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  • Info Library | Light Aircraft Assoc

    Info Library Navigate the folders below for any document that you require, like you would on your computer. To search for a particular document, use the 'magnifying glass' symbol below on the right.

  • LAA Rally 2025 | Light Aircraft Assoc

    LAA Rally 2025 "Inspired to Fly" LAA are proud to announce our Rally 2025 sponsors We are pleased to announce that the LAA Rally will be held in conjunction with Leicestershire Aero Club at Leicester Airfield on 29th-31st August 2025. Are you interested in sponsoring the event or advertising in the Weekend Show Guide? OR Do you want to display your aircraft project in the Homebuilders tent? Contact Nancy Lillington at [email protected] WELCOME TO THE LAA 2025 RALLY FLY-IN ENTRANCE FEES GENERAL INFORMATION FLYING IN & BOOKING A LANDING SLOT CAMPING & ACCOMMODATION EXHIBITOR INFORMATION OPENING TIMES & CAR PARKING OTHER ATTRACTIONS TROPHIES & AWARDS

  • NPPL | Light Aircraft Assoc

    N P P L Latest News Updates coming soon! CLICK HERE FOR PCS DETAILS FAQs Details on revalidation of ratings, renewals and more! We will continue to add more FAQs as reequired. Working on them!! CLICK HERE FOR PCS DETAILS NPPL FEES for SEP / TMG Two payments need to be made: One to the LAA and one to the CAA. Please note that the CAA will send a payment link to your email address For details on how to pay, please visit the LAA Online Shop CLICK HERE FOR PCS DETAILS APPLICATION FORMS Grant of a NPPL with a SEP or TMG Class rating * F or all microlight ratings or enquiries please refer to the BMAA website * CLICK HERE FOR PCS DETAILS MEDICALS Please use the link below for information on how to obtain a medical. Cellma System (portal) To register for the CAA Portal please read CAA Customer Portal Registraion Guide CLICK HERE FOR PCS DETAILS INTERIM CAP 3181 The purpose of this CAP is a temporary measure until the main CAP will be ready for publication. This CAP sets out the requirements and syllabus for student pilots, pilots, instructors, examiners and training organisations to follow the issue of a NPPL (A). CAP3181 CLICK HERE FOR PCS DETAILS

  • Meet the Team | Light Aircraft Assoc

    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 joined the LAA as Chief Inspector in August 2022. She has an MEng (Hons) in Aeronautical Engineering from Loughborough University. Previously, she had 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. She holds a CAA Part 66 L Engineer's Licence. Lucy began gliding in 2010 and is a Flight Instructor (Sailplanes). She is a BGA Board Member. In 2016, Lucy started power flying. She holds both a PPL(A) and an NPPL(A) and flies the tug at her gliding club - a Supermunk (Chipmunk modified). In November 2024, Lucy took on additional responsibility as Head of Continuing Airworthiness, with one of the key areas being the Permit to Fly revalidation system. MEng(Hons) DIS DipHE MRAeS Head of Continuing Airworthiness & Inspection (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 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. . Permit to Fly Revalidation Lead 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) Continuing Airworthiness Engineer Michaela Higgs Michaela has more than 15 years of experience in administration and insurance intermediary services. She previously worked as Operations Manager at a UK-based Insurtech company specialising in battery insurance and real-time data analytics for electric vehicles (EVs) and battery energy storage systems (BESS), where she was also a key member of the in-house online platform development team. In 2025, Michaela joined the LAA team and plays a crucial role in supporting the airworthiness team, primarily focusing on the organisation’s network of inspectors. Her responsibilities include tracking inspector applications, maintaining up-to-date records, and organising inspector training. This is a new field for Michaela, which she is embracing with enthusiasm. Airworthiness Coordinator 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. Alex Harris National Coach Alex started his flying career in gliders in 2008, having been desperate to start flying since he was a small child flying, going for rides with his father to various fly-ins in a Rollason Condor G-BADM, which his father built! Since then, Alex has accumulated around 1,000 hours of silent flight. Alex became a Chief Flying Instructor, Tug Pilot, Examiner, National Advanced Aerobatic Champion and represented GB in international competitions and the World Aerobatic Championships. Moving into the power world, having come from a PFA then LAA family, Alex completed his ATPL at Stapleford Flight Centre and he is currently operating as a Captain/ Type Rating Instructor on the 737 in the U.K. He has owned and flown a variety of LAA aeroplanes and obtained his Display Authorisation for advanced aerobatics and formation. Nancy Lillington Project Event Manager Growing up close to Leicester Airport gave Nancy her passion for aviation, with a lot of her childhood watching airshows and listening to her Grandmother's stories of life in the RAF, with the Dambusters. Nancy is working towards her PPL and has flown several different aircraft from Piper Cubs to Chipmunks, Tiger Moths, helicopters, microlights and gliders. After graduating, Nancy lived all over the world, including Japan and Germany, working in various roles. These included the iconic Nürburgring, fuelling her passion for motorsport. Nancy has a varied career from a reporter at the Bangor Chronicle, Operational management for a vintage flying company and heading up charity, fundraising, marketing and events management roles. Outside of work, Nancy is a self-confessed adrenaline junkie, foodie and recently climbed Base Camp Everest. LAA Officers & Board of Directors Brian Davies - President Eryl Smith - Director & Chairman Simon Tilling - Director & CEO Alan Crutcher - Director Charlotte Dadswell - Director Chris Holliday - Director Paul Kirkham - Director David Millin - Director Peter Pengilly - Director Alistair Seymour - Director Clive Shipley - Director Ian Sweetland - Director

  • Avgas UL91 & UL94 | Light Aircraft Assoc

    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.

  • Flying into Leicester | Light Aircraft Assoc

    Flying into Leicester If you intend to fly into the LAA Rally at Leicester, you will need to book an arrival slot. Should you wish to fly-in on more than one day a separate slot will be required for each landing. Arrival and Departure Procedures The Pilot Notes for the LAA Rally at Leicester Fri 29 Aug-Sun 31 August are available now. The slot booking system is now live. Slot bookings can be booked and purchased via the Eventbrite website. Please ensur e that you are familiar with the procedures before flight. Please also note the RAT in force for the Victory airshow at Cosby approximately 7.5m SW of Leicester airfield and plan your approach to and departure from the Rally accordingly. For any pilot booked-in for the Thursday normal aerodrome procedures apply. Leicester will have copy of your slot booking. One landing fee of £10.00 (+ booking fee) covers a single landing and aircraft parking of up to three days and camping by your aircraft. Pilots and accompanying passengers will also need to purchase individual entry tickets to gain access to the Rally and exhibition site.

  • Revalidating a Permit | Light Aircraft Assoc

    Revalidating a Permit to Fly Revalidating the Permit to Fly on your aircraft involves a simple three-step process, as outlined below: START APPLICATION HERE More detailed information is available by clicking the buttons below: Step-by-Step Video Guide TL 2.00 - Permit Revalidation Frequently Asked Questions Check Flight Form, PFRC & Inspector Crib Sheet

  • Light Aviation Magazine 2012 | Light Aircraft Assoc

    Light Aviation Magazine 2012 Click on the links below to open each issue of Light Aviation Magazine from 2012 January 2012 April 2012 July 2012 October 2012 February 2012 May 2012 August 2012 November 2012 March 2012 June 2012 September 2012 December 2012

  • Light Aviation Magazine 2017 | Light Aircraft Assoc

    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

  • Detail Design | Light Aircraft Assoc

    Detail Design Having worked out a promising-looking layout, initial three-view and performance and weight specifications, now is the stage where the hard work begins of transforming concepts to working drawings. Essential decisions have to be made about types of material to be used, the structural arrangement, exact choice of powerplant and so on. You’ll probably need to make a cockpit mock-up to check the ergonomics and control system arrangements, and maybe build a flying radio controlled model of the design to give faith in the handling characteristics. With the basic geometry laid out, stress calculations and assembly drawings come next, then drawings of individual piece parts. Keep an up-to-date tally on weights. As the drawings get more detailed you must re-evaluate whether you are going to meet your original targets in terms of weight, strength and aerodynamic cleanliness, whether you need to re-visit your original assumptions or re-design from scratch. Is there a way that the part or assembly can be made more easily, more cheaply, lighter, stronger, more fatigue or corrosion resistant? Fewer parts and fewer joints generally means fewer problems and less weight. Can you use off the shelf parts rather than having to make them specially? Are there other aeroplanes around that have already solved a particular problem in a clever way? Will the aircraft be easy to inspect in service, easy to repair if it gets damaged? Can it be broken down for transportation? If the handling isn’t quite right when the prototype is test flown, does the design make provision for ‘tweaks’ to put it right? Does the design include reserves of strength to cope with weight growth in service and more powerful engines, or is everything pared down to the minimum? Design Tutorials

  • Engineering Fees | Light Aircraft Assoc

    Engineering Fees Project Registration Kit-Built Aircraft - £373 Plans - Built Aircraft - £54 Initial Permit Issue Up to 450kg - £750 451-999kg - £857 1000kg & above - £964 Permit Revalidation Up to 450kg - £283 451-999kg - £336 1000kg & above - £368 Note: For FBGs - if the last Permit revalidation was not administered by the LAA, an extra fee of £160 applies Modification & Repair Application Modification & Repair Applications (except Repeat Mods) - min £107 Hourly rate beyond 2 hour's work - £59 Repeat Modification Application - £54 Hourly-rate beyond 1 hour's work - £59 STC Modification Application - £54 Transfer from CAA CofA or CAA Permit to Fly to an LAA Permit to Fly Up to 450kg - £298 451-999kg - £342 1000kg & above - £384 Category Change Group A to Microlight - £213 Microlight to Group A - £213 Change of G-registration Fee Issue of Permit to Fly documents following G-reg change - £64 Replacement Documents (ref TL 2.12 ) Lost, stolen etc (fee is per document) - £27 Endorsement of report for replacement logbook - £27 Payment Methods ONLINE You can pay for Engineering Services via the ONLINE SHOP BY CALLING HQ 01280 846 786 with card details BY INTERNET BANKING Account No : 26225220 Sort Code : 60-30-03 Please note, for engineering fees, you MUST quote your aircraft registration. or your payment will not be credited to the correct aircraft record. If paying from abroad, SWIFT code is : NWBKGB2L IBAN code is : GB81 NWBK 6030 0326225220

  • Other Attractions | Light Aircraft Assoc

    LAA are proud to announce our Rally 2025 sponsors Other Attractions The LAA Leicester Rally 2025 opens on Friday 29th August at 9.30 am and closes at 4pm on Sunday 31st August. 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 GASCo's Aircraft Competition LAA Education and Hands on Skills information and advice Full range of LAA clothing and merchandise

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