Personnel flight licenses
Planner Pilot License (SPL)
What is a glider?
It is an aircraft heavier than air sustained in flight by the dynamic reaction of the air against its fixed lift surfaces and whose free flight does not depend on an engine.
How do I become a glider pilot?
In order to act as a glider pilot it is necessary to obtain the glider pilot licence (SPL) regulated in Annex III (Part-SFCL) to Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/1976 of 14 December.
To obtain the glider pilot licence, the applicant must be at least 16 years of age and take a theoretical-practical course at an approved training organisation (ATO) or a declared training organisation (DTO).
However, the above, training as a pilot can be started with an age below 16 years, having to have pilots in training at least 14 years of age to be able to perform flights alone.
Likewise, certain psychophysical conditions must be met that are accredited by obtaining an aeronautical medical certificate class LAPL or a medical certificate class 2 when commercial operations are carried out.
After completing the course in an ATO or DTO, the applicant must pass a theoretical type test exam carried out by AESA as well as a practical exam that will consist of a flight test with a flight examiner.
What are the privileges of a sailplane pilot licence (SPL) holder?
- without remuneration in non-commercial transactions;
- in commercial transactions if it meets the following conditions:
- has reached the age of 18,
- has completed 75 flight hours or 200 launches or take-offs and landings as PIC on gliders.
- provide flight instruction for obtaining an SPL;
- conduct skill tests and proficiency checks to obtain an SPL;
- provide training and carry out testing and verification for privileges, ratings or certificates associated with an SPL.
In accordance with SFCL.115, an SPL holder has the privileges to act as PIC on sailplanes:
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the holder of an SPL with privileges as an instructor or examiner may receive remuneration in exchange for:
Request for issuance or modification of the Pilot's Planner License
Both to apply for your license, after passing the theoretical and practical exams, and to update the content of the same, you must fill in and submit the application format and the documentation indicated:
Application for General Aviation Licensing and Qualifications
The documentation will be sent through some of the options contemplated for this purpose in article 16 of Law 39/2015, of October 1, on the Common Administrative Procedure of Public Administrations and never via email.
You can check the options for submitting the documentation here.
Instructor (FI(S)) and flight examiner (FE(S)) certificates in glider
Annex III (Part-SFCL) to Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/1976 of 14 December sets out the requirements for issuing licences to the flight crew of sailplanes and sets out the requirements for obtaining flight instructor certificates (SFCL.300) enabling the provision of glider flight training and sailplane flight examiner training enabling skill tests, proficiency checks and proficiency assessments (SFCL.400).
You can consult the information related to obtaining the certificate of flight instructor in glider by clicking here.
For information on obtaining a glider flight examiner certificate click here.
How to submit documentation
- Through our AESA Electronic Office General Application | AESA Headquarters (seguridadaerea.gob.es)
- An electronic register of the General State Administration, the Administrations of Autonomous Communities or the entities that make up the Local Administration.
- At Post Offices
- In the diplomatic representations or consular offices of Spain abroad.
- In the registry assistance offices.
- Through postal service, or in person at AESA offices in Madrid
In this case and for the purposes of submitting your application and in accordance with the provisions of Article 16 of Law 39/2015, of 1 October, on the Common Administrative Procedure of Public Administrations, you have the following options:
Spanish Aviation Safety Agency - AESA
Aeronautical Personnel Licensing Division
Paseo de la Castellana 112
28046.Madrid. Spain
Remember: the documentation sent by e-mail is not processed.
Fees
To carry out the procedure for the settlement of fees consult the procedure published on our website Fees | AESA
Information of interest
- Information note on the amendments to the restrictions on Russian citizens with regard to obtaining pilot licences and aero-medical certificates, based on the judgment of the CJEU T-233/22 New!
- Declaration of compliance format New!
- Representation in the field of eGovernment.
- Resolution of 19 June 2020 of the Directorate of the State Aviation Safety Agency on electronic licences for aircrew.
- Information note on plans to convert national balloon and sailplane licences.
Contact
If you have doubts about the procedures indicated in this section you can contact us through licpiloto.aesa@seguridadaerea.es
Check our telephone hours here.
