WELCOME TO THE LIGHT AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATION Welcome to the Light Aircraft Association, the heart of a community that lives and breathes recreational aviation in all its forms! With over 75 years of history, no other UK association has the depth of knowledge and experience in looking after our sport. 7,500 Members 2,700 Aircraft 1,600 Build Projects NINE REASONS TO JOIN THE LAA 1 BUILD YOUR OWN AIRCRAFT The LAA was formed out of the amateur aircraft building movement. Even today, you can build an aircraft from the original plans or purchase a modern kit from a recognised manufacturer to build your dream aircraft, with the support of an LAA Inspector. There are so many types to choose from! More Info 2 PILOT COACHING The Pilot Coaching Scheme includes provision of Biennial Reviews and Class Rating Revalidation, as well as Type Conversions, Renewal Training, Differences Training and Licence Migration. Coaches are based all over the UK and willing to travel to meet your needs! More Info 3 LIGHT AVIATION MAGAZINE Our full-colour monthly magazine, Light Aviation , is free to all members and is packed with a wealth of technical and flying information, first-hand reports of members’ flying adventures and aircraft builds, in depth flight tests and so much more – it’s real cover to cover reading every month! More Info 4 ENGINEERING FACILITIES At our core is the amateur built aircraft movement and the comprehensive engineering facilities that support the Permit to Fly airworthiness system. A full time staff of qualified engineers and a countrywide network of Inspectors help make owning and flying your own aircraft both possible and affordable. More Info 5 TRAINING COURSES The LAA provides a wide range of courses for members, ranging from electrics to working with aluminum, aircraft carpentry, composites, Rotax engines or even an Air to Ground Radio Operators' Course! ​ These will help you build or maintain your aircraft to the highest standard and meet LAA members with similar interests. More Info 6 OPERATE AN AIRCRAFT With the LAA fleet size ever increasing, more and more LAA members are operating LAA aircraft that they have not built under the LAA Permit to Fly Airworthiness System. ​ The LAA Engineering Department offers the support you need to fly! ​ More Info 7 MEET FELLOW AVIATION LOVERS! Do you want to meet fellow light aviation lovers? ​ Clubs for LAA members (also known as Struts) meet at a local level to share knowledge and experiences, as well as take part in local events. ​ You can find the 'Strut' nearest to you! ​ ​ More Info 8 MEMBER DISCOUNTS Every year, the LAA hosts a 'fly-in,' known as the 'LAA Rally' or more recently, the 'Grass Roots Fly In.' LAA members benefit from a discounted entry fee! Furthermore, there are a number of LAA-friendly companies that offer discounts and deals to LAA members. These can be found by clicking the button below. More Info 9 MEMBER REPRESENTATION We have an enviable reputation for determination and fairness within the corridors of power in the UK and Europe. We are one of the principle representative groups providing balanced consultative input on matters such as airspace, planning and safety regulation to bodies including the Department for Transport and Civil Aviation Authority. More Info Contact Us Turweston Aerodrome Nr Brackley Northants NN13 5YD Office Phone No: +44 (0)1280 846 786 Office email: [email protected] Engineering email: [email protected] Our office opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Download Map Local Accommodation

Jabiru Engine Course Price Member - £200, Non-Member - £220 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 To be confirmed Times Arrival 09:00. Finish 17:00. Duration One day course Venue LAA HQ, Turweston Aerodrome, NN13 5YD Price Member - £200, Non-Member - £220 Booking Telephone LAA on 01280 846 786 to check availability and/or book or e-mail.

Oratex Fabric Covering Course Price Member - £200, Non-Member - £220 Duration Arrival 09:00. Finish 17:00. < Back About the Course The Light Aircraft Company Ltd. (TLAC) is the UK agent for the revolutionary user-friendly Oratex fabric covering system and we are delighted that they now offer LAA members a course at Turweston. Oratex is a pre coloured aircraft system which is water based and solvent free. It doesn’t need any sealer, any primer, any UV protection or paint. In fact, it needs no coatings at all! Just glue and shrink it and fly it! The lack chemicals also offers weight savings over traditional materials. The course is presented by trained staff from TLAC and takes you through from airframe preparation to the finished job, enabling you to make a first class job of your own aircraft. Your Instructor Paul Hendry-Smith Dates To be confirmed Times Arrival 09:00. Finish 17:00. Duration One day course Venue LAA HQ, Turweston Aerodrome, NN13 5YD Price Member - £200, Non-Member - £220 Booking Telephone LAA on 01280 846 786 to check availability and/or book or e-mail.

An Introduction to Permit Aircraft Avionics Price Member - £200, Non-Member - £220 Duration Arrival 09:00. Finish 17:00. < Back About the Course This course is an introduction to permit aircraft avionics. The course starts with explaining the LAA rules and guidance regarding avionics fit in your aircraft, discusses how to plan and install your avionics including panel design, explains how modern avionics connect with each other and the various protocols (electronic languages) that they commonly use. The course takes you through selection of your avionics including EFIS, ELTs and PLBs, Autopilots, Antennas, Transponders, Radios and Audio Panels including some of the more common options available, including redundancy options where applicabl The course also includes practical demonstration and practice in wiring the most commonly used avionics connectors, the ubiquitous D Sub connector, and provides advice on minimising interference and best practice for shielding connections. The course finishes with an introduction to avionics considerations for Permit Aircraft planning to apply for permission to fly in IMC or at night. Your Instructor Mark Castle-Smith Dates To be confirmed Times Arrival 09:00. Finish 17:00. Duration One day course Venue LAA HQ, Turweston Aerodrome, NN13 5YD Price Member - £200, Non-Member - £220 Booking Telephone LAA on 01280 846 786 to check availability and/or book or e-mail.

Aircraft Fabric Covering Course Price Member - £200, Non-Member - £220 Duration Arrival 09:00. Finish 17:00. < Back About the Course Our covering course is presented by Chris and Alex, father and son team who run Aircraft Coverings Ltd., the UK dealer for Consolidated Aircraft Coverings products. This is a hands-on course, not a lecture, so you will be working with the tools and materials, learning the required skills and you will undoubtedly surprise yourself by how quickly you begin to pick things up! Your Instructor Chris and Alex Allen Dates To be confirmed Times Arrival 09:00. Finish 17:00. Duration One day course Venue Henstridge Airfield, Somerset, BA8 0TN Price Member - £200, Non-Member - £220 Booking Telephone LAA on 01280 846 786 to check availability and/or book or e-mail.

Aircraft Carpentry Workshop - Basic Course Price Member - £200, Non-Member - £220 Duration Arrival 09:00. Finish 17:00. < Back About the Course Alan James brings a host of carpentry skills to this course, gained from building and maintaining wooden aircraft for more than 30 years. He is probably best known for his award winning Pietenpol Aircamper G-BUCO and more recently the Isaacs Spitfire G-ISAC. He’s also hand-carved more than 100 propellers for LAA and vintage aircraft over the years and is often seen demonstrating the art at the LAA Rally. His aircraft carpentry course covers everything the prospective builder needs to know. Subjects include quality and specification of approved timber, plywood, adhesives and how to use them, marking out, cutting, drilling, laminating, shaping, sanding, scarfing and finishing. As an LAA Inspector, he can also guide you through the paperwork process for repairs and modifications. This is the perfect course for the would-be aircraft builder who may be nervous about cutting the first piece of spruce, or anyone contemplating repairing a classic wooden aircraft. It is recommended that you bring your own protective glasses. Your Instructor Alan James Dates To be confirmed Times Arrival 09:00. Finish 17:00. Duration One day course Venue LAA HQ, Turweston Aerodrome, NN13 5YD Price Member - £200, Non-Member - £220 Booking Telephone LAA on 01280 846 786 to check availability and/or book or e-mail.

Permit Aircraft Electrics - Basic Course Price Member - £200, Non-Member - £220 Duration Arrival 09:00. Finish 17:00. < Back About the Course This course provides the theory and practical knowledge to enable the implementation of a basic electrical system in permit aircraft. Although the course necessarily includes a small amount of technical theory; it is only included at a level needed (essentially Ohms Law) to understand how wire sizes, fuses, circuit breakers and other components etc are selected. ​ The basic premise of the introductory course is that the owner/builder already has a circuit diagram to work from (few kit manufacturers provide electrical diagrams, so the course includes details of where such ‘standard’ diagrams may be found). They are not expected to do any design work, but they do need to source the materials and components and build a working, reliable and safe installation. 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. The course uses a PowerPoint presentation for the theory side, a demonstration electrical panel in the classroom so that attendees can see the various options and good practice for wiring and systems installation and also runs two practical sessions in the LAA workshop which includes practical soldering, wire stripping and connector crimping, cable marking options, use of heat shrink, radio antenna coax connector installation and the correct crimping and installation of typical D Sub connectors used for avionics systems. What this course will try to do is: Introduce and explain the components of a wiring system Help you understand a circuit diagram Give practical experience in wiring techniques Give the knowledge to select and source cables and components Explain failure modes and reliability issues Help you conduct basic fault finding Warn about the ‘gotcha’ areas and the things to look out for What the course will not do is: Turn you into a design engineer Enable you to design an aircraft EWIS Enable you to fault find on an undocumented aircraft installation Solve interference issues Delve into avionics Your Instructor Mark Castle-Smith Dates To be confirmed Times Arrival 09:00. Finish 17:00. Duration One day course Venue LAA HQ, Turweston Aerodrome, NN13 5YD Price Member - £200, Non-Member - £220 Booking Telephone LAA on 01280 846 786 to check availability and/or book or e-mail [email protected]

Permit Aircraft Electrics - Advanced Course Price Member - £200, Non-Member - £220 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 To be confirmed Times Arrival 09:00. Finish 17:00. Duration One day course Venue LAA HQ, Turweston Aerodrome, NN13 5YD Price Member - £200, Non-Member - £220 Booking Telephone LAA on 01280 846 786 to check availability and/or book or e-mail.

Air to Ground Radio Operator's Course Price Member - £200, Non-Member - £220 (Additional fee of £45 to CAA for ROCC certificate) Duration Arrival 09:00 for 0920 start. Finish 17:00 (approx). < Back About the Course Places are available on an air-to-ground radio operator’s course being offered at Popham Airfield , Coxford Down, Nr. Winchester, SO21 3BD. The course, hosted by experienced controller, CAA Examiner and LAA member Chris Thompson, 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, leading to practice for the written and practical examination. 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. Note 1 – The ROCC “Air Ground” Course assumes the student will have a basic understanding of airfield and light aircraft circuit procedures, hence a "pilot" background is best (but is not an essential pre-requisite under CAA guidelines). Note 2 - The ROCC "Air/Ground" course should not be confused with the ROCC-OCS (Offshore Communication Service) which is required If you want to operate Aeronautical Radio to talk to helicopters from a superyacht/ship or offshore installation. This is not part of the LAA mandate. Note 3 - This Course is to enable a person to operate a Ground Radio Station running AGCS (Air-Ground-Communication-Service) and not be confused with the FRTOL (Flight Radio Telephony Operator Licence), which is required to operate the radio in an aircraft. Your Instructor Chris Thompson Dates To be confirmed Times Arrival 09:00 for 0920 start. Finish 17:00 (approx). Duration Two day course Venue Popham Airfield Price Member - £200, Non-Member - £220 (Additional fee of £45 to CAA for ROCC certificate) Booking Telephone LAA on 01280 846 786 to check availability and/or book or e-mail.

Rotax Carburetted 912/914 Installation & Operation Price Member - £200, Non-Member - £220 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 To be confirmed Times Arrival 09:30. Finish 17:00. Duration One day course Venue LAA HQ, Turweston Aerodrome, NN13 5YD Price Member - £200, Non-Member - £220 Booking Telephone LAA on 01280 846 786 to check availability and/or book or e-mail.

Working with Aluminium - Basic Course Price Member - £250, Non-Member - £270 (includes toolbox) Duration Arrival 09:00. Finish 17:00. < Back About the Course The 'Working in Aluminium' courses have proved immensely popular, as so many of the popular kits today use this medium. Our tutors will guide you through the construction of a Van’s toolbox. The build process is specifically designed to teach you drilling, de-burring, dimpling and riveting by various methods, and by the end of the day you will have a useful ‘apprentice piece’ to take home with you. The course syllabus will include: measuring and marking, cutting and drilling, deburring, fluting and straightening, countersinking and dimpling, and, the bit you’ve been waiting for, riveting; in fact, all you need to know to get you started on your aluminium aircraft project. These subjects will be covered by description, demonstration, and practice as you construct a Van’s toolbox kit. We will also discuss workshop practice and safety, the technical rationale behind many common build techniques, such as de-burring and priming, and provide guidance on further tools and techniques required. Aluminium is a clean material and no special clothes are required, nor will be provided. Overalls, lab coats, etc. are not necessary, but by all means bring them if you wish. Some safety equipment is necessary, however. Please bring suitable eye protection (glasses, goggles), ear protection (muffs, plugs), and hand protection (gloves). All the tools required to assemble the box will be provided by the LAA, but if you have your own air drill (PCL air connection) or pneumatic rivet gun then please feel free to bring them along (suitably identified). Your Instructor Gary Smith Dates To be confirmed Times Arrival 09:00. Finish 17:00. Duration One day course Venue LAA HQ, Turweston Aerodrome, NN13 5YD Price Member - £250, Non-Member - £270 (includes toolbox) Booking Telephone LAA on 01280 846 786 to check availability and/or book or e-mail.

Rotax Fuel Injected 912 iS / 915 iS Installation & Operation Price Member - £200, Non-Member - £220 Duration Arrival 09:30. Finish 17:00. < Back About the Course With the growth of interest in the fuel-injected Rotax 912 and 915 iS series engines, it has become apparent that there is a lot of confusion and misunderstanding about the installation and operation of these engines and the way that the latest built-in systems work. Electronics and Rotax iRMT certified engineer, John Barrott, was an early installer of a 912iS and found it difficult to find accurate information on best practice. Working with UK Rotax agents CFS and LAA Engineering, John has built up a comprehensive understanding of the iS engines and has developed a course around this to provide help and advice on the installation and operation of this new generation of aero engines. The course is classroom (not workshop) based. Your Instructor John Barrott Dates To be confirmed Times Arrival 09:30. Finish 17:00. Duration One day course Venue LAA HQ, Turweston Aerodrome, NN13 5YD Price Member - £200, Non-Member - £220 Booking Telephone LAA on 01280 846 786 to check availability and/or book or e-mail.