From September 2025 it is mandatory to hold a Part-SFCL SPL licence to fly Part-21 Sailplanes.
Holders of existing British Gliding Association (BGA) Glider Certificates should contact the BGA directly regarding conversion to a Part- SFCL sailplane licence.
Pilots that hold either a LAPL(S) or UK issued EASA SPL will have their licences reissued as UK Part SFCL SPL when they next apply to us for a licensing service for their sailplane licence, or if they apply to the BGA to extend their privileges are being added to the Part-SFCL SPL at the time of licence issue.
The BGA website advises on who needs to convert and relevant dates.
How do I apply?
If you are applying for a Part-SFCL SPL on the basis of a BGA certificate, then you should contact the British Gliding Association (BGA) directly.
How much does it cost?
Please refer to the BGA website for information on BGA glider conversions.
What do I need to send with my application?
If you are applying for a Part-SFCL SPL on the basis of a BGA certificate, then you should contact the British Gliding Association (BGA) directly.
Full guidance on submitting a conversion application form to the BGA is available on their website.
What else do I need to know?
The application for a conversion to the UK Part-SFCL SPL licence must be submitted to the British Gliding Association (BGA), who will carry out all required checks and send a recommendation for the UK Part-SFCL SPL licence issue to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Pre-Requisites
Please refer to the BGA website in respect of BGA Glider conversions.
There is further information available on adding a sailplane towing rating to an Aeroplane licence, such as a Part FCL PPL(A) and Applying for Additional Ratings.
How long will it take for my application to be processed?
The process from receipt of the application at the British Gliding Association (BGA) to the UK Part-SFCL SPL licence issue by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) can take approximately 3 weeks.
For more precise time frame please contact the BGA or refer to the BGA website.
At the CAA, we are currently working within the published service levels of 10 working days for all application types.
What happens next?
When your application arrives with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), it will undergo a desk-based assessment by our Flight Crew Licensing Team. Following an acceptable assessment your licence will be processed, signed and despatched to the British Gliding Association (BGA). Upon receipt of your licence you will be contacted by the BGA.
We will contact the BGA in writing if we have any queries regarding your application and may keep your application pending while the additional requirements are met.
We are currently working within the published service levels of 10 working days for all application types. Where an application is pended, the working days to process the application will be counted from the date of receipt of the requested additional information.
The licences are valid for life, subject to recency and medical requirements being maintained.
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