SPL Training — Stage 2: Toward the SPL Licence
Duration
2 weeks
Level
Intermediate (solo achieved)
Certification
EASA SPL: SFCL.145
Course Overview
This second course corresponds to Modules 2 (Building Proficiency) and 3 (Toward the SPL) of the standard training syllabus. It builds on the autonomy gained at first solo toward full mastery of soaring flight and navigation.
You will consolidate your solo flying skills, learn to exploit ridge and thermal lift, manage your local flying area, then move on to flight planning, navigation and cross-country flying in the spectacular setting of the Southern French Alps.
The course concludes with the EASA Practical Skills Test with an approved examiner — your final step before the SPL licence is issued.
Entry requirement: completion of Stage 1 (first solo flight) or equivalent training, with valid recent experience
Course Syllabus
Solo Proficiency
Solo flights alternating with dual-instruction flights, improved flying precision, advanced aerotow technique, managing your local area (10:1 then 20:1 glide range).
Soaring Flight
Exploiting thermal and ridge lift, basic use of a MacCready calculator, optimising your cross-country routing.
Non-Technical Skills
Decision-making, workload management, situational awareness, radio communication, introduction to safety culture (Threat and Error Management – TEM).
Navigation and Flight Planning
Flight documentation, chart selection, airspace, planning a 100 km cross-country task, choosing an outlanding field (VERDO method).
Cross-Country Flying
Supervised solo cross-country tasks in and beyond the local area, independent navigation, outlanding practice (simulator, then real flights).
EASA Skills Test SFCL.145
Skill test with an FE(S) examiner: flying skills, navigation, procedures and threat management — SPL licence issued on successful completion.
Updated:
Requirements
- Minimum age: 14 years for solo, 16 for licence
- Medical self-declaration of fitness
- Completion of Stage 1 (first solo flight)
- Completed theoretical knowledge exam (9 subjects)
- Full-time availability for 4 weeks
Investment
• Simulator session €12.0 / hour (3 hours) €36; • Duo Discus glider hire € 37.2 / hour (40 hours) €1,488; • SF25 motor glider hire €105 / hour (3 hours) €315; • Towing by aeroplane €4.35 / min. (12 × 12 mins) €626; • Personal flight instructor services: €250–300 per flying day.