For the first time, one of our pilots has taken the CAA SPL Assessment of Competence, and passed. What does all that mean? A bit of context:
If you decide to learn to fly with us, here’s how it works:
- Pre-solo training, where you fly with an instructor.
- Then you go solo! (huge milestone #1)
- Post-solo training, where you’re supervised by an instructor on the ground.
- Then you do some tests, and then you qualify as a sailplane pilot (huge milestone #2) – you are issued a Sailplane Pilot’s License, SPL
- After you’re a qualified pilot, all sorts of opportunities open up — cross-country adventures, instructing, aerobatics, etc.
So the process involves two big milestones.
The second of these milestones just changed in a big way.
Until September, gliding in the UK was regulated by the British Gliding Association. From October 1st, regulation moved to the government’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The CAA test (“assessment of competence”, AoC) gets you the SPL.
The test involves four to eight flights, and as well as general flying, covers winch-launch cable breaks (at least two), maintaining straight flight with adequate speed control, coordinated turns, stall recognition and recovery, circuit planning, and (of course) always keeping a good lookout. If a glider is available which can be spun that will be tested too, as will cross-wind landings if conditions permit. The examiner’s handbook says that they should see you fly “safely, practically and smoothly, obeying rules & procedures”.
Many of the same things were tested under the old regime, but there are at least three big differences:
- The BGA split the qualification into “bronze” (for general flying standards) and “cross-country” (for navigation, field landing etc.) There’s no longer a separate “cross-country” bit; cross-country has to be taught before the one big AoC test.
- It’s now mandatory to get instructors to sign off the entire training syllabus before the test. At Cambridge Gliding Club, we’ve an online system where each exercise is checked off by instructors.
- The BGA system required certain minimum duration flights, and that requirement’s no longer there. (This is a big deal because it can be hard to get those long duration flights in the winter, so the testing process is no longer so seasonal).
All of this has been an adjustment process for the club, and for those pilots who were at the point of Big Milestone #2.
We’re delighted to say that our first pilot has now been through this new test – and passed! Regular readers of our website will have met her before – Olivia. Congratulations, Olivia, who is now a qualified sailplane pilot’s license holder.
Here’s what Olivia says about it all:
Can you tell me how you were feeling before your SPL test? Were you excited or nervous?
Olivia: I was very nervous, but also the thought of it being done and being able to share that news with people was very exciting. Also knowing once I have my SPL I can do fun things like flying with other SPL holders.
And was the test what you expected? Were there any parts that were more difficult or surprising?
There were a lot of things I had to show competency at – lots of paperwork and points to follow – but no surprises.
Since you were familiar with the BGA “bronze” and “cross-country” testing process, and now you’re familiar with the SPL testing process, you’re probably uniquely qualified to comment on the differences. Are there any parts which are more difficult now, or any parts which are easier?
Not having to do the one hour flight that was required under the old syllabus takes the pressure off, and therefore allows for getting the SPL in winter. The SPL skills test I think is more like a list of things you have to do, and there is little room for error. Somewhat like a driving test where the instructor tells you what to do and marks off when said point is complete.
Can you say more about the sense of achievement you got from passing this test, especially since you were the first in CGC to do so (and probably one of the first in the world). Was it more or less than when you went solo?
More than going solo!
Why?
Because it’s more formal, and you need to get lots of things lined up to be able to take the test.
Do you have any advice for anyone who is coming up to their SPL test?
You might feel daunted by it, but it’s 100% worth it and nothing you can’t already do.
Thanks Olivia and congratulations again!
Thanks to Andrew Watson and Olivia each for contributions to this post.
