AMC1 SFCL.150(b) SPL – Sailplane and TMG privileges

CAA ORS9 Decision No. 52

Text in magenta in force from 15 September 2025

EXTENSION TO TMG PRIVILEGES

(a) Once the training set out in this AMC is completed, the ATO or the DTO should issue a certificate of satisfactory completion of the training.

[Editorial note: “or the DTO” will be replaced by “, the DTO, or a Gliding Club” on 15 September 2025]

(b) Theoretical knowledge

In preparation for the demonstration of additional theoretical knowledge as stipulated in point SFCL.150(b)(2), the training course at an ATO or at an DTO should include theoretical knowledge instruction that should at least cover the revision or explanation of:

[Editorial note: a colon to be added after "Theoretical knowledge" and “or at an DTO” will be replaced by “, DTO or Gliding Club” on 15 September 2025]

(1) Principles of flight

(i) operating limitations (addition: TMG);

(ii) propellers; and

(iii) flight mechanics.

(2) Operational procedures for TMGs

(i) special operational procedures and hazards; and

(ii) emergency procedures.

(3) Flight performance and planning

(i) mass and balance considerations;

(ii) loading;

(iii) CG calculation;

(iv) load and trim sheet;

(v) performance of TMGs;

(vi) flight planning for VFR flights;

(vii) fuel planning;

(viii) pre-flight preparation;

(ix) ICAO flight plan; and

(x) flight monitoring and in-flight re-planning.

(4) Aircraft general knowledge

(i) system designs, loads, stresses, maintenance;

(ii) airframe;

(iii) landing gear, wheels, tyres, brakes;

(iv) fuel system;

(v) electrics;

(vi) piston engines;

(vii) propellers; and

(viii) instrument and indication systems.

(5) Navigation

(i) dead reckoning navigation (addition: powered flying elements);

(ii) in-flight navigation (addition: powered flying elements);

(iii) basic radio propagation theory;

(iv) radio aids (basics);

(v) radar (basics); and

(vi) GNSS.

(1) The numbering of exercises should be used primarily as an exercise reference list and as a broad instructional sequencing guide; therefore, the demonstrations and practices need not necessarily be given in the order listed.

(2) The training elements as per point SFCL.150(b)(1) should cover the revision or explanation of the following exercises:

Exercise 1: Familiarisation with the TMG

(i) characteristics of the TMG;

(ii) cockpit layout;

(iii) systems; and

(iv) checklists, drills and controls.

Exercise 1e: Emergency drills

(i) action if fire on the ground and in the air;

(ii) engine cabin and electrical system fire;

(iii) systems failure; and

(iv) escape drills, location and use of emergency equipment and exits.

Exercise 2: Preparation for and action after flight

(i) serviceability documents;

(ii) equipment required, maps, etc.;

(iii) external checks;

(iv) internal checks;

(v) harness and seat or rudder panel adjustments;

(vi) starting and warm-up checks;

(vii) power checks;

(viii) running down system checks and switching off the engine;

(ix) parking, security and picketing (for example, tie down); and

(x) completion of authorisation sheet and serviceability documents.

Exercise 3: Taxiing

(i) pre-taxi checks;

(ii) starting, control of speed and stopping;

(iii) engine handling;

(iv) control of direction and turning;

(v) turning in confined spaces;

(vi) parking area procedure and precautions;

(vii) effects of wind and use of flying controls;

(viii) effects of ground surface;

(ix) freedom of rudder movement;

(x) marshalling signals;

(xi) instrument checks;

(xii) air traffic control procedures (if applicable).

Exercise 3e: Emergencies: brake and steering failure

Exercise 4: Straight and level

(i) at normal cruising power, attaining and maintaining straight and level flight;

(ii) flight at critically high air speeds;

(iii) demonstration of inherent stability;

(iv) control of pitch, including use of trim;

(v) lateral level, direction and balance and trim;

(vi) at selected air speeds (use of power);

(vii) during speed and configuration changes; and

(viii) use of instruments for precision.

Exercise 5: Climbing

(i) entry, maintaining the normal and max rate climb and levelling off;

(ii) levelling off at selected altitudes;

(iii) en-route climb (cruise climb);

(iv) climbing with flap down (if available);

(v) recovery to normal climb;

(vi) maximum angle of climb; and

(vii) use of instruments for precision.

Exercise 6: Descending

(i) entry, maintaining and levelling off;

(ii) levelling off at selected altitudes;

(iii) glide, powered and cruise descent (including effect of power and air speed);

(iv) side slipping (on suitable types);

(v) use of instruments for precision flight; and

(vi) descending with engine inoperative.

Exercise 7: Turning

(i) entry and maintaining medium level turns;

(ii) resuming straight flight;

(iii) faults in the turn (incorrect pitch, bank and balance);

(iv) climbing turns;

(v) descending turns;

(vi) slipping turns (on suitable types);

(vii) turns onto selected headings, use of gyro heading indicator or compass; and

(viii) use of instruments for precision.

Exercise 8a: Slow flight

Note: The objective is to improve the pilot’s ability to recognise inadvertent flight at critically low speeds and provide practice in maintaining the TMG in balance while returning to normal air speed.

(i) safety checks;

(ii) introduction to slow flight;

[Editorial note: point (ii) will be replaced by "recognition of the characteristics of slow flight" on 15 September 2025]

(iii) controlled flight down to critically slow air speed; and

(iv) application of full power with correct attitude and balance to achieve normal climb speed.

Exercise 8b: Stalling

(i) airmanship;

(ii) safety checks;

(iii) symptoms;

(iv) recognition;

(v) clean stall and recovery without power and with power;

(vi) recovery when a wing drops; and

(vii) approach to stall in the approach and in the landing configurations, with and without power, recovery at the incipient stage.

Exercise 9: Take-off and climb to downwind position

(i) pre-take-off checks;

(ii) into wind take-off;

(iii) safeguarding the nose wheel (if applicable);

(iv) crosswind take-off;

(v) drills during and after take-off;

(vi) short take-off and soft field procedure or techniques including performance calculations; and

(vii) noise abatement procedures.

Exercise 10: Circuit, approach and landing

(i) circuit procedures, downwind and base leg;

(ii) approach and landing with and without (idle) engine power;

(iii) safeguarding the nose wheel (if applicable);

(iv) effect of wind and wind shear on approach and touchdown speeds;

(v) use of airbrakes, flaps, slats or spoilers (if available);

(vi) crosswind approach and landing;

(vii) glide approach and landing (engine stopped);

(viii) short landing and soft field procedures or techniques;

(ix) flapless approach and landing (if applicable);

(x) wheel landing;

(xi) missed approach and go-around; and

(xii) noise abatement procedures.

Note: In the interests of safety, it will be necessary for pilots who are trained on nose wheel TMGs to undergo dual conversion training before flying tail wheel TMGs, and vice versa.

Exercise 9/10e: Emergencies

(i) abandoned take-off;

(ii) engine failure after take-off;

(iii) mislanding and go-around;

(iv) missed approach; and

[Editorial note: a new point (iv) will be added with the following text below on 15 September 2025:]

(v) partial power loss

Exercise 11: Advanced turning

(i) steep turns (45 °), level and descending;

(ii) stalling in the turn and recovery; and

(iii) recoveries from unusual attitudes, including spiral dives.

Exercise 12: Stopping and restarting the engine

(i) engine cooling procedures;

(ii) switching off procedure in-flight;

(iii) sailplane operating procedures;

(iv) restarting procedure; and

(v) decision process to start or not start the engine.

Exercise 13: Forced landing without power

(i) forced landing procedure;

(ii) choice of landing area, provision for change of plan;

(iii) gliding distance;

(iv) descent plan;

(v) key positions;

(vi) engine failure checks;

(vii) use of radio;

(viii) base leg;

(ix) final approach;

(x) landing; and

(xi) actions after landing.

Exercise 14: Precautionary landing

(i) full procedure away from aerodrome to break-off height;

(ii) occasions necessitating;

(iii) in-flight conditions;

(iv) landing area selection:

(A) normal aerodrome;

(B) disused aerodrome; and

(v) circuit and approach; and

(vi) actions after landing.

Exercise 15a: Navigation

(i) Flight planning

(A) weather forecast and actuals;

(B) map selection and preparation:

(1) choice of route;

(2) airspace structure; and

(3) safety altitudes;

(1) magnetic heading(s) and time(s) en-route;

(2) fuel consumption;

(3) mass and balance; and

(4) mass and performance;

(D) flight information:

(1) NOTAMs, etc.;

(2) radio frequencies; and

(3) selection of alternate aerodromes;

(E) TMG documentation;

(F) notification of the flight:

(1) pre-flight administrative procedures; and

(2) ICAO flight plan form;

(ii) Departure:

(A) organisation of cockpit workload;

(B) departure procedures:

(1) altimeter settings;

(2) ATC liaison in regulated airspace (may be simulated in case of unavailability of regulated airspace);

(3) setting heading procedure; and

(4) noting of ETAs;

(iii) En-route:

(A) maintenance of altitude and heading;

(B) revisions of ETAs and heading;

(D) use of radio or compliance with ATC procedures;

(E) minimum weather conditions for continuation of flight;

(F) in-flight decisions;

(G) transiting controlled or regulated airspace;

(H) diversion procedures;

(I) uncertainty of position procedure; and

(J) lost procedure; and

(iv) Arrival, aerodrome joining procedure:

(A) ATC liaison in regulated airspace (may be simulated in case of unavailability of regulated airspace);

(B) altimeter setting;

(D) circuit procedures;

(E) parking;

(F) security of TMG;

(G) refuelling;

(H) closing of flight plan, if appropriate; and

(I) post-flight administrative procedures.

Exercise 15b: Navigation problems at lower levels and in reduced visibility

(i) actions before descending;

(ii) hazards (for example, obstacles and terrain);

(iii) difficulties of map reading;

(iv) effects of wind and turbulence;

(v) vertical situational awareness (avoidance of controlled flight into terrain);

(vi) avoidance of noise sensitive areas;

(vii) joining the circuit; and

(viii) bad weather circuit and landing.

Exercise 15c: Radio navigation (basics)

(i) Use of GNSS , VFR Moving Map devices or VOR/NDB:

(A) selection of waypoints;

(B) to or from indications or orientation; and

(ii) Use of VHF/DF and other radio facilities, as available:

(A) availability, AIP and frequencies;

(B) R/T procedures and ATC liaison; and

(iii) Use of en-route or terminal radar:

(A) availability and AIP;

(B) procedures and ATC liaison;

(D) secondary surveillance radar;

(1) transponders;

(2) code selection; and

(3) interrogation and reply.