Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1976 sets out detailed operational rules for sailplanes in the EU under Regulation (EU) 2018/1139. It introduces safety requirements for both private and commercial sailplane operations, covering pilot responsibilities, flight preparation, specialised operations, and required equipment. Commercial operations require a prior declaration to the competent authority, with exemptions for cost-shared flights, competitions, displays, and introductory flights. The Regulation aligns sailplane operations with EU aviation safety standards while avoiding unnecessary burdens.
This Regulation responds to the unique nature of sailplane operations, recognising their smaller scale and lower complexity compared to other aviation activities. It ensures high safety standards through proportionate oversight, detailed pilot responsibilities, and requirements for risk assessments in specialised activities. The Regulation applies to both powered and unpowered sailplanes and sets documentation, equipment, and reporting obligations to support safe operations across Member States.
Benefits of compliance: