If you hold a national Glider Pilot Licence (GPL), please note that this licence is no longer valid under European Union (EU) regulations. To continue flying, you must convert your GPL into a Sailplane Pilot Licence (SPL). The SPL is the EU licence for sailplane pilots and is recognised in all European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Member States. In the Netherlands, you can apply for the conversion of your GPL to an SPL through the Civil Aviation Authority the Netherlands (CAA NL), part of the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT).
Requirements
Since April 2020, the Part-SFCL regulations have applied across the EU. Since then, the SPL has been the only recognised licence for sailplane flying. With a GPL, you may no longer fly solo or unsupervised.
Please note: conversion of a GPL to an SPL is possible until 8 April 2027.
To convert a GPL to an SPL, you must:
- Hold a valid medical certificate, LAPL or Class 2.
- Meet the recency requirements for the ratings you want to convert to an SPL.
- Have completed a solo cross-country flight of at least 50 km, or a 100 km flight with an instructor. Flights may have taken place more than 24 months ago and may be flown in a Touring Motor Glider (TMG) under the supervision of an instructor.
- Have at least 5 flight hours as pilot in command (PIC), under supervision (DBO) or solo under supervision of an FI(S).
- Have completed at least 15 launches.
Additionally, you must:
- Complete 2 training flights with an FI(S) or pass a proficiency check with an FE(S).
- Meet the minimum launch requirements for the chosen launch method. For example 5 winch launches, 5 aero tow launches, or 2 bungee launches.
If you hold a predecessor to the GPL, such as the Zweefvliegbrevet (ZVB), it is not possible to convert this licence to an SPL.
If you want an SPL, you will need to complete the full SPL training programme. However, under certain conditions, CAA NL may waive the requirement for 10 hours of dual flight instruction, provided you meet the requirement of 15 hours of flight instruction (total dual and solo).
See the Conversion Report for more details.
If you hold a Light Aircraft Pilot Licence for Sailplanes (LAPL(S)), there is no need to convert your licence. The LAPL(S) remains valid.
During the next reissuance of your licence, CAA NL will automatically convert your LAPL(S) into an SPL (Sailplane Pilot Licence).
Required attachments
Please gather the following attachments before starting your application:
- A copy of the photo page of your passport. Alternatively, a copy of your valid proof of identity issued by an EU Member State or by Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland or Switzerland. Read more about making a secure copy of your proof of identity.
- A copy of your medical certificate, LAPL or Class 2.
- A copy of your GPL.
- Copies of your logbook demonstrating compliance with the Part-SFCL requirements and the Conversion Report.
If you want to convert your flight instructor certificate, you must also include:
- Certificate of participation in an FI(S) refresher seminar from an approved training organisation (ATO) or declared training organisation (DTO) authorised to provide this seminar.
How to apply for GPL to SPL conversion
You can apply for conversion of a GPL to an SPL using the online form Aanvraag eerste afgifte zweefvliegbrevet SPL of conversie GPL brevet (in Dutch).
Costs
The fee for converting your GPL to an SPL is €78. This fee is set out in the Regeling tarieven transportsectoren (Transportation Sectors Tariffs Scheme, in Dutch) and may change annually.
After your application
- You will receive an automatic confirmation email from the ILT, including the registration number of your application.
- You will receive a payment request by email. Please pay within 4 weeks of the date of the payment request.
- If any information is missing, CAA NL will ask you to provide additional details.
- The ILT will only begin processing your application once it is complete and payment has been received. It takes up to 56 days to complete your application. Applicants usually receive a response within 2 weeks. When demand is high, processing may take longer.
- If the ILT approves your application, you will receive the SPL by post.
- If you disagree with the decision, you can submit an objection.
Validity period
The SPL is valid indefinitely but is subject to recency requirements for individual ratings.