For part-built LAA projects, the new owner/builder needs to continue following the LAA amateur-build process. For already-flying LAA aircraft, the new owner simply takes on the responsibilities of the old owner for looking after the airworthiness of the aircraft. The restoration of an aircraft might range from dusting off the cobwebs and giving the engine a good service, to a full strip down to component parts and fabricating missing or damaged parts. It is also possible, in some circumstances, to import a part-built or completed aircraft from overseas. This is generally only possible where the type is already accepted by the LAA, the aircraft can be shown to have been amateur-built under a similar regime to that in the UK, and which is readily inspectable to confirm the build standard. A number of LAA types come under the heading ‘orphaned vintage types’. These are types that are no longer supported by their manufacturer and have been deemed ‘orphaned’ by the CAA (e.g. Austers). There are also some types that can elect to operate either on a Certificate of Airworthiness or on an LAA-administered Permit to Fly (e.g. Chipmunks). Buying an Aircraft Not everyone has the inclination, ability or time available to build an aircraft. The only route then is to buy a part-built aircraft for completion, a ready-flying aircraft or an aircraft in need of restoration. When buying an aircraft, the overriding message is ‘Buyer Beware!’ If you’re buying an aircraft that is already flying within the LAA system, you mainly need to satisfy yourself that it’s in an acceptable condition and meets your needs. LAA Inspectors are often happy to look over an aircraft for you to help you make a technical assessment of its condition. Another area you should consider is whether it has enough payload to take you where you want to go. When buying a partially-built aircraft or one from overseas, you need to make sure that the aircraft is eligible to hold a UK Permit to Fly and is in a configuration that the LAA can accept. It is usually a good idea to drop LAA Engineering an email to check before you part with large amounts of money. For further information, click the button below or look in the 'Classifieds' section of the LAA Magazine Click here for more information

Find a Coach All Coaches are CAA qualified Instructors and CAA 'R' Examiners. They are all highly experienced and generally able to do licence revalidations, differences training, refresher courses and any specialised training. This would be dependent on their own experience of any aircraft type on which training was requested, so please check with the Coach nearest to your location as to their availability to carry out your request. The map below can be increased in size and moved, as required. The icons represent the postal location of the Coach. Clicking on any icon will display a photo, a contact number, a preferred location or home airfield, and a short profile of the Coach you will be looking at. Most Coaches are happy to travel reasonable distances to accommodate your needs.

Light Aviation Magazine 2017 Click on the links below to open each issue of Light Aviation Magazine from 2017 January 2017 April 2017 July 2017 October 2017 February 2017 May 2017 August 2017 November 2017 March 2017 June 2017 September 2017 December 2017

Avgas UL91 & UL94 UL91 has been supplied at many airfields for a number of years. UL94 (similar to UL91 but with a slightly higher octane rating) is now becoming available. These fuels are suitable, and approved, for a wide range of engines types used in LAA aircraft. With 100LL being phased out over the coming years, now is an ideal time to see if your engine is compatible and help do your bit for the environment. The LAA Airworthiness Approval Note (AAN) for use of UL91 & UL94 in appropriate LAA aircraft can be found here . It contains a list of the most popular types of engines for which the fuel is suitable. The EASA document pertaining to use of UL91 in non LAA types is available here.

LAA are proud to announce our Rally 2026 sponsor Trophies & Awards A number of prestigious Trophies and Awards are judged at the Rally, recognising the many superbly built and restored aircraft that attend. If you would like to enter your aircraft for judging you can do so on arrival. The judging team will be co-located with booking-in. You can, however, download and complete the entry form beforehand. The list of the awards for 2026 can be found here . Detailed list of award can be found here . Judging guidelines can be found here . Factory built aircraft less than 35 years old are not eligible. The judging team will ensure you are in all competitions for which you are eligible. The judges sometimes have difficulty finding an aircraft. Owners are therefore urged to download the free`What3Words’ app and use it to show their aircraft’s location when registering. All pilots who wish their aircraft to be judged are asked to display to the marshallers the large J found here . They will then direct you, if possible, to a convenient parking space. Please leave the 'J' visible in the windscreen to help the judges find your aircraft. Judging takes place from 13:30 to 17:00 on the Saturday; therefore, all entries must be received by 13:00 on Saturday.

LAA are proud to announce our Rally 2025 sponsors Other Attractions The LAA Leicester Rally 2026 opens on Friday 4th September at 9.30 am and closes at 4pm on Sunday 6th September. 80th Anniversary Activities 80th Aircraft static display Aircraft Park – Over 600 aircraft, dependent upon the weather are expected to fly-in over the 3 days of the Rally Airside access - a unique opportunity to inspect the aircraft and chat with the owners Large trade-exhibition: everything from a nut and bolt to an aircraft kit Aircraft Covering Display LAA Team present throughout the weekend Pilot Coaching Scheme coaches available to give advice Flea Market: Sell those unwanted parts or buy yourself a bargain! Speakers Corner: Seminars by keynote speakers throughout the weekend Strut Members' Area Outside catering including bar: Selection of fast-food and beverage outlets including bar and ice cream van; seating area Evening Bar, Food and Entertainment provided by Leicestershire Aero Club On-site campsite Aircraft Competition LAA Education and Hands on Skills information and advice Full range of LAA clothing and merchandise

< Back LAA members - Make your views known! 25 Jan 2024 Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council's consultation on their draft Local Plan – which includes a proposed new Popham Garden Village on Popham Airfield, has opened. It runs until 4 March 2024. This proposal is not in line with either Government policy or their stated aim to make the UK the best place in the world for General Aviation. The Government's policy can be found in their publication ' Flightpath to the Future " and makes repeated references to the vital importance of airfields, forming a critical part of national infrastructure. You can have your say and tell Basingstoke & Deane Council that their proposal is contrary to Government policy and insist the proposal is removed from the current ‘draft’ strategic plan. Visit the Local Plan Update ' Have Your Say ' section of their webiste. Next Previous

Membership Full Plus Category is for members who own, operate or are currently building an aircraft and gives access to LAA Engineering services. (For Group Owned aircraft, at least one member of the group must have Full Plus membership.) Full Category is for everyone else and includes a monthly copy of Light Aviation Magazine and a discount at the annual LAA Fly-In. JOIN THE LAA Member Full - £75 Full Plus - £117 Member Joint Full - £85 Full Plus - £139 Joint members are members who are the partner of a full member or any children under the age of 18 and living at the family house. Under 30 Member Full - £31 Full Plus - £139 Please forward proof of DOB i.e. copy of passport, driving licence or pilots licence. Overseas Member Full - £91 Full Plus - £139 Overseas includes Ireland. Payment Methods ONLINE Via the Member Area / Renew my Membership DIRECT DEBIT You are now able to set up your direct debit online. Please see your renewal or joining page for details. BY CALLING HQ 01280 846 786 with card details NOTE: Permit Revalidation payments are taken ONLINE only through the Permit Revalidation online system BY INTERNET BANKING Please ensure you pay the correct fees for 2026 Account No : 26225220 Sort Code : 60-30-03 Please note, for membership payments, you MUST quote your membership number and your surname or your payment will not be credited to the correct record. For Permit revalidation & engineering fees, you MUST quote your aircraft registration. If paying from abroad, SWIFT code is : NWBKGB2L IBAN code is : GB81 NWBK 6030 0326225220 Important Links RENEW MY MEMBERSHIP MY AIRCRAFT DETAILS MEMBER AREA ADDRESS CHANGE

< Back New LAA Inspector - Mark Wilkinson 15 Aug 2025 We are pleased to welcome Mark Wilkinson as a new LAA Inspector, having attended an LAA Inspector Assessment Day at Turweston recently. Mark’s aviation career began with 11 years of service in the Royal Air Force, where he initially worked on the Bulldog and Chipmunk aircraft before progressing to the Tornado. Following his military service, Mark spent 25 years in commercial aviation, working primarily on large passenger aircraft - focusing on turboprops and regional jets. This period included a three-year relocation to France, where he was responsible for supporting a BAE146 aircraft. Mark then dedicated eight years to the initial setup and maintenance of the A400M program, before taking on a role maintaining the Grob Tutor aircraft - bringing his career full circle back to light aviation. From his early days working on the Bulldog, he has always had a genuine passion for light aviation. Mark would welcome the opportunity to contribute to the light aviation community, offering support and advice wherever he can. Next Previous

Aircraft Maintenance Before accessing the maintenance documents below, please ensure you have read Technical Leaflet 2.19 - General Maintenance Schedule . Technical Leaflet 2.19 Other useful documentation is as follows: Maintenance Schedules Sample Engine Condition Monitor Blank Engine Condition Monitor AC 43.13-1B Chg 1 CAP 562: CAAIP CAP 661: MPDs Latest MPDs - not in CAP 661 CAP 747: Mandatory Requirements Breaking in an Engine Engine Pre-Oiler Schematic Forms, Checklists & Worksheets

< Back Engineering updates in February 5 Mar 2026 The following documents have been issued/updated in the Engineering 'Info Library' during February. Technical Leaflets : TL 1.03 'Information required on completion of your build project' TL 1.10 'List of aircraft parts and materials suppliers' TL 3.03 'Avionics installations' Standard modifications : SM 16826 'Eurofox reinforcement of rudder pedals' issue 2 TADS: Eurofox 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