Detail Design Having worked out a promising-looking layout, initial three-view and performance and weight specifications, now is the stage where the hard work begins of transforming concepts to working drawings. Essential decisions have to be made about types of material to be used, the structural arrangement, exact choice of powerplant and so on. You’ll probably need to make a cockpit mock-up to check the ergonomics and control system arrangements, and maybe build a flying radio controlled model of the design to give faith in the handling characteristics. With the basic geometry laid out, stress calculations and assembly drawings come next, then drawings of individual piece parts. Keep an up-to-date tally on weights. As the drawings get more detailed you must re-evaluate whether you are going to meet your original targets in terms of weight, strength and aerodynamic cleanliness, whether you need to re-visit your original assumptions or re-design from scratch. Is there a way that the part or assembly can be made more easily, more cheaply, lighter, stronger, more fatigue or corrosion resistant? Fewer parts and fewer joints generally means fewer problems and less weight. Can you use off the shelf parts rather than having to make them specially? Are there other aeroplanes around that have already solved a particular problem in a clever way? Will the aircraft be easy to inspect in service, easy to repair if it gets damaged? Can it be broken down for transportation? If the handling isn’t quite right when the prototype is test flown, does the design make provision for ‘tweaks’ to put it right? Does the design include reserves of strength to cope with weight growth in service and more powerful engines, or is everything pared down to the minimum? Design Tutorials

Permit Aircraft Electrics - Advanced Course Price Member - £224, Non-Member - £244 (includes printed course material) Duration Arrival 09:00. Finish 17:00. < Back About the Course The Basics course covers simple DC theory and concentrates on the practical aspects of installing a basic permit aircraft electrical system. The course explains how to interpret a ‘typical’ permit aircraft electrical systems diagram and for every element, explains how to size, select and source components and then how to practically install them. This Advanced course builds on the Basics course by providing more detail about component selection and options and the use of integrated power management systems within permit aircraft. The course takes the simple systems design introduced in the Basics course and explores options for creating more complex electrical systems including the use of dual and essential system bus bars. The course introduces fault tolerant design considerations, thus allowing attendees to consider safety and fault analysis in their own designs. As a tool for understanding this aspect of the course, it will take an introductory look into the requirements of electrical systems for those wishing to fly their aircraft under IFR. What this course will try to do is: Explain power generation and distribution options in a light aircraft More advanced consisderations into component selection Discuss circuit protection devices and systems Explain failure modes and reliability issues Introduce interference and EMC issues Show correct grounding and screening techniques Provide you with the knowledge to plan an installation and create the necessary documentation Warn about the ‘gotcha’ areas and the things to look out for What the course will not do is: Turn you overnight into an expert Enable you to fault find on an undocumented aircraft installation Delve inside avionics boxes It will be useful, but not essential, for people to have previously attended the Basic course. In order to make the best of this course, if you have not attended the basics course, you will need to understand basic DC theory; Ohms Law and the Power Law. Please note that this course is primarily a classroom based course, as you will already have the practical skills you need, which are covered in the basics course. Your Instructor Mark Castle-Smith Dates Saturday 18 April 2026 Times Arrival 09:00. Finish 17:00. Duration One day course Venue LAA HQ, Turweston Aerodrome, NN13 5YD Price Member - £224, Non-Member - £244 (includes printed course material) Booking Pls call the LAA on 01280 846 786 to enquire/book or email [email protected] . *Please note that payment is required when booking, to confirm your place. NO place will be held without confirmed payment* **Please note that your booking payment is non-refundable unless we can fill your place timeously or there are exceptional circumstances**

< Back LAA 'Grass Roots Fly-In' returns 23 Apr 2023 The LAA is returning to the green grass of Popham Aerodrome in Hampshire for a repeat of its “Grass Roots Fly In” from 18th to 20th August 2023. The Fly-In will again on one hand take the Associate back to its traditional roots, while continuing to offer the first chance to see some of the latest aircraft and products in the recreational aviation market. What was particularly notable about the 2022 Popham event was its sociality. LAA members and exhibitors alike commented on its relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with post-event comments such as “It’s a great reunion as well as a fly-in–cum trade show” and “super friendly, the event always had a good vibe”. A joint venture with Popham Aerodrome, the LAA Grass Roots Fly In will develop its strengths as a social event bringing flyers from around the UK and Europe to meet fellow enthusiasts. The grass runways at Popham and the airfield’s famed rural ambience will mean that the event will focus on the fly-in and social element as much as on a large exhibition campus. The earlier mid-August date will also mean longer evenings, allowing more scope for flyers from further afield and hopefully, milder conditions for those who choose to ‘camp under the wing’. Said LAA CEO designate Simon Tilling: “The LAA Grass Roots Fly In was a great success last year, with over 3,000 visitors, more than 30 exhibitors and a total of 350 visiting aircraft through the weekend. It is a different event to the past, larger scale LAA Rallies and we’re working on plans for the continuation of a larger scale LAA event in the future. For this year, we’re looking forward to another great, social and fun, LAA fly in”. Next Previous

Light Aviation Magazine 2021 Click on the links below to open each issue of Light Aviation Magazine from 2021 January 2021 April 2021 July 2021 October 2021 February 2021 May 2021 August 2021 November 2021 March 2021 June 2021 September 2021 December 2021

E5 Mogas Inspection Checklists for Jabiru 2200A, Jabiru 3300A, Rotax 2 Stroke, Rotax 4 Stroke, VW and VW-based engines can be found at the link below Inspection Checklists Other useful documentation is as follows: TL 2.26 Procedures for E5 Mogas use TL 2.20 Fuel Flow Checking Inspection Checks - Fuel Flow Rotax Service Instruction for 912/914 Rotax Service Instruction for 2-strokes Jabiru Service Letter Buy Mogas Placards Cockpit Placard Fuel Filler Placard

< 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 Aerobatics Course bursary for LAA Members!!! 6 Jun 2025 These bursaries are available thanks to the generosity of LAA member John Rowlinson and his company PTS. You must be an LAA member to apply. Please send an email with the subject line Aerobatics and we will get back to you. Next Previous

< Back Engineering updates in January 5 Feb 2026 The following documents have been issued/updated in the Engineering 'Info Library' during January. Technical Leaflets : TL 3.29 Installation of changes approved by STC (new) Forms : LAA/FT-NEW Flight test schedule Continuing airworthiness information : MTD-05-2025 Eurofox rudder pedal cracking (issue 4) TADS: Bristell Next Previous

< Back Rally Entrance Tickets, Airside Passes and Camping Permits on Sale!! 18 Jul 2025 Entry Tickets and Airside Passes now on sale via the LAA Shop . Landing slots will be available soon. We have a special offer for non members - £50 for all 3 days including Airside. Available for purchase until 31st July 2025 Next Previous

Info Library Navigate the folders below for any document that you require, like you would on your computer. To search for a particular document, use the 'magnifying glass' symbol below on the right.

< Back New LAA Inspector - Clive Sutton 28 Mar 2024 The LAA is pleased to welcome Clive Sutton as a new LAA Inspector. Clive came to an Assessment Day at LAA HQ at the start of March. Clive is ex-RAF, a Chartered Engineer and a BMAA Inspector. He prefers composite & metal airframes and Rotax 4-stroke engines (especially the Europa type). He has little experience with 2-strokes of Continentals/Lycomings or wood and fabric aircraft. He is ready to travel a maximum of an hour; Wellesbourne, Bidford and Coventry are within easy reach for him. Next Previous

Membership Full Plus Category is for members who own, operate or are currently building an aircraft and gives access to LAA Engineering services. (For Group Owned aircraft, at least one member of the group must have Full Plus membership.) Full Category is for everyone else and includes a monthly copy of Light Aviation Magazine and a discount at the annual LAA Fly-In. JOIN THE LAA Member Full - £75 Full Plus - £117 Member Joint Full - £85 Full Plus - £139 Joint members are members who are the partner of a full member or any children under the age of 18 and living at the family house. Under 30 Member Full - £31 Full Plus - £139 Please forward proof of DOB i.e. copy of passport, driving licence or pilots licence. Overseas Member Full - £91 Full Plus - £139 Overseas includes Ireland. Payment Methods ONLINE Via the Member Area / Renew my Membership DIRECT DEBIT You are now able to set up your direct debit online. Please see your renewal or joining page for details. BY CALLING HQ 01280 846 786 with card details NOTE: Permit Revalidation payments are taken ONLINE only through the Permit Revalidation online system BY INTERNET BANKING Please ensure you pay the correct fees for 2026 Account No : 26225220 Sort Code : 60-30-03 Please note, for membership payments, you MUST quote your membership number and your surname or your payment will not be credited to the correct record. For Permit revalidation & engineering fees, you MUST quote your aircraft registration. If paying from abroad, SWIFT code is : NWBKGB2L IBAN code is : GB81 NWBK 6030 0326225220 Important Links RENEW MY MEMBERSHIP MY AIRCRAFT DETAILS MEMBER AREA ADDRESS CHANGE