< 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 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 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

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**

< Back Winner Announced: LAA 80th Anniversary Rally Poster 6 Mar 2026 The winner of the 80th Anniversary Rally Poster Competition has been selected, and we’re delighted to reveal the official design that will represent this milestone year for the Light Aircraft Association. Congratulations to Amy Whitewick, whose striking design was chosen to mark 80 years of grassroots aviation, engineering excellence and community spirit! A Design That Captures 80 Years... The judging panel selected the artwork for its strong visual impact, clear celebration of the LAA, and its versatility across print and digital formats. The design reflects both the history of the Association and the forward-looking spirit that continues to define it today. Speaking about the win, Amy Whitewick said: "I'm so excited to win the LAA Rally Poster Competition for the 80th Anniversary, 2026 - my vision for the design was to create something that reflected the colours and styles that I love from posters of the 1930s, the Golden Age of aviation. I also wanted the poster to reflect the excitement and joy of current light aviation, including the portrayal of various aircraft types throughout the 80 years and embody the party-like spirit of this year's special rally. I felt this poster gives back all the joy and kindness that fellow LAA Members, Inspectors and Engineers have given me over the years. It's really a big thank you to them, my airfield 'family', who helped me achieve my wings and continue to encourage me to grow my skills."- Amy Whitewick, G-DHYS From Poster to Rally Branding The winning artwork will now be rolled out to support the promotion of the 2026 Rally! You’ll start seeing the design appear across LAA channels in the coming weeks as we build momentum towards the Rally. Thank You to All Entrants We’d like to thank everyone who submitted entries. The quality and creativity on display made judging a difficult task and demonstrated the depth of talent within the LAA community. We look forward to seeing the winning poster proudly displayed at the 80th Anniversary Rally.Rally details and ticket information will be shared with you in the coming months. LAA 80 Poster 2026 A4 .jpg Download JPG • 1.83MB Amy Whitewick - Photo .jpg Download JPG • 350KB 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

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 Mandatory Technical Directive issued for Eurofox aircraft 6 Dec 2024 Inspection of Trim Tab Operating Cable Attachment to Prevent In-Flight Failures and replacement with Improved Design of Cable Attachment In 2016, the LAA issued an Alert, LAA/AWA/16/08 , regarding reported problems with the thin stranded steel elevator trim cable on Eurofox aircraft fraying at the attachment point to the trim tab operating horn, where the design forced the cable to be bent around the sharp edges of the clevis. The 2016 Alert also provided a link to, and served to promulgate, the Eurofox UK Service Bulletin on the subject, SB 04/2016 . Recently we’ve been advised of a potentially serious incident of elevator flutter on a Eurofox while towing a glider, which was caused by the trim cable failing altogether in flight where it passes around the trim tab operating horn clevis. This resulted in violent shaking of the elevator with serious potential for structural damage or loss of control. Since the cable had evidently frayed considerably before failing altogether, this occurrence highlights the importance inspecting the trim cable for signs of fraying at this point at each pre-flight and maintenance check, and, as the service bulletin explains, of keeping the clevis free-moving about its attachment to the tab so the clevis remains in line with the cable as the tab moves. This minimises the relative movement between the two which if occurring, would accelerate the wear on the cable. Eurofox UK advises that since the issue of the 2016 Service Bulletin, they have revised the design of the cable attachment clevis so that the cable now passes around a circular bush rather than being forced into two sharp bends, which reduces the wear on the cable and tendency to fray and eventually break. MTD-07-2024 , issued today, requires Owners/Operators to check whether the old or new design of clevises are fitted and for any signs of trim cable fraying before further flight. Owners/Operators must obtain and use a copy of the up-issued AEROPRO Checklist - B Service/Maintenance plan (Update Nov 2024 LAA aircraft) before the next 50-hour check. Finally, the trim cable system must be replaced immediately if any trim cable fraying is found, as detailed in the MTD. Furthermore, all Eurofoxes with the old-style of clevis must have the trim cable system replaced, as described in the MTD, by 1st June 2025. MTD-07-2024 Eurofox Trim Cable .pdf Download PDF • 495KB Next Previous

< Back Alert A-07-2025 - Glastar Aileron Servo-Tab Pushrod Cracking 25 Jul 2025 LAA Alert A-07-2025 - Glastar Aileron Servo-Tab Pushrod Cracking A cracked aileron servo-tab pushrod was found on a UK Glastar aircraft. The pushrod consists of a thin-walled aluminium tube with an adjustable clevis at one end, and a fixed clevis at the other. The crack was at the adjustable end of the pushrod, and extended from the end of the aluminium tube to the hole approximately 1 inch from the end. A cracked aileron servo-tab pushrod must be considered unairworthy, and replaced before further flight. A-07-2024 can be found HERE and is also attached. A-07-2025 - Glastar Aileron Servo-Tab Pushrod Cracking .pdf Download PDF • 562KB Next Previous

< Back Engineering updates in July 7 Aug 2025 The following documents have been issued/updated in the Engineering 'Info Library' during July. Continuing airworthiness information : Mandatory Technical Directive MTD-05-2024 issue 2 - Jabiru distributor caps Mandatory Technical Directive MTD-03-2025 - Marquart Charger aileron slave strut Alert A-05-2024 issue 2 - Rotax engine oil spray nozzle Alert A-07-2025 - Glastar aileron servo-tab pushrod cracking Alert A-08-2025 - Gen 4 Jabiru engine crankshafts Technical leaflets : TL 2.00 - Revalidating your aircraft's Permit to Fly TL 2.19 - The LAA Generic Maintenance Schedule TL 2.33 - Insepctor categories for type TADS : 274 - Europa 315 - Eurostar 324 - Supermarine Spitfire mk26 Propeller type lists PTL/1 : Kitfox mk1/mk2/mk3 Forms : LAA/AR-REF (FB GYROPLANE) - Airworthiness review reference guide (crib sheet) LAA/AR-REF (HOMEBUILT GYROPLANE) - Airworthiness review reference guide (crib sheet) LAA/AR-REF (FIXED WING) - Airworthiness review reference guide (crib sheet) LAA/CFS-1 (GYRO) - Check flight schedule LAA/CFS-1 (FIXED WING) - Check flight schedule LAA/FBG-SUPP - Supplement to factory-built gyroplane revalidaton form LAA/PFRC-1 - Permit Flight Release Certificate LAA/FT-NEW - Flight test schedule, new builds, transfers, modifications and repairs LAA/FT-ENG - Flight test schedule, engine modifications Next Previous

< Back Engineering updates in October and November 6 Dec 2024 The following documents have been issued/updated in the Engineering 'Info Library' during October and November. Alerts : Alert A-01-2024 Eurostar trim system Alert A-02-2024 Lycoming connecting rod bushings TADS : Europa Eurostar Sling 2 Next Previous

< Back New LAA Inspector - Sam McMellon 22 Oct 2024 The LAA is pleased to welcome Sam McMellon as a new LAA Inspector for Factory Built Gyroplanes. Sam attended an Assessment Day at LAA HQ with our Chief Inspector earlier this month. Well done Sam! 🎉 Next Previous