THE GLIDING GATHERING:

BGA CONFERENCE KICKS OFF IN LOUGHBOROUGH TODAY

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As the biggest day for the UK gliding community, the 2026 BGA Conference focuses on new Electronic Conspicuity (EC) standards and safety protocols. Whether you are a power pilot or a glider pilot, our update covers the essential takeaways for shared airspace safety this season.

If you're anywhere near Loughborough today, you'll probably see a lot of people staring at the clouds and talking about lift. The British Gliding Association Conference is in full swing, and it’s a great place to get a handle on the "Safe Start 2026" initiative.

After a long winter, everyone is a bit rusty, so the focus today is heavily on refreshing those soaring skills and making sure we don't have a string of silly incidents in the spring.

Even if you aren't a glider pilot, there’s a lot to learn here about Electronic Conspicuity (EC). The gliding world is leading the charge on how we all see each other in the sky, and there are some decent discounts on gear like FLARM and ADS-B out units if you’re looking to upgrade your panel.

If you couldn't make the trip, keep an eye on their socials—they usually post the safety briefings and technical talks online pretty quickly.