AMC1 SFCL.130 SPL – Training course and experience requirements

CAA ORS9 Decision No. 1

THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE INSTRUCTION FOR THE SPL

(a) General

The training should cover aspects related to non-technical skills in an integrated manner, taking into account the particular risks associated with the licence and the activity. The theoretical knowledge instruction provided by the declared training organisation (DTO) or approved training organisation (ATO) should include a certain element of formal classroom work but may also include other methods of delivery — for example, interactive video, slide or tape presentation, computer-based training and other media distance-learning courses. The training organisation responsible for the training has to check whether all the appropriate elements of the training course of theoretical knowledge instruction have been completed to a satisfactory standard before recommending the applicant for the examination.

(b) Syllabus

The following table contains the syllabus for theoretical knowledge instruction for the SPL:

Syllabus for theoretical knowledge instruction for the SPL
1.	AIR LAW AND ATC PROCEDURES
1.1.	International law: conventions, agreements and organisations
1.2.	Airworthiness of aircraft
1.3.	Aircraft nationality and registration marks
1.4.	Personnel licensing
1.5.	Rules of the air
1.6.	Procedures for air navigation: aircraft operations
1.7.	Air traffic regulations: airspace structure
1.8.	Air traffic service (ATS) and air traffic management (ATM)
1.9.	Aeronautical information services (AIS)
1.10.	Aerodromes, external take-off sites
1.11.	Search and rescue
1.12.	Security
1.13.	Accident reporting
1.14.	National law
2.	HUMAN PERFORMANCE
2.1.	Human factors: basic concepts
2.2.	Basic aviation physiology and health maintenance
2.3.	Basic aviation psychology
2.4.	Use of oxygen
3.	METEOROLOGY
3.1.	The atmosphere
3.2.	Wind
3.3.	Thermodynamics
3.4.	Clouds and fog
3.5.	Precipitation
3.6.	Air masses and fronts
3.7	Pressure systems
3.8.	Climatology
3.9.	Flight hazards
3.10.	Meteorological information
4.	COMMUNICATIONS
4.1.	Definitions
4.2.	VFR communications
4.2.1.	VFR communication at uncontrolled airfields
4.2.2.	VFR communication at controlled airfields
4.2.3.	VFR communication with ATC (en-route)
4.3.	General operating procedures
4.4.	Relevant weather information terms (VFR)
4.5.	Action required to be taken in case of communication failure
4.6.	Distress and urgency procedures
4.7.	General principles of VHF propagation and allocation of frequencies
5.	PRINCIPLES OF FLIGHT
5.1.	Aerodynamics (airflow)
5.2.	Flight mechanics
5.3.	Stability
5.4.	Control
5.5.	Limitations (load factor and manoeuvres)
5.6.	Stalling and spinning
5.7	Spiral dive
6.	OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
6.1.	General requirements
6.2.	Launch methods
6.3.	Soaring techniques
6.4.	Circuits and landing
6.5.	Outlanding
6.6.	Special operational procedures and hazards
6.7.	Emergency procedures
6.8	Emergency parachute operation and landing
7.	FLIGHT PERFORMANCE AND PLANNING
7.1.	Mass and balance
7.2.	Speed polar of sailplanes or cruising speed
7.3.	Flight planning and task setting
7.4.	ICAO flight plan (ATS flight plan)
7.5.	Flight monitoring and in-flight re-planning
8.	AIRCRAFT GENERAL KNOWLEDGE, AIRFRAME AND SYSTEMS AND EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
8.1.	Airframe
8.2.	System design, loads and stresses
8.3.	Landing gear, wheels, tyres and brakes
8.4.	Mass and balance
8.5.	Flight controls
8.6.	Instruments
8.7.	Rigging of aircraft, connection of control surfaces
8.8.	Manuals and documents
8.9.	Airworthiness and maintenance
8.10.	Airframe, engines and propellers
8.11	Water ballast systems
8.12	Batteries (performance and operational limitations)
8.13	Emergency parachutes
8.14	Emergency bail-out aid
9.	NAVIGATION
9.1.	Basics of navigation
9.2.	Magnetism and compasses
9.3.	Charts
9.4.	Dead reckoning navigation
9.5.	In-flight navigation
9.6.	Use of GNSS
9.7.	Use of ATS