< Back MTD-04-2025 published Rans Control Linkage Rod End Connector Washers 13 Nov 2025 MTD-04-2025 - Replacement of all plastic control linkage rod end connector washers with metal washers During an inspection of an early Rans S6, all plastic washers between the bolt and bearing of the flap and aileron control linkage rod end connectors were found to be split or missing. This issue is identified in Rans’ service bulletin 012390-03. As plastic washers are susceptible to failure due to wear and embrittlement, this MTD is raised to mandate the replacement of all plastic control linkage rod end connector washers with metal washers. These washers prevent the rod end from disconnecting in the event of bearing failure. The washers fitted must be larger than the diameter of the bearing. Refer to here for a diagram. MTD-04-2025 can be found here and is found below. Note: Do not re-use nyloc or other self-locking nuts if their locking ability has become compromised. MTD-04-2025 - Rans Rod End Washers .pdf Download PDF • 240KB Service Bulletin - Control Linkage Rod End Connectors .pdf Download PDF • 66KB Next Previous

< Back MTD-05-2024 - Jabiru Distributor Caps - Issue 2 23 Jul 2025 MTD-05-2024 - Jabiru Distributor Caps - has been upissued to Issue 2 today. This MTD can be found HERE and is also available below. On 10th July 2024, LAA Engineering published Issue 1 of MTD-05-2024. This was published due to apparent variations in the design of the distributor caps and rotor arms on Jabiru 2200 engines, which meant that, in some cases, there was insufficient clearance between the rotor arm and centre boss of the distributor cap, causing the contact button of the distributor cap to be flattened against its range of travel by the rotor arm, which causes extremely accelerated wear leading to ignition issues and potential engine failures. Today, Issue 2 of MTD-05-2024 has been issued, superseding Issue 1. Issue 1 of MTD-05-2024 detailed a method for ensuring sufficient clearance between the centre boss of the distributor cap and the rotor arm. This method has now been superseded by Jabiru’s Service Bulletin JSL050. LAA MTD-05-2024 Jabiru distributor cap Iss 2 .pdf Download PDF • 294KB Next Previous

< Back Mandatory Technical Directive issued for Pioneer aircraft 6 Mar 2024 The control horn on the elevator trim tab on a Pioneer 300 failed in flight, which resulted in sever trim tab flutter. A safe landing was made and there was no further damage to the aircraft. MTD-02-2024 requires the checking of this horn on all Pioneer variants to ensure that it is of the correct design standard and recommends regular checks for free-play in the system. Next Previous

< Back MTD-04-2025 upissued to Issue 2 - Rans Control Linkage Rod End Connector Safety Washers 18 Nov 2025 MTD-04-2025 Issue 2 - Rans Control Linkage Rod End Connector Safety Washers MTD-04-2025 Issue 1 was recently published to mandate the replacement of all plastic control linkage rod end connector washers with metal washers . It has become apparent that the washers specified in this MTD are not suitable to replace the plastic washers due to their dimensions. MTD-04-2025 Issue 2 has been raised in order to amend the specification of the metal washers that must used to replace plastic washers. Therefore, MTD-04-2025 Issue 2 supersedes Issue 1. Issue 1 of this MTD is now cancelled. Please refer to the attached MTD document for full details and compliance instructions, which can also be found on the LAA website HERE . MTD-04-2025 - Rans Rod End Washers - Issue 2 .pdf Download PDF • 293KB Next Previous

< 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 More new LAA Inspectors - Patryk Nelkowski & Pete Nicholson 2 Feb 2024 It is time to introduce you to two more new LAA Inspectors - Patryk Nelkowski and Pete Nicholson, who both attended an LAA Inspector Assessment Day in January, with our Chief Inspector, Lucy. Patryk is a UK CAA licensed aircraft engineer (B1.1/B1.2/B3) based in the south west of England. Currently in the Greater London area on Pilatus, Cirrus and Tecnam aircraft as part of his day job. He has a wide-ranging aircraft maintenance background, with experience on commercial aircraft, such as the A220, Dash 8, and Embraers right through to Cessnas, Pipers, RVs and a variety of other aircraft including warbirds. In his spare time, he is involved in the maintenance and restoration of classic cars and historic military vehicles and their engines. After studying an engineering degree, Pete's professional career covered a wide range of electronic and communications systems, during which flying and maintaining both powered aircraft and gliders was a passionate hobby. After being lucky enough to take early retirement, his hobby has become a significant part of his activities and he particularly enjoys using his background and experience to work on Avionic systems. Next Previous

< 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 - Ed Stinton 27 Mar 2024 The LAA is pleased to welcome Ed Stinton as a new LAA Inspector. Ed came to an Assessment Day at LAA HQ at the start of March. Ed has restored two crash-damaged Avid flyers and one crash-damaged MW7. He also restored a barn-find ARV Super2, including Rotax engine conversion. He has been involved with numerous RV builds, including his own Harmon Rocket (modified RV4). Ed has held CAA approvals for welding carbon steels. He is experienced with fabric, wood and composites, Wankel Rotary and Lycoming engines. Ed has worked with both two-stroke and four-stroke Rotax engines. He has worked for MidWest engines, Diamond Aircraft and numerous maintenance organisations. Next Previous

< Back LAA Rally and Service Awards 2025 24 Oct 2025 A list of awards can be found below: LAA Awards .pdf Download PDF • 139KB Next Previous

< Back Mandatory Technical Directive issued for many Zenair types 14 Jan 2025 MTD-01-2025 - 'Inspection of horizontal stabiliser (tailplane) attachment brackets and associated hardware for cracks, looseness and other forms of distress' is issued for Zenair CH601, CH650, CH701, CH750 and variants of these four models. This MTD can be found HERE and is also available below. A number of cases have been found whereby the structural integrity of the horizontal stabiliser mountings on the Zenair types identified above have been compromised by one or more of the following: cracking of the attachment brackets oversize holes loose rivets distorted and chafed brackets. These problems could occur due to a number of factors including poor build quality, a build-up of tolerances in the positioning or dimensions of the brackets, improper assembly, rough treatment or in-flight vibration. Failure of a tailplane attachment could result in degraded controllability in flight or loss of control. Special inspections of this area have been recommended by Zenair since January 2017, in their document ‘Mandatory Action. Jan. 2017 – Inspection of Horizontal Stabilizer tail attachment brackets’. This Mandatory Technical Directive mandates this safety action for aircraft operating on LAA Permits to Fly. MTD-01-2025 - Zenair Tailplane Brackets .pdf Download PDF • 162KB Next Previous

< Back MTD-05-2025 Eurofox Rudder Pedal Cracking 19 Nov 2025 MTD-05-2025 Eurofox Rudder Pedal Cracking - Mandatory Inspection requirements, which must be completed before your next flight There have been two reported instances in the UK of Eurofox aircraft experiencing cracking at the right-foot rudder pedal on the starboard seat side, where it is welded to the rudder pedal torque tube, leading to the pedal no longer being rigidly attached to the torque tube. On at least one of these instances, aircraft handling was negatively affected, reducing yaw authority and seriously degrading flight safety. Note that failure of the starboard side right-foot rudder pedal results in loss of rudder control, even when the aircraft is flown from the Pilot in Command position i.e. from the port seat side. Please refer to the MTD-05-2025 document below for full details of the mandatory inspection requirements, which must be completed before your next flight and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 10 flight-hours or the next Permit Revalidation inspection, whichever occurs first. MTD-05-2025 can be also found here MTD-05-2025 - Eurofox Rudder Pedal Cracking .pdf Download PDF • 247KB 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