Skywings news stories are available for the following publication years:
If you're looking for news stories published before January 2016, please visit the Skywings News Archive.
Skywings news stories published in all non archived years are displayed below.
News stories published in the years listed above can also be searched by post date or headline (title).
To search by post date, please enter the month and year numerically as mm-yyyy (eg. 03-2016).
There are 460 news stories for all non archived years in our database.
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Joe Schofield, the current editor of the BHPA's Skywings magazine, is retiring next year, and the BHPA is therefore seeking a suitable candidate to take over the role on a freelance contractual basis.
Given the specialist nature of the sport and its community, the BHPA would welcome interest from within the Association; however, external applicants with relevant editorial experience and an ability to understand and serve a specialist membership audience will also be considered.
The successful tenderer will be responsible for producing a coherent, engaging and accurate monthly magazine that reflects the breadth of BHPA activity and serves the interests of the membership; bringing together material from members, clubs, BHPA officers, committees, competition panels, technical staff, manufacturers, dealers and other sources to produce each monthly issue.
The Editor will report to the Skywings Director and, through them, to the BHPA Executive Council. For further information, please download the full tender document from the Skywings website.
Posted: 30 September 2026
By: Paul Dancey
Ozone have identified a potential issue that may slow down the reserve parachute deployment for Angel SQ Pro and Sublite Pods.
It only concerns the Angel SQ Pro and Sublite container pods [deployment bags], when the reserve packing is not compact enough. In rare cases, excessive resistance around the container flaps can delay the deployment.
Ozone recommends all pilots to test their pods are functioning properly by dropping the pod from a height of 1 metre while holding the bridle. If the pod flaps do not open, or in case of any doubt, the pod should be replaced.
A full copy of this safety notice is available on the Importer & Manufacturer Safety Notices page on the BHPA website.
If your pod needs replacing, contact your local dealer. You will receive an updated version in exchange for returning your current pod.
This safety notice is also available on the Ozone website.
Posted: 28 September 2026
By: Paul Dancey
Neo have identified localised wear on webbing straps on a limited number of Bikini tandem harnesses that have been subjected to particularly intensive use, typically exceeding 800 launches.
This is caused by repeated friction during reverse-launch procedures.
Neo wish to remind all users that a complete inspection must be carried out every year or every 150 flight hours, or after any significant impact. Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the webbing, stitching and load-bearing connection points.
If you have any doubts regarding the condition of your equipment, contact Neo or have your harness inspected by an approved service centre.
The full safety notice can be found on the manufacturers safety notices page of this website, and on the Neo website.
Posted: 18 September 2026
By: Paul Dancey
A chain of events that only AI could have predicted has delayed distribution of the September edition of Skywings magazine.
It's too complicated and boring to explain. Let's just say say the Swiss Cheese model has been brought into play.
The BHPA apologises to members; the printed magazine could be up to a week late. The September edition is available online here.
Posted: 10 September 2026
By: J. Schofield
The British Women Pilots' Association (BWPA) has opened its 2026 aviation scholarships for applications.
The BWPA offers scholarships to support women in the UK of all ages and backgrounds in achieving their flying dreams, reinforcing one of its key aims, of promoting women's training and employment within aviation.
Since its founding in 1955, the BWPA has championed women in aviation, offering support, inspiration and practical assistance to help them achieve their ambitions in the air. This year, 15 scholarships are available for all levels of experience and all types of flying.
The awards will help scholarship winners in various ways, including gaining their first qualifications, building upon existing qualifications, or working towards a first paid flying job. Applicants will be asked to submit information on their current aviation experience, what they enjoy most about flying, why they believe they deserve the award and how they would use the award if successful.
They will be shortlisted by a panel of judges who will determine which of the candidates show the most promise for their future flying. Ava Udwadia, winner of a 2025 BWPA SkyDemon Flying High Scholarship, says, "I can't thank the BWPA and SkyDemon enough for this scholarship! I caught the 'aerobatics bug' quite early in my training, and being given the chance to develop these skills for myself means the world to me. I'm excited to exercise my aerobatic privileges and will make the most of this incredible opportunity!"
The BWPA actively works with partner organisations to extend the range of scholarships it can offer, helping to raise awareness and increase the opportunities available. Dr Stuart E. Smith of CATS says, “We're delighted to offer an aspiring female pilot the opportunity to turn their dream of a commercial flying career into reality.”
“Our scholarships continue to set a high standard across the industry and can make a real and lasting difference to the women who receive them,” said Annabel Cook, BWPA Chair. “They have helped women at many different stages of their flying, from taking their first steps into aviation to developing new skills and progressing their careers.”
For further information, contact Amber Dash at scholarships@bwpa.co.uk
Posted: 2 September 2026
By: Paul Dancey
In August the CAA issued 'CAA CAP 3268 EC Mandate Consultation'. It invites GA pilots to respond to its proposal for the COMPULSORY carriage of ADS-B Electronic Conspicuity devices in UK airspace below FL100.
The BHPA tech team has compiled a guidance document to assist members in responding to the consultation. Rather than a set of model answers, it prompts pilots to consider how the proposal would affect their own flying. Please use your own words and include points that reflect your experience or view.
The CAA's consultation page can be found here. And the BHPA response guidance is here.
Please note the Consultation closes on 22nd September 2026. If you wish to respond, it is imperative that you download and study the BHPA guidance as soon as possible.
The CAA Consultation, and pilots' responses to it, concerns the future of our freedom to fly in UK airspace. Please take the time to download the document, study it carefully and make a considered response.
Posted: 1 September 2026
By: Joe Schofield
After 7 tasks at Krushevo in late August, the British Junior Team emerged a very close second to the Swiss team to take the Silver Medal.
Dylan Mansley finished 7th and Jacob Aubrey 8th after winning the penultimate task; Jacob Butterworth was 14th. Kanan Thakur was second-placed woman pilot.
This is a brilliant result from a supremely talented team, very ably managed by Josh Sanderson.
Overall Junior World Champions are Spain's Alvaro Romero Camacho and Ivone Silva of Portugal. Germany finished 3rd overall. The French team, in dispute with the competition organisers over safety issues, didn't turn up.
[Photo: The original Team GB, only slightly changed, at Tolmin in 2025 having won Bronze at the inaugural FAI Junior World Championships!]
Posted: 1 September 2026
By: J. Schofield
Gin Gingo 4, Gingo Airlite 5, Verso 4 and Safari Pilot 3 rescue handles
Routine maintenance and long-term product monitoring have identified that, due to aging and operational wear, stitching securing the plastic paracord to the rescue handle on the above harnesses may weaken, become loose or detach.
This could prevent or delay the deployment of the emergency parachute.
Handles where the stitching remains intact and free of wear remain safe to use; however, regular pre-flight inspections are strongly advised.
Handles showing any sign of deterioration should be replaced immediately.
Inspect your rescue handle before your next flight. If the paracord moves or slides relative to the handle, do not fly until the rescue handle has been replaced. Contact your Gin distributor for a free replacement handle.
The full safety notice is available on the Importer & Manufacturer Safety Notices page of our website, and is also available on the Gin Gliders website.
Posted: 26 August 2026
By: Paul Dancey
last updated: 4 October 2026
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Further information about the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association and skywings magazine can be found on the about the BHPA and Skywings magazine pages on this website.
