< Back Engineering updates in January 5 Feb 2025 The following documents have been issued/updated in the Engineering 'Info Library' during January. Continuing airworthiness information : Mandatory Technical Directive 01-2025 - Zenair tailplane brackets TADS : Glasair Jabiru engine Pietenpol Aircamper Scottish Aviation Bulldog Zenair CH 750 Cruzer Miscellaneous: Links to the relevant Technical Leaflets and forms added to the Night/IFR section Next Previous

< Back Employment Opportunity - Advertising, Sales, Marketing and Social Media Manager 30 Nov 2023 The LAA are hiring! Advertising Sales, Marketing and Social Media Manager The Light Aircraft Association supports its members build, maintain, fly and enjoy light aircraft. We have over 7000 members and look after over 4000 aircraft across the UK. We are looking someone to take control of our advertising, sales, marketing and social media. This is a fantastic opportunity for the right person to help define, implement and then deliver the strategy to transform the way the LAA communicates with its 7000-plus members. What you will do:- Work with our advertising partners to ensure they get the best ROI for their advertising spend in our magazine – Light Aviation Work with the Editor to ensure all advertising space is filled Work with the CEO ang HQ team to develop and implement a multichannel communications strategy Grow and manage the LAA’s social media presence What we offer: The chance to make a difference – We are a small team, we are all passionate about aviation and everyone counts! Develop your skills The opportunity to get flying Hybrid working Paid holidays This role would ideally suit someone with a Degree in Business/Business Management with an interest in Sales and Marketing Next Previous

< Back The importance of airfield location 12 Feb 2024 The first results of a survey conducted by the new Strategic Airfield Network (SAN) indicate that location is the number one reason airfields consider themselves important. For more information, head to the Flyer article below: https://flyer.co.uk/location-location-location-airfields-are-important/ Next Previous

< Back New LAA Inspector - Gary Priestley 4 Dec 2025 We are pleased to welcome Gary Priestley as a new LAA Inspector, having attended an LAA Inspector Assessment Day at Turweston. Gary started at BAe Filton as an Aeronautical Engineering Apprentice in 1978. His first day out of the training bay was spent working on the test and development Concorde 002. During his apprenticeship he worked on the VC10's air-to-air refuelling conversion and on test and development for Airbus on the fly-by-wire BAC 1-11. After his apprenticeship he became an Inspector on the F1-11s, with his main role involving pre- and post-inspection of the Cold Soak, where the aircraft were frozen and bent to re-life them. He transferred to Warton for the Al-Yamama project, working on Tornado ADVs and IDS aircraft in Saudi Arabia. Gary returned in 1990 and was recruited as a technical instructor at British Aerospace Filton, teaching the following: Concorde pilots and flight engineers, utilising the simulator to help them pass their ground school type rating. Aircraft fitters working toward their B2 and B1 licences, as well as type courses on the A300 B4 and A300-600, where the aircraft were being converted to freighters. The BAC 1-11 refresher course for the Sultan of Oman Air Force pilots. Type rating for British Airways Concorde engineers at Heathrow. Apprentices studying for their City and Guilds. Night-school City and Guilds for non-skilled fitters. While carrying out this training, he repaired a Robin HR 200 with the help of the apprentices and studied for his Commercial and subsequently his Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence. Gary left BAe in 1999 to fly the BAe 146 for CityJet in Dublin, before being asked, through CityJet, if he would like to transfer to British Midland to fly the BAe 146 for Lufthansa. A few years later he was made redundant, gained his Helicopter Commercial Pilot’s Licence, but was then asked to join Flightline on the BAe 146, flying oil-rig workers from Aberdeen to Scatsta and later working out of Manchester for British Airways. An opportunity arose to fly with Titan Airways in Stansted, flying ad-hoc standby for British Airways, easyJet, and others. Several years later he completed a type-rating course on the Boeing 737 to fly from Exeter. He took voluntary redundancy in 2013. By chance, after buying a prestigious car from someone who owned an aircraft at Middlezoy, Gary made the connection that brought him into affiliation with Middlezoy Aerodrome, where he now has a share in Louis, the Taylorcraft type D, and is 50% owner of the Isaac Fury. 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 Gyroplanes to join the new online Permit Revalidation System 17 Jun 2025 The new online Permit Revalidation system has been in place for fixed-wing aircraft on the LAA fleet since 15th April 2025 and now it is time to add Gyroplanes, both amateur-built and factory-built. Therefore, we are pleased to announce that gyroplane Owners and Inspectors will be able to use the online Permit Revalidation system from 22nd July 2025! The Permit Revalidation Process for gyroplanes will follow the same three steps as for fixed-wing aircraft, shown in the graphic below. The only differences will be small changes to the questions in line with the requirements for gyroplanes, such as asking about the rotor and rotor-head. Where do I find more information? If you are a Gyroplane Owner or Inspector, then please talk to your friends that own and inspect fixed-wing aircraft, as many of them will have been through this new process. There is lots of information to help you: Technical Leaflet 2.00 – Revalidating an Aircraft’s Permit to Fly , will be updated on 22nd July to include information regarding gyroplanes A detailed step-by-step video guide is available on the LAA’s YouTube channel, called ‘ Online Permit Revalidation Explained .’ A list of Frequently Asked Questions is available on the LAA website. Again, these will be updated on 22nd July to include Gyroplanes For more information, click HERE . Note: the 22nd July is a hard deadline, so LAA Engineering will not accept applications made under the old system from that date. Changes to Permit Revalidation Fees for Gyroplane Owners From 22nd July, Permit Revalidation Fees for gyroplanes will be based on Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW), rather than Factory Built Gyroplanes always having a fee of £323. This is in line with the charging regime for fixed-wing aircraft. The current charges are as follows: Up to 450kg - £241 451-999kg - £292 1000kg & above - £323 Note: For FBGs - if the last Permit revalidation was not administered by the LAA, an extra fee of £155 applies Next Previous

< Back New LAA Inspector - Alan Caldecourt 24 Oct 2024 The LAA is pleased to welcome Alan Caldecourt as a new LAA Inspector. Alan attended an Assessment Day at LAA HQ last month. Alan has experience of both wood and metal airframes, in full restoration and modifications (Rollason Condor & Luscombe Silvaire). In 2008, he completed a RV7 build and recommissioned a Taylor Monoplane in 2020. His whole career has been in the Airline Maintenance Industry, starting as an Apprentice with B.O.A.C in 1973, becoming a Licenced Aircraft Engineer. After 47 years service, he retired in 2020 along with the British Airways 747 Fleet ! He is currently based at Popham Airfield, but lives in West Sussex. Well done Alan! 🎉 Next Previous

< Back Returning LAA Inspector - Chris Norris 28 Nov 2025 We are pleased to welcome back Chris Norris. Chris returns as an LAA Inspector, following a few years away from the role. Chris is a licenced aircraft engineer, currently working at Vintage Fabrics at Audley End. Next Previous

< Back LAA RALLY 2026! 3 Nov 2025 We’re thrilled to announce that our 2026 Rally is officially in the calendar! Mark your diaries and get ready for a special rally, celebrating the LAA 80th Anniversary. 📅 Date: 4/5/6 September 2026 📍 Location: Leicestershire Aero Club, Leicester Airport. More details will follow soon. Enquiries to [email protected] We can’t wait to see you all there! 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 MTD-05-2025 Eurofox Rudder Pedal Cracking 19 Nov 2025 MTD-05-2025 Eurofox Rudder Pedal Cracking - Mandatory Inspection requirements, which must be completed before your next flight There have been two reported instances in the UK of Eurofox aircraft experiencing cracking at the right-foot rudder pedal on the starboard seat side, where it is welded to the rudder pedal torque tube, leading to the pedal no longer being rigidly attached to the torque tube. On at least one of these instances, aircraft handling was negatively affected, reducing yaw authority and seriously degrading flight safety. Note that failure of the starboard side right-foot rudder pedal results in loss of rudder control, even when the aircraft is flown from the Pilot in Command position i.e. from the port seat side. Please refer to the MTD-05-2025 document below for full details of the mandatory inspection requirements, which must be completed before your next flight and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 10 flight-hours or the next Permit Revalidation inspection, whichever occurs first. MTD-05-2025 can be also found here MTD-05-2025 - Eurofox Rudder Pedal Cracking .pdf Download PDF • 247KB Next Previous

< Back Mandatory Technical Directive issued for Chipmunk aircraft 24 May 2024 Mandatory Technical Directive, MTD-04-2024 has been issued by our Head of Airworthiness, Nick Stone, today to introduce mandatory recurring inspections of the flap operating cables following a recent potentially serious incident where one of the flap cables on a Chipmunk failed in flight, leading to an asymmetric flap configuration. The MTD allows a 5 flying hour period of grace before the inspection must be carried out and is being emailed today to all owners of LAA Chipmunks and all LAA Inspectors approved to inspect Chipmunks. Next Previous