SFCL.215  Sailplane cloud flying privileges

(a)     SPL holders shall operate a sailplane within cloud only if:

(1)     any engine is stopped; and

(2)     they have sailplane cloud flying privileges in accordance with this point.

(b)     The privileges of an SPL shall include sailplane cloud flying privileges if a pilot has completed at least:

(1)     30 hours as PIC in sailplanes after the issue of the licence;

(2)     a training course at an ATO or a DTO, including:

(i)      theoretical knowledge instruction;

(ii)     at least two hours of dual flight instruction in sailplanes with any engine stopped, controlling the aircraft solely by reference to instruments. However, a maximum of 50 % of the dual flight instruction may be completed in TMGs flown with engine power, provided that these training flights are conducted in VMC.

(c)      In order to obtain sailplane cloud flying privileges, an SPL holder who also holds a basic instrument rating (BIR) or an IR(A) in accordance with Annex I (Part-FCL) to Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 or who has fulfilled all the requirements for the issue of one of these ratings, shall:

(1)     be credited towards the requirement of paragraph (b)(2)(i);

(2)     by way of derogation from paragraph (b)(2)(ii), complete at least one hour of dual flight instruction in a sailplane, controlling it solely by reference to instruments.

(d)     The completion of the training course as specified in paragraphs (b)(2) or (c)(2), as applicable, shall be entered in the logbook and signed by the head of training of the ATO or the DTO that is responsible for the training.

(e)     SPL holders shall exercise their sailplane cloud flying privileges only if in the last two years before the planned cloud flight they have completed at least one hour of flight time, or five flights, as PIC exercising cloud flying privileges in sailplanes.

(f)      If SPL holders with sailplane cloud flying privileges do not comply with the requirements in paragraph (e) and they wish to resume the exercise of their sailplane cloud flying privileges they shall: (1) pass a proficiency check with an FE(S); or (2) perform the additional flight time or flights required in paragraph (e) with an FI(S).

(g)     SPL holders with sailplane cloud flying privileges who also hold a BIR or an IR(A) in accordance with Annex I (Part-FCL) to Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 shall be fully credited towards the requirements of paragraph (e).