Privileges and conditions
An SPL will allow you to act as pilot in command (PIC) on sailplanes and powered sailplanes. To
fly a touring motor glider (TMG), you must also comply with the requirements detailed in
extension of privileges to TMG on the LAPL (S) page.
You can only carry passengers when you have completed at least 10 hours of flight time or 30
launches as PIC after your licence has been issued.
You cannot operate commercially, or receive any kind of payment, until you:
- Are 18 years of age or over
- Have completed 75 hours of flight time or 200 launches, after your licence has been
issued
- Have passed a proficiency check with an examiner
The exception to this is for holders of a SPL with instructor or examiner privileges, who can be
paid for the following:
- Flight instruction
- Conducting skill tests and proficiency checks
for the LAPL (S) or SPL and any associated ratings and endorsements.
Launch methods
You will be limited to the launch method included in your skill test. This limit can be removed
if you complete the requirements detailed in the launch
methods section on the LAPL (S) page.
Recency requirements
You can only fly if you comply with the recency requirements detailed in the
keeping your licence current section on the LAPL (S) page.
Experience requirements and crediting
If you do not already hold a licence, you will need to complete 15 hours of flight instruction
on sailplanes or powered sailplanes, including the requirements detailed in the
experience requirements and crediting section on the LAPL (S) page.
SPL crediting if you hold a LAPL (S)
If you held a LAPL (S) within the two years prior to applying for an SPL then you will be fully
credited towards the theoretical knowledge and flight instruction requirements.
SPL crediting if you hold another type of licence
If you hold a pilot’s licence for another type of aircraft, except balloons, you will be
credited with 10% of your total flight time as PIC up to a maximum of 7 hours. You will still need
to complete the 2 hours of supervised solo flight time, 45 launches and landings and 1 solo
cross-country flight of at least 50 km (27 NM) or 1 dual cross-country flight of at least 100 km
(55 NM), as the credited flight time cannot be counted towards this requirement.
Apply for an SPL using paper forms