The Irish Gliding and Soaring Association

Gliding Operations

The IGSA, through it's Operational Regulations, regulates Gliding Operations. The Operational Regulations incorporate the Statuary Instruments and cover all aspects of Gliding Operations in Republic of Ireland.

Airworthiness

The IGSA manages the Airworthiness of gliders in conjunction with the IAA. Since 28th March 2007 all Irish Gliders were registered with the IAA.

From 28th September 2009 all Gliders will be subject to the EASA Part-M Maintenance.

On the 2nd March, the IGSA recieved EASA Part-M Subpart-F and Subpart-G approvals from the IAA.

Glider Pilot Training Standards

The IGSA sets the syllabus and standards for Glider Pilot training. When pilots pass the IGSA exams and flight tests, they are awarded a Bronze C certificate (similar to a PPL for power flying). It also sets the medical requirements for Pilots and Instructors. More information in the Pilot Licensing section.

In the future a European Glider Pilots Licence - Light Aircraft Pilots Licence - Sailplanes (LAPL(S)) or Sailplane Pilots Licence (SPL) will be in place. When this happens, all glider pilots will have to have a Licence. The legislation enabling the Essential Requirements (ER) has been passed by the European Parliament and Council of Ministers but the Implementing Rules (IR) are still being developed. A Commor Response Document has recently been published by EASA on Licencing. The ERs call for implemention to commence in 2012 with a three year transition period

Instructor Ratings

The IGSA sets the syllabus for Instructor training and grants Instructor ratings and renewals. Again these will change when the new GPLs are issed.

Competitions

Each year the IGSA runs the Irish Gliding National Championships. Pilots represent Ireland at European and World Championships and also compete in other competitions mostly in the UK and Spain.

A National Ladder is also run each year. Pilots submit their cross country flights and accumulate points. Official IGSA Turning Points must be used.

For more information see the Competitions Page.

IAA and EASA

The IGSA is working closely with the IAA particularly with regard to Airworthiness issues. In the near future other areas such as Operations and Licensing will come to the fore.

The IGSA has been dealing with [EASA] matters in a number for fronts;

• Registration of Gliders starting in early 2007
• Maintaining links with the [European Gliding Union] and monitoring the progress of EASA.
• Pilot Licensing which will be coming to us in the next few years
• Airworthiness and Part-M