (Lasham GS); a Royal Aero Club (RAeC) Silver Medal to Andy Perkins (Windrushers GC); the RaeC Anne Welch Memorial Award to Colin Davey (Four Counties GC); and a RAeC Certificate of Merit to Anne Burgess (Highland GC). (* already reported).
New Executive Committee. Following the BGA AGM on 2nd March, the BGA Executive Committee now comprises: Pete Harvey (Chairman), Andy Perkins (Vice-Chairman), Ron Bridges, Matt Cook, David Fidler, Sharon Kerby, Dave Latimer, Tony Smith (Company Secretary), and John Williams. Welcome to new members, Sharon Kerby from Stratford-uponAvon GC and Dave Latimer (Yorkshire GC). Robert John and Chris Gibson both stood down after many years of service; our thanks to both of these. Leslie Kaye continues as the BGA Treasurer.
Roger Coote. Roger Coote has very sadly had to step down from his role as BGA Development Officer. Roger has been suffering ill heath for some time and made the decision a few weeks ago to retire from the BGA. Roger had held his position for 20 years and was a key member of our development team where his knowledge and experience were invaluable to us and to clubs. We hope that with the removal of the responsibility and time commitment of the BGA work, Roger will be able to concentrate on getting well and that he will be back enjoying his flying and other activities before very long.

Club Management
Airworthiness Management. A new briefing document addressing continued airworthiness maintenance management issues and responsibilities whilst operating EASA aircraft has been published. It has been designed to provide guidance to gliding clubs, although relevant parts of the guidance may also be of interest to private owners. The document is at http://www.gliding.co.uk/bgainfo/clubmanagement/documents/AirworthinessManagement.pdf
Competitions and Cross-Country
Trophy Winners. A full list of the winners of trophies awarded for flights during 2012 is available at http://www.gliding.co.uk/bgainfo/competitions/trophies.htm. Congratulations to all the winners who received their prizes at the Awards Dinner, held after the BGA Conference on 2nd March.
2012 15m National Champions. Contrary to the handling of this on the day, which was incorrect, the 2012 15m National Champions can be confirmed as Dave Watt and Derren Francis, both with identical points scored.
Women’s Development Comp-ette. The next ‘comp-ette’ has been organised by the Women’s Development Group. It will be at Lasham on 4/5 May and entries are now being accepted. Tasks will also be set and flown on Monday 6th, weather permitting. Members of the British team and other pundits, including weatherman David Masson, will be there - flying when possible and talking about it when not. The entry fee has been held at £10. At present, the event is Lasham-only,but other venues may be arranged. Please email Liz Sparrow (ebertoya@iee.org) for an entry form and to reserve your place. More details will appear on the Facebook Women Glide UK page - http://www.facebook.com/WomenGlideUK
FLARM-IGC Security Update. A new version of the FLARM Firmware (v5.08) has been released. This overcomes the issue whereby false IGC files could be produced that passed the IGC electronic validation check. Owners should note that the IGC approval for earlier versions of Firmware (from V4.0 to V5.06) will be withdrawn on 30 April 2013. Details are at http://www.flarm.com/support/updates/index_en.html
Overseas Nationals. Due to there being insufficient entries, we regret it has been necessary to cancel this event for 2013. Pilots already entered will receive a refund automatically.
Juniors
Royal Aero Club Trust Bursaries. The deadline for applications for 2013 RAeC Trust bursaries has been extended. Applications must now be received at the BGA office by 17th March 2013. These bursaries are available to young pilots aged 16-21, who have already reached solo standard to enable them to achieve greater competence in their particular air sport. Bursaries of up to £1000 are available to help recipients advance from one recognized level of air sport to the next (for example, gain your bronze badge or XC endorsement). Gliding usually benefits strongly from these awards. More details, together with a list of the 2012 recipients, are at http://www.juniorgliding.co.uk/affordableflying/royalaeroclub/
GAPAN Bursaries. We have just received notification that the Guild of Air Pilots and Navigators (GAPAN) are making five gliding scholarships available this year. The scholarships are available to help any pilot (or prospective pilot) aged 14 or over (on 1st June), who might otherwise not have the necessary resources, to achieve their first solo. Training can be carried

out at any BGA Junior Gliding Centre between 1 July and 31 August 2013. The scholarships will cover direct training costs and BGA solo endorsement application costs. Please note the short deadline for applications - 13 March. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a selection interview in London on 3rd May. More details and an application form are on the GAPAN web site http://www.gapan.org/file/948/gliding-scholarship-2013.pdf.
Junior Development Weekend. The organisers of the Winter Series (if you don’t know what that is, take a look at http://www.facebook.com/events/380547175358975/) have arranged a new event – the Junior Development Weekend – at Bicester 4/5 May to run alongside the hugely popular Youth in Aviation Day. There will be UK National Champion coaches providing briefings, flying the task and then debriefing. The debrief will use an innovative SeeYou/GoPro style! Bicester have waived membership and camping fees, and you will only pay club member rates for your launch (if you are a Junior!). Do not miss this opportunity to improve your flying skills. In the evening there will be the (now infamous) Youth in Aviation party. Everyone is welcome to come along and join the grid but please let the organisers know us know if you are coming. More details at www.facebook.com/events/123867137793850.
Power Flying
Unleaded Avgas. The BGA has published a briefing document providing information for owners and operators of aircraft, including powered sailplanes, who are considering the use of Unleaded Avgas UL91 as a result of the gradual withdrawal of Leaded Avgas 100LL. The document is at http://www.gliding.co.uk/bgainfo/power/documents/UL91.pdf