From 30 September 2025 it is mandatory to hold a Part-SFCL SPL licence to fly Part-21 Sailplanes.
Holders of existing British Gliding Association (BGA) Gliding Certificates should contact the BGA directly regarding conversion to a Part- SFCL sailplane licence (SPL).
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 add additional privileges to the Part-SFCL SPL.
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 gliding 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 applying for a Part-SFCL SPL on the basis of a BGA gliding certificate.
What do I need to send with my application?
If you are applying for a Part-SFCL SPL on the basis of a BGA gliding 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 Gliding Certificate conversions.
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.
How to apply for a Basic Instructor (Sailplane) BI(S) Certificate
As part of the Licensing and Training Simplification Project. The CAA is introducing a Basic Instructor (Sailplane) (BI)(S) certificate to the Sailplane Regulations as part of the legislative changes due to come in force during September 2025.
For those holders of BGA Basic Instructor Rating Certificates. Applications are now being accepted by the BGA for recommendation to the CAA either as a conversion application for the grant of a Part SFCL SPL or as part of an application for an addition to an existing Part SFCL SPL. Due to legislative timescales, the first BI(S) certificates will be issued by the CAA from 15th September 2025.
You are encouraged to apply to the British Gliding Association before Friday 5th September 2025 to ensure continuity of privileges beyond 30th September 2025 due to the application assessment process.
I have not converted to get my SPL yet, How do I apply and obtain all privileges, including the BI(S)?
If you are applying for a Part-SFCL SPL on the basis of a BGA gliding certificate, then you should contact the British Gliding Association (BGA) directly. As part of this process the BGA will assess all qualifications you may wish to convert, including the BGA Basic Instructor rating to Part SFCL equivalents.
How much does it cost?
Refer to the BGA website for information on applying for a Part-SFCL SPL on the basis of a BGA gliding certificate or Adding a rating or privilege to an SPL during conversion - application - Pilot & Club Info.
How long will my application take to process and 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.