< Back The New Permit Revalidation System 28 Feb 2025 As the weather improves and the days grow longer, the flying season is just around the corner. Although you may already be thinking about all your usual flying preparations, there is one extra exciting update Owners and Inspectors alike should keep in mind this year: the launch of the new Permit Revalidation System. A flow chart of the new Permit Revalidation Process This new system will be fully online, and submission of your revalidation application will be via the LAA website under the “My Aircraft Details” section. Therefore, before arranging for an inspection this year, please make sure you can access your LAA member page. You can do this by going on www.lightaircraftassociation.co.uk and clicking on the Login button at the top left of the page and checking that your aircraft details are correct. If you have any issues with your login or aircraft details, please contact the LAA Office on 01280 846 786 or via email at [email protected] Screenshot showing where to login on the LAA website Screenshot showing the ‘My Aircraft Details’ button once you have logged into the LAA website Screenshot showing the button to start apply of your Permit to Fly Revalidation in the ‘My Aircraft Data’ area Applying for revalidation under the new system will be straightforward. Aircraft owners will begin the process by selecting their Inspector. Once selected, the Inspector will be notified that an application is awaiting their attention. After the Inspector submits their airworthiness review, the Owner will be prompted to pay for the revalidation, at which point the application will be sent instantly to LAA Engineering for issue. We are also planning to reduce the requirement for a check flight from one to three years for most aircraft types. However, Inspectors will also have the flexibility to request a check flight as part of the revalidation, if deemed necessary. Additionally, once the new system has launched, Inspectors will be able to issue PFRCs up to two years past the expiry of the Certificate of Validity. Please note, these changes, along with the new check flight cycle, will take effect only once the new system is officially launched. As we get closer to launch in April, more guidance, including a video and notes, will be shared with Owners and Inspectors, ensuring a smooth transition to the new Permit Revalidation System. Stay tuned for more! Next Previous

< Back GAA Position on Electronic Conspicuity 29 Jan 2024 General Aviation Alliance Unveils Updated Electronic Conspicuity Position Paper - GAA recognises the importance of EC in collision avoidance GAA Position on Electronic Conspicuity .pdf Download PDF • 364KB The General Aviation Alliance (GAA, www.gaalliance.org.uk ) is pleased to announce the release of its updated Electronic Conspicuity Position Paper, a comprehensive document outlining the organisation's stance on the integration and advancement of electronic conspicuity technologies for all UK aviation. In response to the rapidly evolving landscape of aviation technology and the increasing need for enhanced safety measures, the GAA has undertaken a thorough review and revision of its Electronic Conspicuity policy. This updated position paper reflects the Alliance's commitment to fostering innovation, ensuring airspace safety, and promoting a collaborative approach for all UK aviation. Key highlights of the updated Electronic Conspicuity Position Paper include: 1. Technology Integration : The GAA supports the widespread adoption and integration of electronic conspicuity technologies across all general aviation aircraft. The GAA recognises the potential of these advancements to significantly reduce the risk of mid-air collisions. 2. Standardisation and Interoperability : The GAA advocates for the establishment of industry-wide standards and protocols to ensure the seamless interoperability of electronic conspicuity systems. Standardisation will facilitate the integration of various technologies and contribute to a more cohesive and efficient airspace environment. 3. Government and Regulatory Engagement : The GAA encourages active engagement with regulatory bodies to promote the development of clear and practical regulations that support the safe and effective deployment of electronic conspicuity technologies. The GAA is already working collaboratively with government agencies to address regulatory challenges. 4. Research and Development Investment : To drive further innovation, the GAA encourages increased investment in research and development for electronic conspicuity technologies. The GAA believes that sustained efforts in this area will result in the development of more advanced and cost-effective solutions for all UK aviation. The General Aviation Alliance invites stakeholders, industry partners, and the general public to review the updated Electronic Conspicuity Position Paper, which is available on the alliance's website https://gaalliance.org.uk/position-and-data-papers . About the General Aviation Alliance The GA Alliance is a group of organisations representing the interests of many in the UK GA industry. The members of the GAA are: British Balloon and Airship Club (BBAC) British Gliding Association (BGA) British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA) British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA) British Skydiving Helicopter Club of Great Britain (HCGB) Light Aircraft Association (LAA) PPL/IR Europe - European Association of Instrument Rated Private Pilots Royal Aero Club of the United Kingdom (RAeC) Airfield Operators Group (AOG) The GAA coordinates about 72,000 subscription paying members of these bodies. Next Previous

< Back New LAA Alert for all Rotax 900 series engines 13 Dec 2024 The LAA has issued Alert A-04-2024 – Highlighting loose and broken engine mounting bolts on Rotax 900 series engines A recurring problem with Rotax 912/914 engines, equally applicable to the newer 915 and 916 models, is of the four M10 bolts that attach the engine’s crankcase to the engine mounting frame becoming loose in service. Most manufacturers call for the bolts to be wire-locked in place. However, in the case of the Rotax engine mounting bolts, it seems that the bolts are coming loose not because the bolts are undoing and backing off on their threads, but because of the joint faces become imprinted over time through creep, corrosion or fretting, allowing the tension in the bolt to be lost and the joint to become loose. These problems in the field are a reminder that where it’s critical that a bolt be torqued up, this should be checked at intervals (at least annually, we’d suggest) by undoing the locking and re-torquing them, before replacing the locking wire. Be sure this check is included in your aircraft’s maintenance schedule. DO NOT RELY ON A BOLT BEING WIRE LOCKED TO BE SATISFIED THAT THESE CRITICAL BOLTS ARE STILL TIGHT. A-04-2024 - Loose Rotax Engines .pdf Download PDF • 207KB Next Previous

< Back Alert A-09-2025 - Hairline Cracking in Woodcomp Klassic Propeller Blades 19 Aug 2025 Alert A-09-2025 - Hairline Cracking in Woodcomp Klassic Propeller Blades LAA Alert A-09-2025 has been published on the LAA website (and is also attached), highlighting reports of Woodcomp Klassic blades found with hairline cracks in the blade’s surfaces, running chordwise, usually outboard of about 30% radius. The Alert described actions for Owners to take if such cracks are found and to contact LAA Engineering. A-09-2025 - Woodcomp Klassic Propeller Blades issue 1 .pdf Download PDF • 205KB Next Previous

< Back Standard Modification for fresh air rotary ventilators added for Europa types 18 Oct 2023 A new Standard Modification (SM12871) has been uploaded to the website for Europa types. This covers the installation of rotary air vents in the forward cockpit to aid ventilation. Standard Modifications are used to enable other owners to install a modification on a given type, generally by following the instructions in the Standard Modification leaflet, having their inspector check and sign it off and letting LAA Engineering know that it's been installed. Further information on the Standard Modification process can be found in TL 3.06 Standard Modification leaflets can be found by following Engineering - Info Library - Engineering - Standard Modifictations. Technical leaflets can be found by following Engineering - Info Library - Engineering - Technical Leaflets. Next Previous

< Back MTD-05-2025 Issue 2 published - Eurofox Rudder Pedals 5 Dec 2025 MTD-05-2025 Issue 2 has been published to provide further information on the situation as it develops and asking Owners and Inspectors to report back. The inspection schedule in unchanged from Issue 1. Therefore, Issue 2 does not require you or your Inspector to do anything different. If your aircraft has already been inspected to MTD-05-2025 Issue 1, then the next time an inspection in accordance with the MTD is due, you Inspector should reference Issue 2 in their logbook entry. LAA is continuing to work towards achieving a permanent solution via a modification to the rudder pedal/torque tube design. MTD-05-2025 Issue 2 is attached below and can be found on the website HERE . MTD-05-2025 - Eurofox Rudder Pedal Cracking Issue 2 .pdf Download PDF • 574KB Next Previous

< Back Grass Roots Fly-In Slots and Tickets now available! 26 Jul 2023 Not long to go now!! Details on slot bookings, entrance tickets, camping, exhibitor information, trophies and awards, opening times, other attractions etc are now available Fly-in details can be found here . Next Previous

< Back Engineering Employment Opportunity 13 Jul 2023 Want to take the next step in your Aviation Engineering career? Then join the Light Aircraft Association Engineering Team and help keep the UK’s largest fleet of vintage and light sport aircraft flying! We have vacancies for Airworthiness Engineers at all levels to be part of the LAA team based at Turweston. The successful applicants will be responsible for all aspects of continued airworthiness for the LAA-administered fleet of aircraft. Main duties will include the analysis of data from many sources to identify and communicate opportunities to improve the airworthiness of our fleet of nearly 3,000 aircraft. This will include working with manufacturers, the Air Accident Investigation Branch, LAA Inspectors and engineers and the LAA design team, as well as providing technical assistance to LAA members, writing technical articles for our own Light Aviation magazine, and assisting with Permit to Fly revalidations. The ideal applicants will demonstrate experience in all aspects of general aviation airworthiness, including a knowledge of airframes, engines and aircraft systems. A knowledge of vintage aircraft, as well as newer LAA types and modern avionics, would be advantageous. Inspired? Then we’re keen to create exciting career paths for the right individuals and will provide development, training and certification accordingly. Candidates should be IT competent with Microsoft Office, have a friendly personality and the ability to work within a small team and also independently. Excellent communication skills are required and attention to detail is essential. These are full-time posts, mainly based at LAA HQ but with potential for hybrid/remote working and site visits. Salary dependent on experience. Send your CV to [email protected] , and fly high with LAA. Next Previous

< Back Advanced LAA Rally Camping Permits - Now closed. Camping permits can be bought onsite. 17 Aug 2025 Camping passes, which cover the duration of your stay, are available to purchase on arrival at a cost of £65. Camping facilities, providing basic amenities, including hot showers will be available on site. There is ample ground for caravans and mobile homes. The campsite will be open from midday Thursday 28th August and close on Monday morning 1st September. Please note entry to the Rally Exhibition Site is charged separately. Prices are for the duration of your stay. On site catering and bar will be available in the Exhibition area during event opening hours and evening food, bar and entertainment will be provided by Leicestershire Aero Club in the evenings. Next Previous

< Back Mandatory Technical Directive issued for many Zenair types 14 Jan 2025 MTD-01-2025 - 'Inspection of horizontal stabiliser (tailplane) attachment brackets and associated hardware for cracks, looseness and other forms of distress' is issued for Zenair CH601, CH650, CH701, CH750 and variants of these four models. This MTD can be found HERE and is also available below. A number of cases have been found whereby the structural integrity of the horizontal stabiliser mountings on the Zenair types identified above have been compromised by one or more of the following: cracking of the attachment brackets oversize holes loose rivets distorted and chafed brackets. These problems could occur due to a number of factors including poor build quality, a build-up of tolerances in the positioning or dimensions of the brackets, improper assembly, rough treatment or in-flight vibration. Failure of a tailplane attachment could result in degraded controllability in flight or loss of control. Special inspections of this area have been recommended by Zenair since January 2017, in their document ‘Mandatory Action. Jan. 2017 – Inspection of Horizontal Stabilizer tail attachment brackets’. This Mandatory Technical Directive mandates this safety action for aircraft operating on LAA Permits to Fly. MTD-01-2025 - Zenair Tailplane Brackets .pdf Download PDF • 162KB Next Previous

< Back Engineering updates in December 2 Jan 2025 The following documents have been issued/updated in the Engineering 'Info Library' during December. Continuing airworthiness information: Mandatory Technical Directive 07-2024 - Eurofox trim cables Alert 03-2024 - Eurostar trim cables Alert 04-2024 - Loose Rotax engines Alert 05-2024 - Rotax 900 series engines - blocked oil spray nozzle Technical Leaflets: TL 2.22 'non-type specific MPDs' TADS : Sling 4 TSi Wishing all our members a very Happy New Year. Next Previous

Light Aviation Magazine 2019 Click on the links below to open each issue of Light Aviation Magazine from 2019 January 2019 April 2019 July 2019 October 2019 February 2019 May 2019 August 2019 November 2019 March 2019 June 2019 September 2019 December 2019