AMCAcceptable means of compliance
AMC1 FCL.125; FCL.235
CONTENTS OF THE SKILL TEST FOR THE ISSUE OF A LAPL(S) AND OF AN SPL
(a)An applicant should be responsible for the flight planning and should ensure that all equipment and documentation for the execution of the flight are on board.
(b)The applicant should indicate to the FE the checks and duties carried out. Checks should be completed in accordance with the flight manual or the authorised checklist for the sailplane on which the test is being taken.
FLIGHT TEST TOLERANCE
(c)The applicant should demonstrate the ability to:
(1)operate the sailplane within its limitations;
(2)complete all manoeuvres with smoothness and accuracy;
(3)exercise good judgment and airmanship;
(4)apply aeronautical knowledge;
(5)maintain control of the sailplane at all times in such a manner that the successful outcome of a procedure or manoeuvre is never seriously in doubt.
CONTENT OF THE SKILL TEST
(d)The skill test contents and sections set out in this AMC should be used for the skill test for the issue of a LAPL(S) and of an SPL:
| SECTION 1 PRE-FLIGHT OPERATIONS AND DEPARTURE | |
|---|---|
| Use of checklist, airmanship (control of sailplane by external visual reference), look-out. Apply in all sections. | |
| a | Pre-flight sailplane (daily) inspection, documentation, NOTAM and weather briefing |
| b | Verifying in-limits mass and balance and performance calculation |
| c | Sailplane servicing compliance |
| d | Pre-take-off checks |
| SECTION 2 LAUNCH METHOD Note: at least for one of the three launch methods all the mentioned items are fully exercised during the skill test | |
| SECTION 2 (A) WINCH OR CAR LAUNCH | |
| a | Signals before and during launch, including messages to winch driver |
| b | Adequate profile of winch launch |
| c | Simulated launch failure |
| d | Situational awareness |
| SECTION 2 (B) AEROTOW LAUNCH | |
| a | Signals before and during launch, including signals to or communications with tow plane pilot for any problems |
| b | Initial roll and take-off climb |
| c | Launch abandonment (simulation only or ‘talk-through’) |
| d | Correct positioning during straight flight and turns |
| e | Out of position and recovery |
| f | Correct release from tow |
| g | Look-out and airmanship through whole launch phase |
| SECTION 2 (C) SELF-LAUNCH (powered sailplanes only) | |
| a | ATC compliance (if applicable) |
| b | Aerodrome departure procedures |
| c | Initial roll and take-off climb |
| d | Look-out and airmanship during the whole take-off |
| e | Simulated engine failure after take-off |
| f | Engine shut down and stowage |
| SECTION 3 GENERAL AIRWORK | |
| a | Maintain straight flight: attitude and speed control |
| b | Coordinated medium (30 ° bank) turns, look-out procedures and collision avoidance |
| c | Turning on to selected headings visually and with use of compass |
| d | Flight at high angle of attack (critically low air speed) |
| e | Clean stall and recovery |
| f | Spin avoidance and recovery |
| g | Steep (45 ° bank) turns, look-out procedures and collision avoidance |
| h | Local area navigation and awareness |
| SECTION 4 CIRCUIT, APPROACH AND LANDING | |
| a | Aerodrome circuit joining procedure |
| b | Collision avoidance: look-out procedures |
| c | Pre-landing checks |
| d | Circuit, approach control and landing |
| e | Precision landing (simulation of out-landing and short field) |
| f | Crosswind landing if suitable conditions available |
AMC · AMC1 FCL.125 — Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 · ED Decision 2011/016/R · Aircrew Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 25 Nov 2025