The TMG extension to the SPL

Welcome to the TMG Extension Course at Cambridge Gliding Club. This site is intended to bring together material to help trainees interested in learning to fly a TMG as an extension to their SPL.

You will need an SPL with a Medical (Pilot Declaration is sufficient). We need a VERY brief summary of your flying experience. Those with previous TMG experience – please provide more details of that experience.

The course is conducted in G-BODU. Please download a copy of the Flight Manual (see the Trainee Materials section of this website) and read. It’s not a big document (G-BODU has a 55 litre fuel tank and no fuel pump).

The course completion standard is to present you for a Skills Test with confidence and expectation of gaining a good pass. There is an oral element to this Skills Test (which is covered during training).

SFCL.130 SPL Training course and experience requirements state that the applicant needs:

• Minimum 6 hrs of instruction

• Including a minimum of 4 hrs dual

• Including a solo qualifying cross country (QXC) of at least 150km (80 nm) with a full stop landing at an aerodrome different from the departure aerodrome

After the above has been completed, a Skills Test with an FE(S) has to be conducted

Realistically, for those with no previous TMG experience, the above would be an absolute minimum. It would be prudent to assume nearer 10 hrs but there are lots of variables here (weather, performance) plus you might want to practice exercises to a higher standard than that required of the course. Supervised solo circuits will be an important element of the course (and fun of course).

It would be better to concentrate the flying as well, so we'll organise students to allow that. In addition, we will make every effort to have an FE(S) available for you within a few days of completing your QXC.

The Falke is not much fun in a strong or gusty wind. Depending upon the exercise, We'd suggest that we limit training to 20 kts wind. Rain is also very problematic. Evenings and early mornings are a great time for training with generally calmer conditions and less activity on the airfield. Besides we want to make the most of the best soaring conditions to fly sailplanes!

You could get away without any personal equipment over and above your gliding kit, although most people own their own headset. The club has basic ones available. You will need a clipboard/kneeboard, but again, the club can get you started.

Click the links for Trainee Materials to find information that you'll need. You'll also find lots of technical notes relating to G-BODU, and a set of exercise briefs for the various exercises on the course.

Also please note this guidance from the BGA relating to tailwheel operations.

Rob Bryce Smith and Paul Ruskin