Instructor Requirements BGA Jan 15
INSTRUCTOR REQUIREMENTS
Contents 1. Introduction 2. Becoming an Instructor 3. BGA Basic Instructor Course 4. BGA Flight Instructor Course 5. BGA Full Rating 6. Instructor Rating Responsibility 7. Rating Validity 8. Instructor Rating Requirements, Privileges, Revalidation and Renewal 9. Additional Instructing Endorsements 10. Chief Flying Instructor or Senior Pilot 11. FI(S) Additional Privileges 12. Insurance and BGA Records 13. Communication 14. Suspension following an accident
1. Introduction Safe, high quality and standardised flying instruction is a vital part of all BGA gliding club operations. The BGA continually reviews instructor training and performance to ensure that the highest possible safety standards and gliding instruction standards are maintained at all times.
The BGA has three levels of Instructor rating; Basic (to carry out trial lessons only), Assistant and Full. In addition, the BGA recognises the Part-FCL FI(S) certificate as equivalent to an Assistant or Full rated instructor (dependent on the level of authorisation approved by the instructors club CFI).
All instructors operating at a BGA club must be approved to do so by the club Chief Flying Instructor (CFI). For CFI endorsement details, see 9.5 below.
2. Becoming an Instructor An experienced glider pilot who would like to become an instructor should ensure they meet the minimum requirements described below and discuss their suitability with their CFI.
The minimum age to hold a BGA instructor rating is 16.
If the pilot then chooses to become a Basic Instructor, a locally delivered course can be arranged by the CFI via their Regional team.
If the pilot chooses to become an Assistant Instructor, the pilot can apply for a place on one of a number of BGA approved instructor courses held across the UK throughout the year.
Current experience as an Air Cadet A or B category instructor, or current experience as a gliding instructor formally qualified outside the UK, can be recognised towards an individual obtaining a BGA instructor rating. Air Cadets ‘A’ Category Instructors on conventional gliders who hold the qualifying experience required by the BGA may convert to a BGA Assistant
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Instructor Requirements BGA Jan 15
Instructor Rating either by attending a BGA Assistant Instructors’ course, or by local training with a Regional Examiner (RE) or a Senior Regional Examiner (SRE), as necessary to reach the required standard. Other categories of Air Cadet instructor must complete the approved BGA course.
3. BGA Basic Instructor Course. Course content and other details are available at www.gliding.co.uk Courses are run by BGA authorised coaches at most clubs.
4. BGA Instructor Course The BGA approved instructor course content, a list of available courses and other details are available at www.gliding.co.uk Courses are run by a team of Instructor Coaches who are specifically approved to do so by the BGA. Elements of the instructor course may, where stated, be delivered at the candidates club by a BGA Instructor Coach.
5. BGA Full Rating By demonstrating through successful assessment by a BGA Regional Examiner or BGA Flight Instructor Examiner that their instructing skill and knowledge is at an appropriate level, a BGA Assistant Instructor may be issued with a BGA Full Rating by the BGA. BGA Full Rated instructor privileges include testing pilots for the issue of the BGA Bronze and Cross Country Endorsements.
BGA Full Rating assessments can be arranged by CFI’s via their Regional team. BGA Full Rating assessment details are at www.gliding.co.uk
6. Instructor Rating - Responsibility It is the individual instructor’s responsibility to ensure that his or her instructor rating or certificate is valid before carrying out instruction.
7. Rating Validity
BGA Basic, Assistant and Full instructor ratings automatically lapse 12 months after the rating issue date (initial or renewal).
Basic, Assistant and Full instructor ratings may be revalidated by a club CFI up to 90 days before the lapsing date with no loss of validity period.
A lapsed rating may only be renewed by a BGA Examiner.
A record of rating validity card is supplied by the BGA on initial issue of a rating. Replacements or email confirmation can be obtained from the BGA on request.
Refresher training and any assessments or checks should be recorded and dated in the instructor’s logbook.
The BGA revalidation flying experience requirement applies to the 12 months prior to the date on which revalidation occurs. A valid Part-FCL FI(S) certificate may be used at a BGA club subject to annual notification to the BGA by the club CFI.
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Instructor Requirements BGA Jan 15
8. Instructor Rating Requirements, Privileges, Revalidation and Renewal
BGA Basic Instructor Rating
Requirements  Silver badge  Minimum of 50 hours P1 gliding  Recommendation by CFI  Completion of BGA approved Basic Instructor course  Acceptance Test by CFI
Privileges; May give basic instruction at CFI’s discretion where the instructor has a valid certificate of medical fitness.
Revalidation (ratings lapse 12 months after date of issue unless revalidated); Recommendation for revalidation to the BGA from the CFI based on any two of;
 At least 15 hours P1 sailplane and/or SLMG in the 12 months previous to the date of revalidation of which at least 10 hours or 20 launches in a sailplane and/or SLMG are instructing
 A refresher within 5 years of the date of revalidation  Test by a BGA Regional Examiner or BGA FIE (signed entry in the instructors
logbook)
Renewal; Ratings lapsed by less than 5 years may be renewed by application to the BGA following an appropriate level of refresher training with:
 Minimum of 10 hours or 50 launches pilot in command in the previous 12 months  Test by an Examiner  Recommendation for renewal from the CFI
Ratings lapsed by more than 5 years may be renewed by the successful completion of a Basic Instructor course. See the requirements above.
BGA Assistant Instructor Rating
Requirements:  Silver badge  Minimum of 75 hours P1 on gliders, including 100 launches  Recommendation by CFI  Completion of BGA Approved Instructor Course  Assessment of competence by a BGA FIE  Within 18 months of acceptance by CFI, completion of a BGA Post Instructor Course Review
Privileges: Instruction of students as specifically authorised by the CFI where the instructor has a valid certificate of medical fitness
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Instructor Requirements BGA Jan 15
Revalidation (ratings lapse after 12 months unless revalidated): Recommendation for revalidation to the BGA from the CFI based on any two of;
 At least 15 hours P1 sailplane and/or SLMG in the 12 months previous to the date of revalidation of which at least 10 hours or 20 launches in a sailplane and/or SLMG are instructing
 A refresher within 5 years of the date of revalidation  Test by a BGA Regional Examiner or BGA FIE (signed entry in the instructors
logbook)
Renewal:  Ratings lapsed by less than 5 years may be renewed by application to the BGA following an appropriate level of refresher training with;  Minimum of 10 hours or 50 launches pilot in command in the previous 12 months  Test by a BGA Examiner  Recommendation for renewal from the CFI
Ratings lapsed by more than 5 years may be renewed by the successful completion of an Assistant Instructor course. See the requirements above.
BGA Full Instructor Rating
Requirements:  Silver badge  At least 150 hours P1 on gliders  Test by BGA Examiner
Privileges: Instruction of students at all stages subject to the discretion of the CFI where the instructor has a valid certificate of medical fitness (BGA Medical Requirements)
Revalidation (ratings lapse 12 months after date of issue unless revalidated): Recommendation for revalidation from the CFI to the BGA based on any two of;
 At least 15 hours P1 sailplane and/or SLMG in the 12 months previous to the date of revalidation of which at least 10 hours or 20 launches in a sailplane and/or SLMG are instructing
 A refresher within 5 years of the date of revalidation  Test by a BGA Regional Examiner or BGA FIE (signed entry in the instructors
logbook)
Renewal: Ratings lapsed by less than 5 years may be renewed by application to the BGA following an appropriate level of refresher training and:
 Minimum of 10 hours or 50 launches pilot in command in the previous 12 months, and;
 Test by a BGA Examiner, and;  Recommendation for renewal from the CFI
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Instructor Requirements BGA Jan 15
Ratings lapsed by more than 5 years may be renewed by the successful completion of an appropriate level of refresher training and a Full Rating test. See the requirements above.
Part-FCL Flight Instructor (Sailplanes) Privileges: Instruction of students as specifically authorised by the CFI where the instructor has a valid certificate of medical fitness
Where the BGA is informed annually by the CFI that the instructor holds a valid FI(S) certificate, holders of a valid Part-FCL FI(S) certificate are recognised as equivalent to the holder of a BGA instructor rating (see privileges above).
Revalidation: For revalidation of an FI certificate by an FIE(S) or SE(S), the holder shall fulfil 2 of the following 3 requirements:
 Complete at least 30 hours or 60 take-offs of flight instruction in sailplanes, powered sailplanes or TMG as, FI or as examiner during the (3 year) period of validity of the certificate;
 Attend an instructor refresher seminar, within the validity period of the FI certificate;  Pass an assessment of competence (with a Flight Instructor Examiner (Sailplanes)
and in accordance with FCL.935) within the 12 months preceding the expiry date of the FI(S) certificate
For each third revalidation, the FI(S) has to pass an assessment of competence (with a FIE(S) and in accordance with FCL.935)
Renewal: If the FI(S) certificate has lapsed, the applicant shall, within a period of 12 months before renewal:
 Attend an instructor refresher seminar; and  Pass an assessment of competence (with a FIE(S) and in accordance with FCL.935)
Notification The revalidation or renewal of an FI(S) certificate used at a BGA club must be notified to the BGA. See 7.7 above.
9. Additional Instructing Privileges
The BGA instructor rating can include additional privileges, subject to the following requirements.
Before giving gliding instruction in a self-launching motor glider, an instructor must hold a Motor Glider Instructor Rating. There are currently two entirely separate Motor Glider Instructor Ratings, the BGA MGIR and the CAA FI (SLMG). These two ratings are both gained and renewed separately.
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Instructor Requirements BGA Jan 15
The BGA Motor Glider Instructor Rating Endorsement (BGA MGIR)
Requirements: Either BGA Full Instructor Rating (gliders) or, for BGA MGIR Stage 1 only, a BGA Assistant Instructor Rating (gliders), and Appropriate licence for the class of aircraft flown
Privileges: Where a valid gliding instructor rating is held, instructing gliding exercises in a motor glider, appropriate to the group and stage held and where the instructor has a valid certificate of medical fitness.
The endorsement is issued separately on three groups of motor gliders: 1. Group 1 Wooden Motor Gliders 2. Group 2 GRP Motor Gliders 3. Group 3 Retractable Engine Motor Gliders
In addition to the above groups, each group has three separate stages:1. Stage 1 Glider handling, upper air exercises, circuits, approaches and landings 2. Stage 2 Stage 1 exercises plus map appreciation and glider navigation 3. Stage 3 Stage 1 and 2 exercises plus simulated aerotow rope breaks, field selection and landing simulation and final glide simulation.
The BGA MGIR is issued by test with a BGA Regional Examiner or BGA FIE who holds a BGA MGIR.
Renewal: Providing the MGIR requirements (above) remain in place, a BGA MGIR does not expire.
Where either of the requirements has lapsed for more than 5 years and either has subsequently been renewed, the BGA MGIR should be renewed by test with a BGA Regional Examiner or BGA FIE who holds a BGA MGIR.
Note: The BGA MGIR is entirely separate to the CAA FI (SLMG).
The CAA FI (SLMG)
Requirements:  Current BGA Full Instructor Rating  Appropriate licence for the class of aircraft flown  Completion of bespoke training and test conducted by BGA Examiner with a CAA FIE rating
Note: Candidates who do not hold the BGA Full Gliding Instructor Rating must attend a CAA approved Flying Instructor course run by a CAA approved flying training organisation.
Privileges: Instruction in SLMG aircraft under the auspices of the BGA. Note – only those instructors who additionally hold a valid BGA Full Instructor rating or BGA Flight Examiner authorisation
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Instructor Requirements BGA Jan 15
may carry out any qualifying checks or tests for gliding qualifications and/or ratings, for example Bronze field landings.
Renewal: The CAA FI (SLMG) is revalidated biennially by test with either a CAA FIE(SLMG) or a BGA Panel Examiner or EASA Part-FCL equivalent.
A BGA Panel Examiner is defined by the BGA as a BGA SRE or RE who also holds a CAA Examiner Authorisation and the FI (SLMG) rating. Use CAA Instructor Form 3 (SRG1135). Reference CAP 804 Section 5 Part H.
Note: For both the BGA MGIR and the CAA FI (SLMG) to remain valid, the instructor must maintain a current medical certificate as required by the relevant regulations.
BGA Aerobatics Instructor Endorsement
Requirements: Candidates must hold a BGA Full or Assistant Instructor Rating and must attend and pass an aerobatics course supervised by a BGA Aerobatics Instructor Coach.
Privileges: Where a valid gliding instructor rating is held, may teach aerobatics and, where specified and authorised by a BGA Aerobatics Examiner, advanced/inverted aerobatic manoeuvres
BGA Flight Instructor Coach Endorsement An experienced instructor who would like to instruct instructors should discuss with their CFI and then contact the BGA Instructors Committee c/o the BGA office.
Requirements:  Hold a valid Full Instructor Rating, and  Attend a BGA FIC seminar, and  Demonstrate their competence to a BGA Regional Examiner or BGA FIE
The endorsement will be issued on receipt by the BGA of evidence of qualification.
10. Chief Flying Instructor or Senior Pilot
BGA CFI Endorsement This is a mandatory endorsement for the instructor at a club who is responsible for flying standards where any flight training takes place.
Requirements:  A BGA Full Instructor Rating, or FI(S) certificate with appropriate training, and  At least 150 hours P1 on at least six different types of glider or motor glider, and  Have two years of instructing experience
The endorsement will be issued, without charge, on receipt by the BGA of evidence of qualification as CFI elect from the Club Chairman, subject to the approval of a Senior Regional Examiner as authorized by the Chairman of the Instructors Committee.
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Instructor Requirements BGA Jan 15
Senior Club Pilot Endorsement At clubs where the club has formally notified the BGA that no flight training takes place and where no flying takes place by pilots with a lower qualification than a Bronze badge with Cross Country endorsement, it is not necessary to have a CFI but a Senior Pilot should be appointed
Requirements  At least 150 total hours PIC on at least six types of glider or motor glider, and  Silver Badge
The endorsement will be issued on receipt by the BGA of evidence of qualification as Senior Pilot elect from the Club Chairman, subject to the approval of the Chairman of the Instructors Committee.
11. FI(S) Additional Privileges. Subject to specific requirements described in the Aircrew Regulation, a Part-FCL FI(S) certificate holder can hold the following Part-FCL instructor privileges.
 Aerobatics – note that to teach advanced aerobatics at a BGA club, ie aerobatics resulting in sustained inverted flight, the instructor must additionally be specifically authorised in writing by a BGA aerobatic examiner.
 Sailplane Cloud Flying  Sailplane towing in TMG aircraft  TMG – note:
o FI(S) with TMG converted from BGA MGIR are restricted to teaching gliding exercises only in TMG. Their FI certificate will state ‘TMG – sailplane training only’
o An FI(S) is not entitled to teach for a PPL(A), TMG Class Rating or the extension of LAPL(A) privileges to TMG
 Flight Instructor Coach ie FCL.905.FI.FI (i)
These Part-FCL instructor additional privileges are recognised by the BGA as equivalent to BGA instructor privileges.
12. Insurance and BGA Records The BGA maintains an insurance policy that insures the BGA and its instructors and introductory flight pilots (IFP) against liabilities resulting from their activities that result in third party damage and injury.
The details and confirmation of BGA IFP, or BGA Basic or Assistant or Full Rating, or valid FI(S) certificate, must be submitted annually to the BGA office by the club CFI. The password protected CFI online tool should be used by CFI’s. In the event of the online tool being unavailable, alternative notification should be made as agreed with the BGA office.
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Instructor Requirements BGA Jan 15 13. Communication Providing the BGA office is annually supplied with instructor details, and has the instructors email address, the BGA office will send instructor revalidation/reminder notices to any instructor and their CFI. In addition, the BGA office will periodically provide relevant information to instructors and their CFI. 14. Suspension of Instructor Rating following an accident It is important that any instructor who has an accident is provided with appropriate support and that any related issues are addressed. An instructor who has an accident whilst flying gliders or motor gliders or whilst instructing in gliders or motor gliders is immediately suspended from instructing at BGA clubs. The suspension is lifted on the authority of the Chairman of the Instructors Committee and only if requested by the CFI of a BGA club. End.
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