< 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

< Back MTD-06-2025 published - Europa Tailplane Torque Tube Mod Failure 16 Dec 2025 Ref: LAA Mandatory Technical Directive MTD-06-2025 – Europa Tailplane Torque Tube Clamp Mod A recent inspection of a Europa fitted with the tailplane torque tube clamp modification, LAA MOD 10623, revealed both halves of the clamp had broken and fallen apart. These clamps are intended to prevent relative movement between the tailplane torque tube, the tailplane drive plates and the central drive horn, on which the mass balance arm is mounted. Failure of these clamps could allow free play to develop, potentially leading to taper pin hole damage, tailplane flutter, or jamming of the pitch control mechanism. An inspection must be carried out within the next 5 flying hours to determine whether MOD 10623 is fitted. If MOD 10623 clamps are fitted, making use of a light source and mirror as necessary, inspect the alloy clamp blocks for any signs of cracking (in particular along the sharp corner between the bolt flanges and main body), for any signs of looseness or relative movement between the parts and for any other abnormalities. If any of these are detected, the aircraft must not be flown and LAA Engineering must be contacted. This must be repeated at intervals not exceeding 25 flight-hours or the next Permit revalidation inspection, whichever occurs first, for as long as MOD 10623 remains fitted. Please refer to the below Mandatory Technical Directive for full details, compliance times, and certification requirements. This MTD can be found HERE and is also available below. MTD-06-2025 - Europa Tailplane Torque Tube Mod Failure .pdf Download PDF • 259KB Next Previous

< 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 New LAA Inspector - Ian Pattingale 6 Feb 2024 It is time to introduce you to the final new LAA Inspector from the recent batch of LAA Inspector Assessment Days - Ian Pattingale. Ian spent 9 years in the RAF as a propulsion technician, after a brief spell as a Development Engineer. He then spent the following 30 years at British Airways in various roles from aircraft Technical Instructor to B737 Flight Test Engineer. His current job is as an Engineer in London Heathrow Engineering Operations, where we are responsible for providing serviceable aircraft to support the flying programme. He's a keen glider pilot with a current 'Full Cat' instructor rating, as well as a 'Senior Inspector/Chief Engineer (ARC Signatory)' on wood, composite and metal airframes for gliders. In addition, he's a B1 Licensed, with current B777 ratings . As a member of the Vintage Gliding Club, Ian is keen to promote the continuing airworthiness of 'vintage' glider types - a current project that I am working on is the restoration of a 1976 Schleicher ASK18 to a fully airworthy flying condition. Next Previous

< Back LAA Training Day 30 Nov 2024 LAA Staff Training Day so LAA HQ will be closed. Next Previous

< Back The online Permit Revalidation System is live for Gyroplanes! 22 Jul 2025 We are pleased to announce that the online Permit to Fly revalidation system went live today for gyroplanes, both home-built and factory-built! Step-by-Step Video Guide, FAQs and Crib Sheet The step-by-step guide to the new online Permit Revalidation system in the form of an ‘ Online Permit Revalidation Explained ’ video can be found below. This was written for a fixed-wing example, but the majority of questions are the same for gyroplanes and the process for gyroplanes has the same three stages as for any fixed-wing aircraft. We have also compiled a list of ‘ Frequently Asked Questions ’ for you, which are found below. The ' Crib Sheet ' for Inspectors referenced in the video is formally called the ' Airworthiness Review Reference Guide ' and is available HERE . There is a version of the crib sheet for homebuilt gyroplanes, entitled ARR-REF (HOMEBUILT GYROPLANE) and a version for factory-built gyroplanes, entitled ARR-REF (FB GYROPLANE). The Check Flight Schedules for both homebuilt and factory-built gyroplanes have now been combined into a single check flight schedule for gyroplanes, entitled CFS-1 (GYRO). This is available HERE . Previous check flight forms for homebuilt and factory-built gyroplanes are now obsolete. The Permit Flight Release Certificate (PFRC) is now a separate document, where it was previously contained within the application form for revalidating a Permit to Fly. It can be found HERE . Key Considerations There are a few key considerations to ensure a Permit to Fly revalidation under the new system goes smoothly: Please make sure you know your username and password for the LAA website. If you have forgotten your login details, please contact the LAA Office. All aircraft using the new system for the first time will require a check flight no older than 3 months at the time of submission of the revalidation application. This is in order to provide a baseline for the online system. The 3-year check flight cycle will then apply subsequently to most aircraft types. Some aircraft will still require a check flight at every revalidation, these are: Aircraft cleared for Night/IFR. Aircraft which have flown less than 12 hours since the previous revalidation inspection. Aircraft Owners will not have to submit a CFS-1 (GYRO) Check Flight Schedule when applying through the new system. However, a CFS-1 (GYRO) will need to be completed for each check flight and stored with the aircraft’s documentation, so that it is available when needed. We will no longer be accepting old-style (paper or scanned) Airworthiness Reviews for homebuilt or factory-built gyroplanes conducted on or after 22 nd July 2025. Need Help? The ‘Revalidating a Permit to Fly’ page on the LAA website signposts you to all the information you will need and can be found HERE . If you have any problems or questions, please follow the steps below: Watch the ‘ Online Permit Revalidation Explained ’ video found HERE . Read Technical Leaflet 2.00 - 'Revalidating your Aircraft's Permit to Fly,' which has now been updated to include information for gyroplanes. Look at the gyroplane variants of the 'crib sheet' for LAA Inspectors, entitled ' Airworthiness Review Reference Guide ,' which is available HERE . Look at our list of FAQs ,. If steps 1-4 do not help you find the answer, contact LAA Engineering on [email protected] or call (0)1280 846786 20250721 - Permit Revalidation Process FAQs Issue 2 .pdf Download PDF • 198KB Next Previous

Rotax Carburetted 912/914 Installation & Operation Price Member - £213, Non-Member - £233 Duration Arrival 09:30. Finish 17:00. < Back About the Course Kevin Dilks of SAS, a well-respected and Rotax trained engineer, has many years of experience in the field and will be hosting this course at the LAA’s Training facility at Turweston. The course covers everything those who own/operate a carburetted Rotax 912 (UL, ULS and 914 turbocharged) engine need to know about getting the best out of these very popular engines and keeping them in tiptop condition. Your Instructor Kevin Dilks Dates New date tbc Times Arrival 09:30. Finish 17:00. Duration One day course Venue LAA HQ, Turweston Aerodrome, NN13 5YD Price Member - £213, Non-Member - £233 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**

Jabiru Engine Course Price Member - £213, Non-Member - £233 Duration Arrival 09:00. Finish 17:00. < Back About the Course It is widely accepted that a good working knowledge of an engine will help a pilot to service and maintain it to a satisfactory standard. This course is designed to give pilots sufficient knowledge to be confident that their engines are both serviceable and airworthy and; if an issue is detected, to know whether they have the ability to resolve the issue or need to seek assistance. The course will also cover the common engine weaknesses and the important Jabiru modifications. The course primarily focuses on the 4 and 6 cylinder generation 1-3 engines. The course will also benefit owners of the latest generation 4 engine, but information will be limited due to the overall hours flown to date for this type of engine. The Aim of the Course The aim of the course is to give Jabiru engine operators sufficient knowledge to maintain and operate their engines. Method A classroom slide presentation will be given , supported by a demonstration engine and parts, detailing the build of a Jabiru engine from the crankshaft up. The slide presentation will also use the knowledge gained from the virtual build and cover how to check for engine serviceability prior to flight. Course Instructor: Clive James. Clive has owned and operated a Jabiru for over 20 years and in that time has worked on many engines, including 4 and 6 cylinder engines. Clive also provides technical assistance to many Jabiru engine owners, helping them maintain their engines to an airworthy standard. Your Instructor Clive James Dates Date to be confirmed Times Arrival 09:00. Finish 17:00. Duration One day course Venue LAA HQ, Turweston Aerodrome, NN13 5YD Price Member - £213, Non-Member - £233 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 Engineering updates in May 6 Jun 2025 The following documents have been issued/updated in the Engineering 'Info Library' during May. Technical leaflets : TL 2.33 - Inspector categories for types TL 3.04 - CAA approved welders TADS : 162 - Zenair CH 601HD/HDS 162A - Zenair CH 601UL 162B - Zenair CH601XL 232 - Murphy Rebel 345 - Sherwood Scout/Reality Escapade BM-102 - Dragon Aviation A32 Vixxen P21 - Woodcomp propellers Forms: LAA/AR-REF - Airworthiness review reference guide (crib sheet) (new form) LAA/CFS-1 (fixed wing) - Check flight schedule LAA/PFRC-1 (fixed wing) - Permit flight release certificate Propeller type lists PTL/1 : Sonex Next Previous

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 8 February 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**

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 PLUS 25 & 26 April 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 Engineering updates in August and September 1 Oct 2024 The following documents have been issued/updated in the Engineering 'Info Library' during August and September. Standard modifications: Europa SM12871 cockpit fresh air rotary ventilators issue 2 Propeller type lists PTL-1 : Aeronca 7-series Kitfox mk1-mk3 Next Previous