< Back Mandatory Technical Directive issued for Pietenpol Air Campers 19 Jul 2024 Mandatory Technical Directive, MTD-06-2024 has been issued to introduce mandatory checks for corrosion on the wing rear struts. This follows a recent in-service finding where servere corrosion was found in a flying example of the type in the UK. The MTD must be carried out before further flight on or after 18th July 2024 on Pietenpol Air Camper aircraft fitted with the 'Jim Wills' wing rear struts. Next Previous

Latest News 19 Jul 2024 Mandatory Technical Directive issued for Pietenpol Air Campers Mandatory checks for corrosion in wing rear struts Read More 10 Jul 2024 Mandatory Technical Directive issued for Jabiru 2200 engines Mandatory checks of clearances in the distributor cap Read More 9 Jul 2024 Engineering updates in June Updates from the Engineering Team in June Read More 20 Jun 2024 New LAA Inspector Introducing new LAA Inspector - Tom Bootyman! Read More 4 Jun 2024 Engineering updates in May Updates from the Engineering Team in May Read More 29 May 2024 Mandatory Technical Directive issued for Rotax 914 powered Eurofox aircraft Mandatory disabling of cabin heat Read More 24 May 2024 Mandatory Technical Directive issued for Chipmunk aircraft Mandatory checks of flap operating cables on Chipmunk aircraft Read More 9 May 2024 LAA Open Day - Saturday 1st June 2024 LAA Open Day! Come and join us Read More 7 May 2024 Engineering updates in April Updates from the Engineering Team in April Read More 5 Apr 2024 Engineering updates in March Updates from the Engineering Team in March Read More 4 Apr 2024 Telephones Incoming Calls to LAA HQ Read More 4 Apr 2024 New LAA Inspector The LAA welcomes new Inspector - Steve Hodge Read More 28 Mar 2024 New LAA Inspector The LAA welcomes new Inspector - Clive Sutton Read More 27 Mar 2024 New LAA Inspector The LAA welcomes new Inspector - Ed Stinton Read More 19 Mar 2024 Inspector Renewal Calling all LAA Inspectors - 12 days to go to renew your LAA Inspector Authorisation! Read More 6 Mar 2024 Mandatory Technical Directive issued for Pioneer aircraft Mandatory checks of elevator trim tab horn on Pioneer variants Read More 1 Mar 2024 Engineering updates in February Updates from the Engineering Team in February Read More 22 Feb 2024 Carbon Monoxide in Piston Engine Aircraft Consultation Details of the CAA's consultation on Carbon Monoxide Read More 16 Feb 2024 Mandatory Technical Directive issued for Supermarine Spitfire mk26 and mk26a Mandatory checks of fin alignment and rudder range of travel before further flight Read More 15 Feb 2024 New General Aviation Regulations 2024 New General Aviation (Persons on Board, Flight Information and Civil Penalties) Regulations 2024 Read More 14 Feb 2024 LAA Inspector Seminar 16 LAA Inspectors attend the latest Inspector Training Seminar at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford Read More 12 Feb 2024 The importance of airfield location 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. Read More 6 Feb 2024 New LAA Inspector Introducing new LAA Inspector - Ian Pattingale Read More 2 Feb 2024 More new LAA Inspectors Introducing two more new LAA Inspectors - Patryk Nelkowski & Pete Nicholson Read More 31 Jan 2024 Engineering updates in January Updates from the Engineering Team in January Read More 29 Jan 2024 GAA Position on Electronic Conspicuity General Aviation Alliance Position Paper on Electronic Conspicuity Read More 26 Jan 2024 New LAA Inspectors Introducing two more new LAA Inspectors - Umberto Izzo & Simon Boynett Read More 25 Jan 2024 LAA members - Make your views known! POPHAM AIRFIELD: Please help! Read More 16 Jan 2024 More new LAA Inspectors Introducing two more new LAA Inspectors - Bryn Holt & Daniel Couzens Read More 11 Jan 2024 New LAA Inspectors Introducing two of our new LAA Inspectors - Cameron Bunce & Brian Davies Read More

LAA Staff CEO Simon Tilling ​ ​ Chief Executive Officer ​ An enthusiastic and experienced private pilot, Simon Tilling has been flying for 10 years. In his words, “my wife bought me a trial flying lesson for my birthday. I went for the flight which was at Old Sarum, and that was it. I was hooked and it was ‘love at first flight’ you might say.” He has owned a wide variety of light aircraft in the years since, including a number of LAA types. A keen air-racer, Simon is also a former British Air Racing champion and from 2020 to 2022, was the chairman of the Royal Aero Club ‘3Rs’ committee for Races, Records and Rallies, during which time he regenerated the appeal of airracing to new participants. He currently enjoys flying his 1942 Taylorcraft Plus D/AOP 1, and a North American Navion. Simon also enjoys restoring 1970’s motorcycles and collects Airfix kits from his childhood. Simon began his career working in the telecoms industry, before eventually moving to a role as a services manager for Dell Computers, where he eventually became VP for services for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Upon leaving Dell, Simon helped run an outsourcing company before then becoming a contractor. In this role, he spent 10 years being parachuted in to companies to fix customer service issues, working on transformation projects, and rolling out new software implementation. Simon took over as the Light Aircraft Association’s Chief Executive in April 2023. Our Engineering Team Jon Viner Jon joined the LAA in 2008 as Deputy Chief Engineer, becoming Chief Technical Officer in 2022. Prior to the LAA, Jon was the Chief Technical Officer at the British Microlight Aircraft Assocation, where he learnt to fly flexwings. Before that, he began his career at British Aerospace at Filton (later Airbus UK) as an undergraduate/graduate apprentice and then as an Airworthiness Engineer on A330/A340 projects. Jon has a MEng in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Southampton University, is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and is a Chartered Engineer. Jon manages and oversees the Engineering Team. MEng CEng FRAeS ​ Chief Technical Officer ​ Lucy Wootton Lucy has an MEng (Hons) in Aeronautical Engineering from Loughborough University. Previously, she has worked for Rolls-Royce and as an Aircraft Structural Repair Design Engineer. She has been a BGA Glider Inspector since 2014 and is an ARC Signatory. Lucy began gliding in 2010 and is now a Full Category Instructor, as well as flying in competitions and organising events for young glider pilots, as a member of the UK Junior Gliding Development Team. She is currently a BGA Board Member. In 2016, Lucy started power flying with the help of an Air League scholarship. Lucy holds both a PPL(A) and an NPPL(A) and flies the tug at her gliding club - a Supermunk (Chipmunk modified). MEng(Hons) DIS DipHE MRAeS ​ Chief Inspector ​ Ben Syson Ben came to the LAA after spending 13 years working in the Technical Office at the British Microlight Aircraft Assocation (BMAA) and 11 years as BMAA Chief Technical Officer. His interest in aviation was spawned as a youngster reading Biggles books, and then seeing the Edwardian and WW1 aircraft at the Shuttleworth Collection. After graduating from Southampton University with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, he gained his PPL on weight-shift control Microlights. He now owns and flies a Pietenpol Air Camper. Ben’s favourite engineering area is aeroplane loads and structural analysis, and he enjoys dealing with the wide variety of different aircraft construction types in the LAA fleet. BEng(Hons) ​ Head of Design ​ Andy Draper Andy’s aviation interest stems from his Dad. The closest he came to flying was making model aircraft until a BAC apprenticeship enabled him to afford gliding lessons. After his apprenticeship, Andy worked in BAe’s production development department, specialising in non-metallic materials, which meant mostly working with glass, carbon and aramid fibres. This led to co-building and flying a Rutan Long-EZ. He then worked with composites in Milan, before returning to the UK to get his CPL and instructor ratings. He later worked for Europa Aircraft, heading up the technical team. In 2006, Andy joined the PFA/LAA as a Design Engineer, mostly investigating mods and repair applications and conducting check/test flights. ​ ​ Head of Flight Test ​ Nick Stone Having started his career in the RAF, Nick went on to work at British Aerospace and Slingsby Aviation, as an Inspector, Methods and Quality Engineer. He then moved to the US to work for Eastern Airlines, Learjet and Shorts Aerospace. After a downturn in British aerospace, Nick moved into the nuclear industry, working in power generation & reprocessing. Nick has always had a passion for aviation. Having started as a volunteer at an aircraft museum when still at school, Nick started flying at age 16 in gliders and currently holds a PPL(A). Nick has been an LAA Inspector since 2008, with his own aircraft restoration company since 2017. Prior to this, he spent many years building, rebuilding, and restoring vintage aircraft, the more unusual the better! ​ ​ Head of Airworthiness ​ Fiona Storer Fiona has over 30 years administration experience. She joined the Light Aircraft Association at the beginning of January 2009 and lives locally. Fiona started her career as an Office Junior on YTS (Youth Training Scheme) at 16. She has worked in various admin roles including book keeping, being Personal Assistant to the Managing Director of a Manufacturing Company and Office Manager/Personal Assistant to a specialist building firm. At the Light Aircraft Association, Fiona deals with telephone enquiries, paperwork relating to projects and first issues, modification, repairs, permits and process tracking, liaises closely with the CAA and deals with all general engineering secretarial and admin duties. . ​ ​ Engineering Administrator ​ Adele Cooney Adele joined the Light Aircraft Association in November 2015. She deals with telephone enquiries, paperwork relating to permits, projects and first issues. Adele also liaises closely with the CAA and deals with all general engineering secretarial and administration duties. Adele is approved to sign off Permit to Fly revalidations, so if you own or operate an LAA aircraft, you will often hear from Adele if there are any queries regarding your Permit to Fly revalidation application. . ​ ​ Engineering Administrator ​ Miti Ghosh Miti’s interest in aviation sparked from the day she first sat on a plane that took her through her journey of building UAVs and other rotorcrafts to forming clubs promoting drone making and flying during her college days. Miti joined LAA as a Design Engineer in April 2023. She deals with the modifications, and repairs of most of the LAA fleet’s light aircraft including the first issues of the new home builds. Prior to the LAA, she worked in an eVTOL startup named Volador Flytech as an Aerospace Structures Engineer. Miti moved to England in 2021, this is when she completed her Master of Science in Aerospace Vehicle Design from Cranfield University. She also graduated from SRMIST with a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering. BTech MSc ​ Design Engineer ​ Cris Fernandez Cris knew he wanted a career in aviation from the day he fired up MS Flight Simulator 2004 on his grandfather’s computer. After countless virtual flight hours, Airfix models and RC plane flights, he moved to the UK to obtain a MEng in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Bristol. While at university, he grew closer to aviation by flying gliders and eventually gained his PPL on fixed-wing aircraft. He also obtained both British Skydiving and USPA skydiving licenses and led the university’s skydiving club for two years, organising training and jump days for members. Cris began his career at Boeing Defence as a System’s Safety Engineer on the Chinook programme. He joined the LAA in 2023, helping to keep the LAA fleet flying safely. MEng(Hons) ​ Airworthiness Engineer ​ Our Commercial Team Penny Sharpe ​ ​ Office Manager ​ Penny spent most of her life in South America and West Africa before settling back in the UK in the mid 90’s. She joined the LAA in 1996 and as Office Manager her roles vary from overseeing running of the office, H&S and HR to Membership, events, NPPL, meetings, and the Rally. Part of Penny’s role is supporting our members, Struts, Pilot Coaches and the Board. Penny is also part of various LAA working groups. Her previous work varied from being a PA to a Headmaster to volunteering at Tiggywinkles. Penny has a son, a dog, a parrot and keeps tropical fish (in no particular order!). Jo Howard Tues - Thurs ​ Office Administrator ​ Jo joined the LAA in March 2013. She has over 30 years experience in the Secretarial/Admin field. She has previously worked as a PA to a Barrister, for Consultants in the NHS and spent 12 years in the world of education at the University of Southampton and at a Warwickshire Educational Charity. Jo works for both the Commercial and Engineering Departments. She enjoys helping LAA members with their queries and loves organizing the LAA annual rally. She lives locally and is married with two sons. Cheryl Routledge ​ ​ Office Administrator Cheryl has a long and varied working history in administration and office support for international corporates, real estate, training and a large local NHS health centre recently. She is a new addition to the LAA in 2023 and looks forward to meeting and supporting our members going forward. Cheryl moved to England from South Africa with her family, in 2019. She resides near Silverstone circuit and enjoys all things racing related – including British Superbike for which her son is a member of a local BSB team - and her husband is in the Formula 1 industry. Sheila Hadden Mon - Wed ​ Office Administrator ​ Sheila joined the LAA end of year 2003. She is responsible for the day to day running of the membership database. Her many duties include the general running of the LAA office, dealing with e-mails, as well as classified advertisements for Light Aviation magazine, the LAA Shop, the administration of NPPL and 'LAA Wings' applications, checking all online payments and inputting data into SAGE. Sheila lives locally, has two grown-up children and four young grandchildren. LAA Contractors Francis Donaldson ​ ​ Consultant Engineer Francis was the Chief Engineer for the LAA between 1990 and 2021, and led the Engineering Team during the massive expansion in both size and scope of the LAA fleet over that period. For more than 30 years, Francis was the man who recommended the issues of all Permits to Fly for newly constructed amateur built and restored vintage aircraft, as well as dealing with a great many modifications and repairs and overseeing the continued airworthiness of the LAA fleet. He has flown an example of many of the aircraft types approved by the LAA. Francis continues to support the LAA staff and members as an Engineering Consultant. An experienced homebuilder, restorer and aircraft owner himself, Francis continues to be part of the HQ team, write for the LAA magazine and to help ensure LAA members get the technical support they need to get off the ground safely. Ed Hicks ​ ​ Light Aviation Editor Ed joined the Popular Flying Association (now LAA) in 1992 as a teenager who loved flying, and completed his PPL in 1994. He was LAA Bristol Strut co-ordinator from 1998 to 2003, and has built two homebuilt Permit aircraft, a Van’s RV-6 (2000-2002) and an RV-8 (2012-2019). In 2020 he bought an RV-3B, and when time allows, can be found flying that, or a friend’s Piper Vagabond and RV-6 from Garston Farm and Wadswick airstrip. Working as an aviation photographer since 1996, Ed’s images have been published worldwide in a wide array of sport aviation magazines. Well known in the UK for his work with FLYER Magazine, Ed was Editor for over 100 issues until December 2021, when he made the switch to Editor at large. Following Brian Hope’s retirement from the role in late 2021, Ed took on the role of Editor of Light Aviation magazine for the LAA. Philip Johnston ​ Advertising Sales Manager Phil has worked in advertising sales for over 30 years, he was Advertising Sales Manager on IATA's monthly 'Airlines Magazine' and its website. More recently he was Sales Manager at 'Aviation Business Middle East' where he was based in Dubai. He commented, 'I'm delighted to join the LAA and looking forward to meeting the members & helping companies with their advertising requirments.' He can be contacted on:- +44(0)7770 807035 or [email protected] . Dan Griffith ​ ​ Chief Test Pilot Dan Griffith joined the RAF at 18 and went to London University where he studied Aeronautical Engineering. He learned to fly on Bulldogs and Jet Provosts before gaining his pilot wings on the Hawk. Dan flew Harriers operationally, gaining over 1200 hours. In 1992 he went to the USAF Test Pilot course at Edwards Air Force Base. After Edwards he was posted to the Flight Research site at Bedford and then to Boscombe Down, where his main project was the futuristic fly-by-wire VAAC Harrier developing the next generation of Short Take-off and Vertical Landing aircraft. In 1996, Dan left the military to join the CAA as a civil Test Pilot. He was responsible for the Certification and Continued Airworthiness of aircraft ranging from the Airbus A380 to lighter aircraft, including many LAA types. He left the CAA in March 2007 and now works as an independent test pilot. Christine Carlin Head of Training After gaining my PPL, I obtained my CPL and Instructor rating and began my long and illustrious career as a Flight Instructor. I have now been instructing for over 23 years. I became a Director and the CFI for Sheffield Aero Club in 2004. I later attained my FAA CPL/IR and became a company pilot flying the Beech King Air. I am still an Instructor/Examiner at Netherthorpe. My interest in aviation was born as a young child when , my father being an Aircraft Engineer in the RAF, I spent most of my formative years surrounded by fast jets and going to airshows. I have had the joy to fly many different types of aircraft, including a fair amount of seaplane flying, and the excitement of being involved in the Royal Aero Club air racing as a navigator. LAA Officers & Board of Directors Roger Hopkinson MBE - President Eryl Smith - Director & Chairman Simon Tilling - Director & CEO Brian Davies - Director & Vice President David Mole - Director & Company Secretary Charlotte Dadswell - Director Marcus de Ferranti - Director David Millin - Director Tim Hardy - Director John Brady - Director Ian Sweetland - Director Chris Holliday - Director

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< Back Carbon Monoxide in Piston Engine Aircraft Consultation 22 Feb 2024 In recent years, the CAA has been actively engaged in raising pilot awareness of carbon monoxide (CO) in general aviation (GA) and has undertaken multiple initiatives to promote prevention and detection measures to mitigate the risk. We have now launched a public consultation seeking stakeholder views on: the barriers pilots face in obtaining an active CO detector, the role that maintenance plays in combatting CO, the importance of protecting passengers from CO, and whether active CO detectors ought to be mandatory for some operations. The consultation closes on 20 March 2024. We invite stakeholders to give us your views . Next Previous

< Back Engineering updates in April 7 May 2024 The following documents have been updated in the Engineering 'Info Library' during April. Engine TADS : Jabiru Forms : LAA/IC-APP - Autopilot pitch LAA/IC-APR - Autopilot roll LAA/IC-APY - Autopilot yaw LAA/FT-AP - Autopilot flight test schedule Technical Leaflets : TL 1.28 - Approved homebuild aircraft type list TL 3.19 - Autopilot flight test guidance notes New form : LAA/IC-ENG-ROTAX912-iS - Rotax 912-iS inspection checklist Next Previous

< Back LAA appoints new CEO 22 Feb 2023 “This is my dream role and I can’t wait to get started!” Simon Tilling has been appointed as the new CEO of the Light Aircraft Association. He will start in his new role in mid-April. Simon brings to the Association a wealth of leadership, general management and customer service experience gained in the technology sector including ‘blue chip’ brands such as Dell and Sony, together with a passion for sport and recreational aviation. Simon is an experienced pilot who has owned various LAA types, including one of the UK’s oldest Taylorcraft Auster aircraft. He’s also a former British Air Racing champion and was from 2020 to 2022 the chairman of the Royal Aero Club ‘3Rs’ committee for races, records and rallies, during which time he regenerated the appeal of air racing to new participants. Eryl Smith, Chairman of the LAA said “I am delighted to announce Simon’s appointment as CEO of the LAA and look forward to working with him to further improve the performance and standing of the Association on behalf of our members.” Next Previous

< Back Grass Roots Fly-In Slots and Tickets now available! 26 Jul 2023 Not long to go now!! Details on slot bookings, entrance tickets, camping, exhibitor information, trophies and awards, opening times, other attractions etc are now available Fly-in details can be found here . 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

< Back Inspector Renewal 19 Mar 2024 It's that time of year again! LAA Inspector Authorisations lapse at the end of this month. Renewing is simple, available both on and offline. In order to renew this year, Inspectors need to carry out two simple steps, which are as follows: Complete and sign the ' Inspector Declaration, ' which was emailed to all Inspectors on 4th March, and return to LAA Engineering, either as a scanned document or in the post. Pay the Inspector Renewal Fee , which is £40 and covers administration of an Inspector Authorisation throughout the year. (For Inspectors of Factory Built Gyroplanes, there is no longer an additional fee. All Inspectors pay £40). Inspectors can pay via the LAA shop, found here , or by giving us a call with their payment card details. Alternatively, Inspectors can pay by Bank Transfer. Inspectors' continuing support is crucial and we sincerely hope that all Inspectors will renew. Next Previous

< Back Mandatory Technical Directive issued for Jabiru 2200 engines 10 Jul 2024 Mandatory Technical Directive, MTD-05-2024 has been issued today to introduce mandatory checks on the clearance between the distributor cap and rotor arm in Jabiru 2200 engines where the cap or rotor have recently been changed (or following subsequent changes). This follows an in-service finding where differences in distributor cap design were found which lead to extreme wear in the components causing the engine to stop. The MTD must be carried out before further running of the engine on or after 10th July 2024 on Jabiru 2200 engines where the distributor cap and/or rotor arm has been changed in the last 20 engine hours, or are subsequently changed. The checks are also recommended on all other Jabiru 2200 engines. Next Previous