For part-built LAA projects, the new owner/builder needs to continue following the LAA amateur-build process. For already-flying LAA aircraft, the new owner simply takes on the responsibilities of the old owner for looking after the airworthiness of the aircraft. The restoration of an aircraft might range from dusting off the cobwebs and giving the engine a good service, to a full strip down to component parts and fabricating missing or damaged parts. It is also possible, in some circumstances, to import a part-built or completed aircraft from overseas. This is generally only possible where the type is already accepted by the LAA, the aircraft can be shown to have been amateur-built under a similar regime to that in the UK, and which is readily inspectable to confirm the build standard. A number of LAA types come under the heading ‘orphaned vintage types’. These are types that are no longer supported by their manufacturer and have been deemed ‘orphaned’ by the CAA (e.g. Austers). There are also some types that can elect to operate either on a Certificate of Airworthiness or on an LAA-administered Permit to Fly (e.g. Chipmunks). Buying an Aircraft Not everyone has the inclination, ability or time available to build an aircraft. The only route then is to buy a part-built aircraft for completion, a ready-flying aircraft or an aircraft in need of restoration. When buying an aircraft, the overriding message is ‘Buyer Beware!’ If you’re buying an aircraft that is already flying within the LAA system, you mainly need to satisfy yourself that it’s in an acceptable condition and meets your needs. LAA Inspectors are often happy to look over an aircraft for you to help you make a technical assessment of its condition. Another area you should consider is whether it has enough payload to take you where you want to go. When buying a partially-built aircraft or one from overseas, you need to make sure that the aircraft is eligible to hold a UK Permit to Fly and is in a configuration that the LAA can accept. It is usually a good idea to drop LAA Engineering an email to check before you part with large amounts of money. For further information, click the button below or look in the 'Classifieds' section of the LAA Magazine Click here for more information

< Back Engineering updates in February and March 11 Apr 2025 The following documents have been issued/updated in the Engineering 'Info Library' during February and March. Technical leaflets : TL 1.10 - List of aircraft parts and materials suppliers TL 2.01 - A guide to LAA aircraft ownership TL 2.22 - Non-type specfic MPDs TL 3.25 - Flight test briefing Continuing airworthiness information : Alert A-01-2025 - Piper rudder post Alert A-02-2025 - Rotax crankcase Alert A-03-2025 - Gen 4 Jabiru 2200 and 3300 engines TADS : Brandli Cherry Cessna 120 Eurostar Groppo Trail Rans S5 (204 and 204B) Rotax 4-stroke Sportcruiser Next Previous

< Back uAVionix AV30E approved as a back-up EFIS 8 Jun 2023 We've recently added the uAvionix AV30E to our list of approved backup EFIS units for use in Permit aircraft. The EFIS units listed in TL3.20 may be used without further reference to LAA Engineering, although your LAA inspector will need to make a Permit Maintenance Release (PMR) entry in the airframe logbook quoting this Technical Leaflet reference. Next Previous

< Back LAA Rally and Service Awards 2025 24 Oct 2025 A list of awards can be found below: LAA Awards .pdf Download PDF • 139KB Next Previous

Air to Ground Radio Operator's Course Price Member - £320, Non-Member - £340 (Additional fee of £48 to CAA for ROCC certificate) Duration Day 1: 09:15 for 09:30 PROMPT start. Finish 17:00 (approx). Day 2: 08:30 PROMPT start. Finish 16:00 < Back About the Course This course, held at Popham Airfield is hosted by Chris Thompson, an experienced 'AirGround' person, CAA examiner and LAA member. It will provide both the theoretical and practical training required to sit the examinations for the CAA Radio Operator's Certificate of Competence (ROCC) qualification required by operators of ground-based radio equipment at flying sites and events where an air-to-ground radio service is provided. The course is in two parts. Day One is made up of the core training and radio procedures practice on simulated ground-to-air communications. Day Two will consist of the CAA written and practical examinations which will allow candidates to directly apply for the CAA ROCC Certificate. Landing fees will be waivered for those attending the course and flying in. All delegates MUST have some basic knowledge of GA airfield circuit procedures and a level 6 English language proficiency * PLEASE READ THE DOCUMENT BELOW VERY CAREFULLY BEFORE ATTENDING THE COURSE. Course description 2025 .pdf Download PDF • 41KB Your Instructor Chris Thompson Dates 7 & 8 March 2026 Times Day 1: 09:15 for 09:30 PROMPT start. Finish 17:00 (approx). Day 2: 08:30 PROMPT start. Finish 16:00 Duration Two day course Venue Popham Airfield Price Member - £320, Non-Member - £340 (Additional fee of £48 to CAA for ROCC certificate) 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 Van's Aircraft laser-cut parts - update 20 Oct 2023 Since our mention of this issue in the August edition of Light Aviation , Van’s Aircraft have been toiling away analysing and testing various structural elements to establish the effect that the laser cutting of parts has had on their strength and fatigue life. Detailed updates can be found on their website, but understandably UK builders and operators are seeking clarity on what the endgame will be on this issue. As the issue generally affects potential fatigue life, there is no immediate need to take action. In discussion with Rian Johnson, Van’s President and Chief Engineer, he tells us that they’re working on service information for the fleet that they expect to be published by the end of the year. Having worked closely with Van’s over many years, our expectation is that we will endorse their position. Next Previous

< Back Permit Revalidation Forms updated 1 Dec 2023 The Airworthiness Review Report (LAA/ARR-1) and Permit Revalidation Application (LAA/PTF-REVAL) forms have both been upissued to Issue 6. These forms form part of the Permit to Fly Revalidation Process. The latest issues of the forms can be downloaded here . Technical Leaflet 2.00 (Revalidating your Aircraft's Permit to Fly) has also been updated to Issue 5 to reflect these changes and can be downloaded here . Next Previous

< Back More new LAA Inspectors - Patryk Nelkowski & Pete Nicholson 2 Feb 2024 It is time to introduce you to two more new LAA Inspectors - Patryk Nelkowski and Pete Nicholson, who both attended an LAA Inspector Assessment Day in January, with our Chief Inspector, Lucy. Patryk is a UK CAA licensed aircraft engineer (B1.1/B1.2/B3) based in the south west of England. Currently in the Greater London area on Pilatus, Cirrus and Tecnam aircraft as part of his day job. He has a wide-ranging aircraft maintenance background, with experience on commercial aircraft, such as the A220, Dash 8, and Embraers right through to Cessnas, Pipers, RVs and a variety of other aircraft including warbirds. In his spare time, he is involved in the maintenance and restoration of classic cars and historic military vehicles and their engines. After studying an engineering degree, Pete's professional career covered a wide range of electronic and communications systems, during which flying and maintaining both powered aircraft and gliders was a passionate hobby. After being lucky enough to take early retirement, his hobby has become a significant part of his activities and he particularly enjoys using his background and experience to work on Avionic systems. Next Previous

Data Protection Policy A Statement About the Information Held on Our Website We make every effort to make sure that the information held on this website is as accurate, as up to date, and as complete as possible. However, there can be occasions where we experience problems in achieving this. This means that we cannot accept liability for any loss, damage, or inconvenience which may occur through your use of the information on this site. We recommend that you contact us for clarification before going any further with anything which you feel could cause loss, damage or inconvenience, as a result of using information on our site. If you find any information on our site that gives you cause for concern, then please tell us, and we will investigate, as appropriate. Also, please understand that we are not in control of any of the sites that we link to from ours. This means that again we do not accept liability for any loss, damage, or inconvenience which may occur through your use of the information on those sites. Please contact the appropriate organisations to check that their information is up to date and accurate. A Statement About the Copyright of Information/Facilities Held on Our Site All of the pages on this website are the copyright of The Light Aircraft Association (unless otherwise stated). Our copyright is protected by UK laws, and by international treaties worldwide. All rights are reserved. Please read the statements below if you would like to publish our information further : We expect notification of further publication of our information as a courtesy. However, permission to use our information (for non-commercial purposes) is given, if we are acknowledged as the source. Privacy Statement GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION - LAA POLICY 1. INTRODUCTION As an organisation which holds personal data in the form of membership and aircraft ownership information, we are required to ensure compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), which are designed to ensure more robust security and more transparency in the use of personal data. The GDPR places specific legal obligations on the LAA. For example, we are required to maintain records of personal data processing activities. We will have legal liability if we are responsible for a breach of confidential member data and members have a right to request sight of the data we hold on them, how it is used and if necessary to request that data is removed from our database. 2. OVERALL POLICY The LAA holds personal data from members and data linked to aircraft built or operated by members. We only hold data when there is a justifiable need to do so and will remove data if it is no longer required. The LAA has robust security systems to protect data and information, and will promptly inform anyone affected should any breach occur. Finally, the LAA will not circulate any member information to third parties without prior consent. 3. WHAT WE HOLD We currently hold data which is pertinent to GDPR in six main areas: a) Membership Data. All filing is electronic, via a remotely sited database with no hard copy filing. Name, address, contact numbers and e-mails; age; type and duration of membership; aircraft owned linked to Engineering database; bank details; correspondence sent and received. No credit or debit card details are recorded or retained. Members names and addresses are supplied to the LAA magazine publishers for the distribution of Light Aviation magazine only. Stuts receive details of new members with prior consent when they join up. b) Engineering Data. Links from the aircraft ownership database to the member database include correspondence sent and received; lists of permit revalidation dates and related information, categorised both by aircraft type and aircraft registration. Permit issue and revalidation applications, modification and repair applications are held both electronically and as hard copy in a locked, secure archive. These typically include member name and address data and may also record pilot licence number. There is a legal requirement to hold aircraft files for future scrutiny by organisations such as CAA and AAIB. Engineering admin also process debit and credit card information for fees and transactions. No debit or credit card details are recorded or retained. c) Transactional Data. Held electronically and in some cases as hard copy. Records of membership fees paid, permit revalidation payments, modification and repair fees, training course fees and merchandise sales. Records of sales transactions are held for one year in case of queries and also for the purposes of audit. No debit or credit card details are recorded or retained. Magazine advertising transactions held include name, address, payment levels and future commitments. Rally advertising and stand space transactions are logged by the Office Manager and contracted accountant. Other charges and transactions are controlled by contracted accountant via Sage accounting software. d) Inspector Records. Information held by the Head of Continuing Airworthiness & Inspection on LAA Inspectors includes: name, address, age, qualifications, contact numbers and e-mail addresses, inspection approval categories, reports on reviews and competency assessments. Held both electronically and as filed hard copy. e) NPPL Data. Information is processed on behalf of CAA for the National Private Pilot Licence scheme. Name, address, contact numbers and e-mails, age. Payments for the LAA are made either online or virtually. No debit or credit card details are recorded or retained. f) Employee Information. Name, address, contact numbers and e-mails, age, bank details, tax and salary information, as well as working records, for members of staff, contractors and some volunteers. Accessible only to senior personnel; CEO, Office Manager, Accountant and Chief Technical Officer. Terms of staff member access to own records specified in Staff Handbook. It is noted too that every staff member and Board member holds personal information which comes under the jurisdiction of the GDPR in the form of e-mails, applications and transactional records. All staff and Board members are reminded that all correspondence and address details held remain confidential, and a Data Handling Code of Conduct, including advice on computer security, will be followed. All e-mails issued should contain a standard confidentiality notice. In addition to information held at LAA HQ, LAA Member Clubs and Struts will also hold information such as member data which will require GDPR compliance. The LAA will brief these organisations accordingly on a regular basis, giving advice on how they can comply in their own right. 4. OVERSIGHT The GDPR requires that public authorities and large-scale data processing organisations designate a Data Protection Officer to take responsibility for data protection compliance. The size and structure of our organisation does not justify a dedicated post, therefore a GDPR steering team led by the CEO will provide this oversight. The CEO, Office Manager, Chief Technical Officer and Head of Continuing Airworthiness & Inspection will meet at least quarterly to identify areas that could cause compliance problems under the GDPR and will report regularly to the Board. 5. PRIVACY All members, by completing their application and thereby entering into a contractual relationship for the LAA to provide membership services, have effectively agreed to their use of their name and address, exclusively by the LAA, to ensure they receive benefits including Light Aviation magazine. We fulfil the terms of the GDPR in having a lawful basis for processing this data (see 6), which will be held on our database for the duration of their membership. In the case of lapsed membership, the data is held for a further five years to allow lapsed members to more easily rejoin. Deceased members’ records are removed after two months, with the exception of LAA Inspectors, as their records are regarded as a part of an inspected aircraft’s history. Engineering and aircraft-related data linked to members is retained (see 3b), as we have a requirement to hold records linked to aircraft to meet the requirements of organisations such as the CAA and AAIB. Each form requiring Member Information input will henceforth carry the line; “Data privacy: personal data submitted on this application form may be stored electronically but will only be used in relation to the application (and to support the safety of any aircraft to which it relates)*. Statutory obligations excepting, personal data will not be passed on to third parties without your permission. The full LAA data protection policy can be found on our website at www.laa.uk.com ” *this section for engineering forms only. 6. INDIVIDUALS' RIGHTS The GDPR includes the following rights for individuals: the right to be informed; the right of access; the right to rectification; the right to erasure; the right to restrict processing; the right to data portability; the right to object; and the right not to be subject to automated decision-making including profiling. We are confident that current procedures fulfil the GDPR and we do not operate any data profiling processes. We will regularly review our procedures to ensure they cover areas such as the deletion of personal data and will provide a member with the data we hold on them, if requested, in electronic format. The CEO will make any final decisions about deletion or release of information. 7. SUBJECT ACCESS REQUESTS We acknowledge that individuals have a right to seek access to information held on LAA databases or if they think there is a problem with the way we are handling their data. We will comply with any such request within the statutory one month period. However, we can refuse or charge for requests that are manifestly unfounded or excessive. Individuals will have the right to have their personnel data deleted where they believe it is being held without a practical or lawful basis. If we refuse a request, we must tell the individual why and that they have the right to complain to the ICO and to seek a judicial remedy. We must do this, at the latest, within one month. 8. CHILDREN There is a requirement to put systems in place to verify individuals’ ages and to obtain parental or guardian consent for any data processing activity. This is unlikely to directly affect the Light Aircraft Association Limited, but it may be pertinent if Struts hold information on individuals under the age of 13. A briefing on these requirements will be forwarded to LAA Struts as part of their briefing process. 9. DATA PRIVACY IMPACT ASSESSMENT (DPIA) LAA systems fulfil the GDPR recommended ‘privacy by design’ approach. ‘Data Protection Impact Assessments’ will be carried out if a new technology is being deployed; or if there is processing on a large scale of the special categories of data held. While this is unlikely to directly affect the LAA, we will work with our IT contractors to ensure that awareness of this is included in any future development programmes. 10. BREACHES OF DATA Should we become aware of any personal data breach, we will notify members as rapidly as is feasibly possible, notifying the Information Commissioner’s Office if a breach is likely to result in discrimination, damage to reputation, financial loss, loss of confidentiality or any other significant economic or social disadvantage to those concerned. March 2025

< Back More new LAA Inspectors - Bryn Holt & Daniel Couzens 16 Jan 2024 It is time to introduce you to two new LAA Inspectors - Bryn Holt and Daniel Couzens, who both attended an LAA Inspector Assessment Day in December, with our Chief Inspector, Lucy. Bryn is the Hangar Supervisor for Shenley Engineering at Headcorn Aerodrome. He has 20 years experience carrying out maintenance on a variety of fixed wing metal, composite and wooden airframes, supporting naturally aspirated and turbocharged Lycoming and Continental Engines, Gipsy Major and Renault 4P03 Engines. Daniel is an Aircraft Engineer based in Lincolnshire, as well as being a qualified CAA welder. The first aircraft he built was an Xair microlight. Congratulations to Bryn and Daniel! 🎊🎉 Next Previous

< Back New Permit Revalidation System Announcement 20 Mar 2025 The new Permit Revalidation System is coming on 15th April - watch the announcement video below to find out more! Next Previous

< Back New LAA Inspector - Conrad Ceillam 2 Sept 2025 We are pleased to welcome Conrad Ceillam as a new LAA Inspector, having attended an LAA Inspector Assessment Day at Turweston recently. As a youngster, he worked mostly on 3-engined piston aircraft for commercial flight, and on some twin turboprops in Guernsey. He then moved on to mostly narrow-bodied jets and turboprops, with some executive jets in the UK. Latterly, he worked in Finland on medium-bodied jets, scientific aircraft, and mission/patrol. Since moving to Shetland, he has mostly worked on twin-piston passenger craft. He has held BMAA inspector approvals since April 2023. Next Previous