< Back Alert A-11-2025 - Eurostar aileron rose joint and rudder hinge inspection 8 Oct 2025 LAA Engineering has issued Alert A-11-2025 to highlight the recent issue of an Airmasters service bulletin that requires checks on the integrity of a rose joint in the aileron controls and the rudder hinge, following examples of these joints migrating and jamming aileron controls. Following the up-issue of Airmasters SB/EUR/023 to issue 3, on 07/10/25 CAA has issued MPD 2025-004-E to mandate the checks contained in the SB, which supersedes MPD 2025-003-E initially issued on the subject. A-11-2025 - Eurostar Rose Joints issue 1 .pdf Download PDF • 372KB Next Previous

< Back New LAA Inspector - Phil Hebdon 27 Nov 2025 We are pleased to welcome Phil Hebdon as a new LAA Inspector, having attended an LAA Inspector Assessment Day at Turweston recently. Phil previously worked as a commercial pilot, before moving into aircraft maintenance. Phil has been an LAA aircraft owner for many years – including a Taylor Monoplane, Pitts Special and a Miles Gemini. Phil has been maintaining his own aircraft, as well as those of others, and has significant experience maintaining and rebuilding gliders, specialising in wood repairs and fabric work. Next Previous

< Back Engineering updates in March 5 Apr 2024 The following documents have been updated in the Engineering 'Info Library' during March. Continuing airworthiness information: Mandatory Technical Directive MTD-02-2024 Pioneer trim tab checks TADS : Europa Sling 2 Technical Leaflets : TL 1.28 Approved homebuild aircraft type list (new) TL 3.12 Engines and propellers fitted to LAA aircraft TL 3.17 List of prototype modifications Propeller type list PTL/1: Ikarus C42 FB UK Standard Modifications: SM 10671 Rotax 2-stroke carburettor heater Next Previous

< Back Armstrong-Isaacs Bursaries for 2026 21 Nov 2025 Armstrong-Isaacs bursaries for 2026! The LAA is proud to announce the opening of applications for its Armstrong-Isaacs bursaries for 2025. Five bursaries of up to £1,500 are offered to young pilots already in PPL training, offering extra funding to help them complete their courses, at a time when, all too often, money starts to run out. More information on the bursaries can be found here . Next Previous

< Back New LAA Inspectors - Umberto Izzo & Simon Boynett 26 Jan 2024 It is time to introduce you to two more new LAA Inspectors - Umberto Izzo and Simon Boynett, who both attended an LAA Inspector Assessment Day in December, with our Chief Inspector, Lucy. Umberto's experience is mainly in general aviation and microlight aircraft (metal, fabric and composites), either Lycoming, Continental or Rotax-powered. He is also IRMT-approved. He owns a share in Jodel 1050. Simon is a retired Licensed Aircraft Engineer with 44 years of experience working on Commercial Passenger and Cargo aircraft. He has a B1 and B2 CAA licence (Airframes, Engines and Electrical generation systems) B2 (Avionics, Auto flight, Auto land systems, Radio and Radar). In addition to this, he has an FAA issued A & P licence. He put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into building his own Vans RV 7, that he still loves to fly today as often as he can. Although retired, he still has aeroplanes and safety in his blood and looks forward to helping others to keep the high standards the LAA require, and to advise and certify Maintenance and Permit to Fly revalidation inspections. Next Previous

Light Aviation Magazine 2023 Click on the links below to open each issue of Light Aviation Magazine from 2023 January 2023 April 2023 July 2023 October 2023 February 2023 May 2023 August 2023 November 2023 March 2023 June 2023 September 2023 December 2023

< Back Inspector Renewal 19 Mar 2024 It's that time of year again! LAA Inspector Authorisations lapse at the end of this month. Renewing is simple, available both on and offline. In order to renew this year, Inspectors need to carry out two simple steps, which are as follows: Complete and sign the ' Inspector Declaration, ' which was emailed to all Inspectors on 4th March, and return to LAA Engineering, either as a scanned document or in the post. Pay the Inspector Renewal Fee , which is £40 and covers administration of an Inspector Authorisation throughout the year. (For Inspectors of Factory Built Gyroplanes, there is no longer an additional fee. All Inspectors pay £40). Inspectors can pay via the LAA shop, found here , or by giving us a call with their payment card details. Alternatively, Inspectors can pay by Bank Transfer. Inspectors' continuing support is crucial and we sincerely hope that all Inspectors will renew. Next Previous

< Back Carbon Monoxide in Piston Engine Aircraft Consultation 22 Feb 2024 In recent years, the CAA has been actively engaged in raising pilot awareness of carbon monoxide (CO) in general aviation (GA) and has undertaken multiple initiatives to promote prevention and detection measures to mitigate the risk. We have now launched a public consultation seeking stakeholder views on: the barriers pilots face in obtaining an active CO detector, the role that maintenance plays in combatting CO, the importance of protecting passengers from CO, and whether active CO detectors ought to be mandatory for some operations. The consultation closes on 20 March 2024. We invite stakeholders to give us your views . Next Previous

< Back New LAA Inspector - Mark Bodger 23 Oct 2024 The LAA is pleased to welcome Mark Bodger as a new LAA Inspector. Mark has considerable experience on metal and wooden aircraft. He has rebuilt a Turbulent, Nipper, Colibri, Pitts, Vans RV-4 and completed new build projects including an Isaacs Fury and plans Replica SE5a. He has experience in VW engines, having rebuilt several. In his 30 years of LAA membership, he has owned over 20 LAA types, giving him a broad exposure to the maintenance of different aircraft. He also has the facilities to weigh aircraft. Congratulations Mark! 🎉 Next Previous

< Back LAA appoints new CEO 22 Feb 2023 “This is my dream role and I can’t wait to get started!” Simon Tilling has been appointed as the new CEO of the Light Aircraft Association. He will start in his new role in mid-April. Simon brings to the Association a wealth of leadership, general management and customer service experience gained in the technology sector including ‘blue chip’ brands such as Dell and Sony, together with a passion for sport and recreational aviation. Simon is an experienced pilot who has owned various LAA types, including one of the UK’s oldest Taylorcraft Auster aircraft. He’s also a former British Air Racing champion and was from 2020 to 2022 the chairman of the Royal Aero Club ‘3Rs’ committee for races, records and rallies, during which time he regenerated the appeal of air racing to new participants. Eryl Smith, Chairman of the LAA said “I am delighted to announce Simon’s appointment as CEO of the LAA and look forward to working with him to further improve the performance and standing of the Association on behalf of our members.” Next Previous

< Back Francis Donaldson is awarded the Honourable Company of Air Pilots Sword of Honour 22 Sept 2023 This year’s Sword of Honour – which recognises an outstanding contribution to General Aviation – goes to Francis Donaldson. For more than 30 years, as Chief Engineer of the then Popular Flying Association and then Light Aircraft Association, Donaldson has recommended the issuing of permits to fly for more than 3,000 aircraft and overseen the engineering and handling reviews of around 200 different types. He stood down from his role at the beginning of 2022 but has remained involved as a consultant. Few people have been more influential to the progress and development of light aircraft in the past three decades, with an encyclopedic knowledge backed by real world engineering and flight testing expertise. Press release - Air Pilots Trophies and Awards 2023 (2) .pdf Download PDF • 167KB . 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