Passenger-Carrying Privileges
Duration
1 day
Level
SPL Required
Certification
SFCL.115(a)(2)
Course Overview
Sharing the magic of soaring and the breathtaking scenery of the Alps with your friends and loved ones is a major milestone in any pilot's journey. Compliant with European regulation EASA Part-SFCL.115(a)(2), this rating removes the initial passenger limitation from your Sailplane Pilot Licence (SPL), allowing you to safely welcome passengers aboard a glider or TMG.
The goal of this training goes beyond administrative compliance—it prepares you to adapt your decision-making and flying skills to the unique requirements of passenger flight: conducting clear briefings, managing passenger comfort, maintaining elevated safety margins, and navigating Alpine aerology.
Course Syllabus
Ground Phase & Preparation
Passenger Briefing: Master clear, reassuring briefings (safety procedures, harness adjustments, emergency egress, parachute operation). Passenger Comfort & Risk Management: Airsickness prevention, detecting passenger stress, managing cabin airflow and intercom communication. Mass & Balance: Calculating passenger weight limits, maximum takeoff weight (MTOW), and adjusting ballast or trim weights accordingly. Aero-Decision Making (ADM): Setting wider safety margins for weather, route selection, and minimum terrain clearance in mountain environments.
Flight Phase
One or more dual instructional flights (at the discretion of the instructor) covering: Smooth flight controls and comfort-focused maneuvering. Emergency procedures and contingency management with a passenger on board. Precision approaches and landings at higher operating weights. Handling unexpected passenger anxiety or discomfort in-flight.
Endorsement & Sign-Off
Upon successful completion of the instructional flight: No Formal Flight Test with an Examiner: The privilege is directly signed off by your FI(S) instructor in your logbook (Logbook Endorsement). Immediate Validity: Your passenger-carrying privileges take effect immediately once endorsed in your logbook in accordance with SFCL.115(a)(2).
Recency Requirements (SFCL.160)
Once your privileges are granted, you must satisfy recency rules before carrying passengers: Complete at least 3 launches and landings as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) on the same class (sailplane or TMG) within the preceding 90 days.
Updated:
Before You Start
- Hold a valid Sailplane Pilot Licence (SPL).
- Hold a valid LAPL or Class 2 medical certificate.
- Complete the following after the issue of your SPL:
- At least 10 hours of flight time as Pilot-in-Command (PIC), or
- At least 30 launches/landings as Pilot-in-Command (PIC).
Investment
Training costs approximately €340–380, including flight hours and dedicated instruction.