< Back Returning LAA Inspector - Chris Norris 28 Nov 2025 We are pleased to welcome back Chris Norris. Chris returns as an LAA Inspector, following a few years away from the role. Chris is a licenced aircraft engineer, currently working at Vintage Fabrics at Audley End. Next Previous

< Back Engineering updates in November and December 7 Jan 2026 The following documents have been issued/updated in the Engineering 'Info Library' during November and December. Technical Leaflets : TL 2.18 Change of owner/co-owner details TL 3.12 Engines and propellers fitted to LAA aircraft TL 3.17 List of approved prototype modifications Standard modifications : SM12871 Europa fresh air rotory ventilators SM16618 Europa PTFE lined hinges SM16770 LED exernal lights (new) Continuing airworthiness information : Alert A-13-2025 Sporcruiser nose leg failures Alert A-14-2025 Eurofox fuel line disconnected in flight Alert A-15-2025 Glasair rudder pedal bearing failures MTD-04-2025 Rans control linkage rode end connector washers MTD-05-2025 Eurofox rudder pedal cracking MTD-06-2025 Europa tailplane torque tube clamp mod failure TADS: Continental engines Eurofox Ikarus C42 Jabiru engines Pioneer 300 and 300 Hawk Piper J3C/L4 Woodcomp propellers Next Previous

Latest News 7 May 2026 Engineering updates in April Updates from the Engineering Team in April Read More 24 Apr 2026 MTD-03-2026 Issue 1 Published – NSI CAP 140 Propeller Cracking A new Mandatory Technical Directive has been raised to withdraw approval for CAP 140 propeller blade cuffs versions Read More 15 Apr 2026 MTD-01-2026 Issue 1 Published - Shadow Aircraft Oratex Disbonding A new Mandatory Technical Directive due to Oratex covering suffered a largescale disbond in flight Read More 3 Apr 2026 New LAA Factory-Built Gyroplane Inspector - Kevin Whitehead Introducing new LAA FBG Inspector - Kevin Whitehead Read More 2 Apr 2026 New LAA Inspector - Robin Smith Introducing new LAA Inspector - Robin Smith Read More 1 Apr 2026 Engineering updates in March Updates from the Engineering Team in March Read More 30 Mar 2026 Armstrong / Isaacs Bursary 2026 Winners of the 2026 Armstrong / Isaacs Bursary. Congratulations to Kate, Iain and Rose!! Read More 20 Mar 2026 New LAA Inspector - Mike Maddams Introducing new LAA Inspector - Mike Maddams Read More 16 Mar 2026 New LAA Inspector - Craig Ransome Introducing new LAA Inspector - Craig Ransome Read More 6 Mar 2026 Winner Announced: LAA 80th Anniversary Rally Poster Congratulations to Amy Whitewick, whose striking design was chosen to mark 80 years of grassroots aviation, engineering excellence and community spirit! Read More 5 Mar 2026 Engineering updates in February Updates from the Engineering Team in February Read More 19 Feb 2026 LAA host British Young Pilots BYP launch Sunday Flying Club Read More 6 Feb 2026 Malcolm McBride Update Malcolm McBride's Funeral arrangements Read More 5 Feb 2026 Engineering updates in January Updates from the Engineering Team in January Read More 2 Feb 2026 *DEADLINE EXTENDED!* Design the LAA 2026 Rally Poster Competition The Light Aircraft Association (LAA) invites members, their friends and family who are 16+ to take part in our Design a 2026 Rally Poster competition celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the LAA. Read More 19 Jan 2026 Eurofox Rudder Pedal Failures - LAA Standard Modification Approved & MTD-05-2025 Issue 4 LAA Standard Modification SM16826 ‘Reinforcement of Rudder Pedal to Torque Tube Joints & Latest MT-05-2025 Read More 12 Jan 2026 Eurofox Rudder Pedal Failures - CAA Mandatory Permit Directive CAA MPD-2026-002-E - Eurofox Rudder Pedal Cracking Read More 7 Jan 2026 Engineering updates in November and December Updates from the Engineering Team in November and December Read More 7 Jan 2026 MTD-05-2025 Issue 3 published - Eurofox Rudder Pedals MTD-05-2025 Issue 3 published - Eurofox Rudder Pedals Read More 23 Dec 2025 LAA Alert A-15-2025 Glasair Rudder Pedal Bearing Failures Alert to highlight the Glasair Rudder Pedal Bearing Failures and Recommended Testing Read More 16 Dec 2025 MTD-06-2025 published - Europa Tailplane Torque Tube Mod Failure MTD-06-2025 - 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. Read More 11 Dec 2025 LAA Alert A-14-2025 - Eurofox Fuel Line Disconnected In-Flight Alert to highlight the issue of Eurofox Fuel Line Disconnected In-Flight Read More 10 Dec 2025 LAA Alert A-13-2025 - CZAW SportCruiser Nose-Leg Failures Alert to highlight the issue of CZAW SportCruiser Nose-Leg Failures Read More 5 Dec 2025 MTD-05-2025 Issue 2 published - Eurofox Rudder Pedals MTD-05-2025 Issue 2 published - Eurofox Rudder Pedals Read More 4 Dec 2025 MTD-04-2025 Issue 3 - Rans Control Linkage Rod End Connector Safety Washers MTD-04-2025 upissued to Issue 3 to amend the specification of the metal washers that must used to replace plastic washers. Read More 4 Dec 2025 New LAA Inspector - Gary Priestley Introducing new LAA Inspector - Gary Priestley Read More 2 Dec 2025 ROTAX® Service Bulletins – Inspection of the Propeller Gearbox Inspection of the propeller gearbox of ROTAX® 915 i and 916 i(Series) Aircraft Engines Read More 28 Nov 2025 Returning LAA Inspector - Chris Norris Introducing LAA Inspector Chris Norris Read More 27 Nov 2025 New LAA Inspector - Phil Hebdon Introducing new LAA Inspector - Phil Hebdon Read More 27 Nov 2025 New LAA Inspector - Ben Davis Introducing new LAA Inspector - Ben Davis Read More 21 Nov 2025 Armstrong-Isaacs Bursaries for 2026 Armstrong-Isaacs Bursaries for 2026 now open! Read More 19 Nov 2025 MTD-05-2025 Eurofox Rudder Pedal Cracking MTD-05-2025 Eurofox Rudder Pedal Cracking - Mandatory Inspection Requirements Read More 18 Nov 2025 MTD-04-2025 upissued to Issue 2 - Rans Control Linkage Rod End Connector Safety Washers MTD-04-2025 upissued to Issue 2 to amend the specification of the metal washers that must used to replace plastic washers. Read More 13 Nov 2025 MTD-04-2025 published Rans Control Linkage Rod End Connector Washers MTD-04-2025 - Replacement of all plastic control linkage rod end connector washers with metal washers Read More 11 Nov 2025 Engineering updates in October Updates from the Engineering Team in October Read More 3 Nov 2025 LAA RALLY 2026! We’re thrilled to announce that our 2026 Rally is officially in the calendar! Mark your diaries and get ready for a special rally, celebrating the LAA 80th Anniversary. 📅 Date: 4/5/6 September 2026 📍 Location: Leicestershire Aero Club, Leicester Airport. Read More 24 Oct 2025 LAA Rally and Service Awards 2025 Winners of Awards 2025 Read More 14 Oct 2025 Alert A-12-2025 - Aeroprakt windscreens Alert to highlight the issue of Aeroprakt service bulletins relating to ageing windscreens on Foxbat and Vixxen aircraft Read More 8 Oct 2025 Alert A-11-2025 - Eurostar aileron rose joint and rudder hinge inspection Alert to highlight the issue of Airmasters service bulletin and CAA MPD relating to the aileron rose joint and rudder hinge on Eurostar aircraft Read More 7 Oct 2025 Engineering updates in August & September Updates from the Engineering Team in August & September Read More 22 Sept 2025 New LAA Inspector - Mike Wigg Introducing new LAA Inspector - Mike Wigg Read More 22 Sept 2025 New LAA Inspector - Neil Oakman Introducing new LAA Inspector - Neil Oakman Read More 15 Sept 2025 New LAA Inspector - James Coyne-Downhill Introducing new LAA Inspector - James Coyne-Downhill Read More 4 Sept 2025 New LAA Inspector - Keith Troughton Introducing new LAA Inspector - Keith Troughton Read More 2 Sept 2025 New LAA Inspector - Conrad Ceillam Introducing new LAA Inspector - Conrad Ceillam Read More 28 Aug 2025 MTD-01-2025 ISSUE 2 published - Zenair Tailplane Brackets MTD-01-2025 - Inspection of horizontal stabiliser (tailplane) attachment brackets and associated hardware for cracks, looseness and other forms of distress - upissued to Issue 2 Read More 28 Aug 2025 Alert A-10-2025 - Cracking in E-Props Carbon Propeller Hubs LAA Alert published to highlight cracking in E-Prop Propeller Hubs Read More 19 Aug 2025 Alert A-09-2025 - Hairline Cracking in Woodcomp Klassic Propeller Blades LAA Alert published to highlight hairline cracking in Woodcomp Klassic Propeller blades Read More 18 Aug 2025 New LAA Inspector - Lewis Harper Introducing new LAA Inspector - Lewis Harper Read More 15 Aug 2025 New LAA Inspector - Mark Wilkinson Introducing new LAA Inspector - Mark Wilkinson Read More 15 Aug 2025 New LAA Inspector - Tomas del Carpio Introducing new LAA Inspector - Tomas del Carpio Read More 14 Aug 2025 MTD-02-2025 issued - Mission M108 Nose Leg Failures - ISSUE 2 Mandatory Technical Directive relating to Mission M108 nose leg failures upissued Read More 7 Aug 2025 Engineering updates in July Updates from the Engineering Team in July Read More 6 Aug 2025 LAA Rally 2025 - Landing Slots now Live! LAA Rally 2025 - Landing Slots now Live! Read More 25 Jul 2025 Alert A-07-2025 - Glastar Aileron Servo-Tab Pushrod Cracking Alert A-07-2025 - Glastar Aileron Servo-Tab Pushrod Cracking published to highlight a recent issue discovered Read More 25 Jul 2025 Alert A-08-2025 - Gen 4 Jabiru 3300 Engine Crankshafts Alert A-08-2025 - Gen 4 Jabiru 3300 Engine Crankshafts - issued following a new Service Bulletin from Jabiru Aircraft Pty Ltd Read More 25 Jul 2025 MTD-03-2025 - Marquart Charger Aileron Slave Strut MTD-03-2025 - Marquart Charger Aileron Slave Strut - issued after slave strut failure Read More 24 Jul 2025 Alert 05-2024 - Rotax Oil Spray Nozzles - upissued to Issue 2 Alert 05-2024 - Inspection and/or Replacement of Oil Spray Nozzle in some Rotax 900 series engines - upissued to Issue 2 Read More 23 Jul 2025 MTD-05-2024 - Jabiru Distributor Caps - Issue 2 MTD-05-2024 - Jabiru Distributor Caps - has been upissued to Issue 2 Read More 22 Jul 2025 The online Permit Revalidation System is live for Gyroplanes! Both homebuilt and factory-built gyroplanes can apply for Permit revalidation through the online system Read More

< Back LAA Alert issued for Lycoming Engines 28 Nov 2024 The LAA has issued Alert A-02-2024 (link below) to highlight the recent Lycoming Airworthiness Directive regarding connecting rod bushings and connecting rod assemblies. The FAA has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) for models of Lycoming engines that have an affected part installed and are assembled within the ship date range, as specified in Table 1 to paragraph (c) of this Airworthiness Directive (AD 2024-21-02). The AD comes into effect on 5th December 2024. This AD was prompted by several reports of connecting rod failures which resulted in uncontained engine failure and in-flight shutdowns. The AD requires repetitive oil inspections for bronze metal particulates at each oil change, and if found, additional inspections of the connecting rod bushings for damage, proper fit, movement, and wear, and replacement if necessary. The first oil inspection must take at the next oil change or within 4 months after the AD becomes effective i.e. 5th April 2025, whichever occurs first. As terminating action to the connecting rod bushing inspections, this AD requires replacement of the connecting rod bushings with parts eligible for installation. LAA A-02-2024 - Lycoming Connecting Rod Assemblies .pdf Download PDF • 203KB Next Previous

< Back CAA Licencing Update 11 Jun 2025 ** The final legislation has not yet come into force and we’ll provide more comprehensive details when we have confirmation of the actual legislation (hopefully late July) that has gone to Parliament ** Link to document can be found below: CAA Licencing update .pdf Download PDF • 459KB Next Previous

< Back LAA Open Day - Saturday 1st June 2024 9 May 2024 Flying in? PPR is needed. Contact: [email protected] Browse through our Flea Market table Meet LAA staff and Board Members Talk by Lucy Wootton our Chief Inspector on "How I got into flying" Instructors available to answer any questions you may have Browse through our retail shop for LAA merchandise, including charts, log books and clothing. A selection of LAA magazines available for free! Tea and coffee served in our members area and also a catering van will be available on-site for food and refreshments,. Next Previous

Association Documents Memorandum of Association Click here... Articles of Association Click here... Directors' Code of Conduct Click here... Guidelines & Terms of Reference Click here... Rules of the LAA Click here... Strut Governance Documents Click here...

< Back New LAA Inspector - Gary Priestley 4 Dec 2025 We are pleased to welcome Gary Priestley as a new LAA Inspector, having attended an LAA Inspector Assessment Day at Turweston. Gary started at BAe Filton as an Aeronautical Engineering Apprentice in 1978. His first day out of the training bay was spent working on the test and development Concorde 002. During his apprenticeship he worked on the VC10's air-to-air refuelling conversion and on test and development for Airbus on the fly-by-wire BAC 1-11. After his apprenticeship he became an Inspector on the F1-11s, with his main role involving pre- and post-inspection of the Cold Soak, where the aircraft were frozen and bent to re-life them. He transferred to Warton for the Al-Yamama project, working on Tornado ADVs and IDS aircraft in Saudi Arabia. Gary returned in 1990 and was recruited as a technical instructor at British Aerospace Filton, teaching the following: Concorde pilots and flight engineers, utilising the simulator to help them pass their ground school type rating. Aircraft fitters working toward their B2 and B1 licences, as well as type courses on the A300 B4 and A300-600, where the aircraft were being converted to freighters. The BAC 1-11 refresher course for the Sultan of Oman Air Force pilots. Type rating for British Airways Concorde engineers at Heathrow. Apprentices studying for their City and Guilds. Night-school City and Guilds for non-skilled fitters. While carrying out this training, he repaired a Robin HR 200 with the help of the apprentices and studied for his Commercial and subsequently his Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence. Gary left BAe in 1999 to fly the BAe 146 for CityJet in Dublin, before being asked, through CityJet, if he would like to transfer to British Midland to fly the BAe 146 for Lufthansa. A few years later he was made redundant, gained his Helicopter Commercial Pilot’s Licence, but was then asked to join Flightline on the BAe 146, flying oil-rig workers from Aberdeen to Scatsta and later working out of Manchester for British Airways. An opportunity arose to fly with Titan Airways in Stansted, flying ad-hoc standby for British Airways, easyJet, and others. Several years later he completed a type-rating course on the Boeing 737 to fly from Exeter. He took voluntary redundancy in 2013. By chance, after buying a prestigious car from someone who owned an aircraft at Middlezoy, Gary made the connection that brought him into affiliation with Middlezoy Aerodrome, where he now has a share in Louis, the Taylorcraft type D, and is 50% owner of the Isaac Fury. Next Previous

< Back Francis Donaldson is awarded the Honourable Company of Air Pilots Sword of Honour 22 Sept 2023 This year’s Sword of Honour – which recognises an outstanding contribution to General Aviation – goes to Francis Donaldson. For more than 30 years, as Chief Engineer of the then Popular Flying Association and then Light Aircraft Association, Donaldson has recommended the issuing of permits to fly for more than 3,000 aircraft and overseen the engineering and handling reviews of around 200 different types. He stood down from his role at the beginning of 2022 but has remained involved as a consultant. Few people have been more influential to the progress and development of light aircraft in the past three decades, with an encyclopedic knowledge backed by real world engineering and flight testing expertise. Press release - Air Pilots Trophies and Awards 2023 (2) .pdf Download PDF • 167KB . Next Previous

< Back The New Permit Revalidation System - Step-by-Step Guide 9 Apr 2025 The new LAA Permit to Fly revalidation system will go live on 15th April 2025. This streamlined, fully online process offers an easier and faster way for aircraft Owners and Inspectors to handle Permit to Fly revalidations. Watch this video for a step-by-step guide on how to complete the online Permit Revalidation process, both as an Owner and as an Inspector. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOGRQ89dOA8 There are a few key considerations to ensure your revalidation under the new system goes smoothly: Please make sure you know your username and password before applying for your aircraft’s revalidation. 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 you submit the revalidation application. This is in order to provide a baseline for the online system. The 3-year check flight schedule will then apply subsequently to most aircraft types. Some aircraft will still require a check flight at every revalidation, these are: Aircraft cleared for glider tugging in their Operating Limitations document. Aircraft cleared for Night/IFR. Aircraft which have flown less than 12 hours since the previous revalidation inspection. You will not have to submit your CFS-1 Check Flight Schedule when applying through the new system. However, a CFS-1 will need to be completed for each check flight and stored with the aircraft’s documentation, so that it is available when needed. We encourage you submit your revalidation application through the new online system, as processing time is expected to be faster than an ‘old-style’ revalidation. If you still wish to make an ‘old-style’ application up until 15th May 2025, all 3 forms must be submitted by this date and you will only transition to the 3-year check flight schedule after your first revalidation through the new system. Note: The option to apply for revalidation in ‘My Aircraft Data’ on the LAA website may appear shortly before the go-live date on 15th April 2025 as our IT infrastructure is updated. However, we will only be able to process applications received on or after the official go-live date. A handy list of 'Frequently Asked Questions' is available below: 20240409 - Permit Revalidation Process FAQs V1.0 .pdf Download PDF • 175KB Next Previous

< Back MTD-02-2025 issued - Mission M108 Nose Leg Failures 6 Jun 2025 MTD-02-2025 - 'Nose leg failures' was issued today for Mission M108 aircraft. This MTD can be found HERE and is also attached below. Three instances of nose leg failure have occurred in the past 12 months, two of which recently. This MTD mandates the regular inspection of this area until a long-term fix has been put in place. Lambert Aircraft Engineering is working to finalise a solution as soon as possible, working closely with the LAA. We will update the MTD as appropriate once a solution is in place. MTD-02-2025 - Mission M108 Nose Leg .pdf Download PDF • 212KB Next Previous

< Back MTD-01-2026 Issue 1 Published - Shadow Aircraft Oratex Disbonding 15 Apr 2026 MTD-01-2026 - 'Oratex Disbonding' was issued today for Shadow aircraft. This MTD can be found HERE and is also attached below. This follows a reported incident in the UK in which Oratex covering on the upper surface of a Streak Shadow wing suffered a largescale disbond while in flight. No LAA Shadow aircraft with Oratex covering may fly after the effective date of this MTD unless you comply with this MTD. Please refer to the MTD-01-2026 document for full details of the mandatory requirements . For LAA Shadow aircraft not covered with Oratex, non-applicability of MTD-01-2026 should be recorded in the relevant logbook pink pages. 20260415 - MTD-01-2026 Issue 1 - Shadow Oratex Disbonding .pdf Download PDF • 259KB Next Previous