< Back New LAA Inspector - Conrad Ceillam 2 Sept 2025 We are pleased to welcome Conrad Ceillam as a new LAA Inspector, having attended an LAA Inspector Assessment Day at Turweston recently. As a youngster, he worked mostly on 3-engined piston aircraft for commercial flight, and on some twin turboprops in Guernsey. He then moved on to mostly narrow-bodied jets and turboprops, with some executive jets in the UK. Latterly, he worked in Finland on medium-bodied jets, scientific aircraft, and mission/patrol. Since moving to Shetland, he has mostly worked on twin-piston passenger craft. He has held BMAA inspector approvals since April 2023. Next Previous

< Back Christmas 2025 Closing Dates The LAA will close on Wednesday 24th December at midday and re-open on Monday 5th January 2026. Wishing all our members a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Next Previous

Over the years this has led to several commercially successful kitplanes (Europa, Streak Shadow, Sherwood Ranger), as well as designs that have been released for plans-building (Flitzer, Isaacs Fury, FRED) and a whole range of fascinating on-off personal aircraft – the Acro Advanced, Bonsall Mustang, Mickleburgh Sparrow to name just a few. There will always be LAA’ers keen on the ‘retro’ look, but with ever-increasing fuel costs we foresee a greater emphasis in future on aircraft exploring higher efficiency, alternative powerplants (electric?) and renewable materials. High hangarage fees mean that aircraft enthusiasts are more than ever interested in folding or de-riggable aircraft that can be kept at home. Using the information provided by clicking the links below, the LAA hopes to stimulate interest in light aircraft design, help potential designers through the process and encourage the development of high quality designs. With the decline in UK manufacturing over the recent decades, it seems more than ever important to keep alive a thread of creativity and enthusiasm for design and development. For some, the ability to bring a personal design from first concept to a flying prototype provides the ultimate source of satisfaction within the LAA scene. Designing Aircraft Since its formation in 1948, one of the stated aims of the LAA has been to encourage the designing and building of new types of light aircraft. For our own purposes, we in LAA Engineering have been producing a series of Excel spreadsheets to use as tools in the verification of calculations in the many aircraft design submissions we deal with. The spreadsheets have been designed to carry out the various calculations that are necessary during the design of light aircraft. Some of them have been written against specific paragraphs in the design code CS-VLA, whereas others, for example, cover areas related to the development of aircraft undergoing flight testing. In addition, simple spreadsheets for straightforward mathematical calculations have been written. It is for information and educational purposes that these spreadsheets are now available to LAA members on the LAA web site. Use the buttons below for more information on each design stage: Preliminary Design Detail Design Certification/Approval

Light Aviation Magazine 2019 Click on the links below to open each issue of Light Aviation Magazine from 2019 January 2019 April 2019 July 2019 October 2019 February 2019 May 2019 August 2019 November 2019 March 2019 June 2019 September 2019 December 2019

< Back MTD-03-2026 Issue 1 Published – NSI CAP 140 Propeller Cracking 24 Apr 2026 MTD-03-2026 - 'NSI CAP 140 Propeller Cracking' was issued today for aircraft fitted with NSI Propeller. This MTD can be found HERE and is also attached below. in November 2024, a potentially very serious crack was reported in the propeller blade retaining cuff of an NSI CAP 140 propeller installed on a Europa aircraft with a Rotax 912-UL engine. The attached Mandatory Technical Directive, MTD-03-2026 , has been raised to withdraw approval for CAP 140 propeller blade cuffs Versions 1 and 2 and to mandate an operating life limit on blade cuffs of Version 3. This MTD replaces LAA MOD/247/005, which is now cancelled. All LAA aircraft with this propeller must be inspected in accordance with MTD-03-2026 within 5 flight hours or 30 days of the directive’s effective date, whichever comes first. The ‘white page’ logbook entry must state compliance with this MTD-03-2026 and record the inspection results. Additionally, please see below the Type Acceptance Data Sheet (TADS), which has now been written for this propeller type and references the MTD also published today. Please refer to the below documentation for full details of the mandatory inspection requirements. 20260424 - MTD-03-2026 Issue 1 - NSI CAP 140 Propeller Cracking .pdf Download PDF • 264KB TADS P34 - NSI .pdf Download PDF • 187KB Next Previous

< Back New LAA Inspector - Neil Oakman 22 Sept 2025 We are pleased to welcome Neil Oakman as a new LAA Inspector, having attended an LAA Inspector Assessment Day at Turweston recently. Neil’s interest in aviation began during his early years living near the former RAF Sawbridgeworth airfield. Each summer, he would cycle to the edge of the old perimeter track to watch Piper Pawnee crop-spraying aircraft take off and land, sparking a lifelong enthusiasm for flight. After leaving school, Neil studied engineering and began working at local airfields, gaining hands-on experience with a variety of vintage aircraft ranging from Piper Cubs to the Sea Hurricane. This provided a strong foundation in both traditional aircraft construction and maintenance practices. He later pursued a career as a commercial pilot. Further details of his flying background can be found on his coaching profile on the LAA website. Throughout his aviation career, Neil has maintained his own aircraft as well as those of colleagues. This has given him a broad practical knowledge of types such as the De Havilland Chipmunk and the Scottish Aviation Bulldog, along with experience in maintaining aircraft constructed from metal, wood, and fabric. While his exposure to carbon and composite structures is limited at present, he is keen to expand his skills in this area as it represents a growing sector within the sport aviation community. As an LAA Inspector, Neil is committed to supporting aircraft owners by providing practical advice and guidance to help ensure their aircraft are operated and maintained to the high standards of safety, airworthiness, and reliability required by the LAA. Next Previous

LAA Type Clubs British Rotorcraft Association W: www.britishrotorcraftassociation.org T: 07841870568 E: [email protected] Pietenpol Club W: www.pietenpolclub.uk E: [email protected] The Aeronca Club of Great Britain W: www.aeronca.co.uk T: 01752 406 660 E: [email protected] The Europa Club W: www.theeuropaclub.org E: [email protected] Vintage Aircraft Club W: www.vintageaircraftclub.org.uk E: [email protected] Vintage Piper Aircraft Club W: www.vintagepiper.co.uk E: [email protected] International Auster Club W: www.austerclub.org British Women Pilots' Association W: www.bwpa.co.uk E: [email protected] Beagle Pup & Bulldog Club W: www.bpbc.uk T: 07985 430265 E: [email protected]

LAA Clubs & Struts FIND MY LOCAL CLUB/STRUT Local Clubs, or Struts, as many of them are called, look forward to welcoming you along as a friend and fellow LAA member. They are an excellent source of advice and help, whether building, buying, training or simply wanting to be involved in the local aviation scene. The Clubs and Struts also arrange a number of flying and social events throughout the year, and most hold monthly meetings. LAA TYPE CL UBS You can also find details of LAA-Type clubs by clicking the icon below. These clubs are associated to the LAA and are dedicated to a specific aircraft manufacturer or model. They can offer social activities and technical support for owners or those interested in a particular type.

< Back *DEADLINE EXTENDED!* Design the LAA 2026 Rally Poster Competition 2 Feb 2026 LAA “Design the LAA 2026 Rally Poster” Competition: Entry requirements 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. We’re looking for exciting, imaginative poster designs that capture the spirit of the LAA, celebrate homebuilt and vintage aircraft, and highlight the future of general aviation. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or a first time creator, we’d love to see your vision! Children’s competition Alongside this, we are also running a children’s design a poster competition, to inspire our young aviators to get creative! Parental consent required for under 18s. Shortlisted entries in this category will be displayed at the Rally. Age categories 3 – 6 7 – 11 12 – 15 Theme “Celebrating 80 years of the LAA” - building, flying and Innovation. Entrants may interpret the theme however they wish. Ideas could include: LAA homebuilding heritage The community spirit of the LAA Spirit of flight Future aviators and innovators Safety, engineering, sustainability, or adventure within GA Iconic imagery associated with the Rally A celebratory anniversary feel for the LAA 80 th ! Creativity is encouraged! Who Can Enter This is a competition for ages from 16+ . Anyone under 18 will require parental permission. The children’s competition is in three age groups. Poster Requirements Format: Poster size: A4 (portrait or landscape) Accepted media: hand-drawn, painted, digital artwork, mixed media All entries must be submitted as: A high-resolution JPG or PNG, or A PDF suitable for printing Design Requirements The poster must include the title: LAA Rally 2026 and mention the 80th Anniversary. LAA logo (download link will be provided). Date and location of the Rally – 4 th , 5 th and 6 th September 2026 at Leicester Airport The UK’s biggest International Fly in. No copyrighted images or AI-generated stock art unless you own the rights. The poster can include aircraft, venue (i.e. from above with parked planes). Themes from any era (Design themes from any era). Key Dates Deadline for submissions: 14th February 2026 Shortlist announced: 20th February 2026 Winner announced: End of February 2026 Judging Entries will be judged on: Creativity & originality Visual impact Relevance to the theme Suitability for use as an official event poster Prizes Prizes include: Your design featured in official LAA promotional materials. Design becomes the official 80 th Rally poster. A printed, framed print of your artwork 2x VIP all access event passes Presentation at the LAA Rally 2026 LAA merchandise and goody bag. *Prizes subject to change, subject to partner availability. 2 nd and 3 rd prizes for runner ups: Printed certificate Goody bag Children’s category prizes: LAA goody bag Printed certificate Poster displayed at the 2026 Rally Presentation at the 2026 Rally Terms & Conditions By entering, you grant the LAA permission to reproduce your artwork for promotional use across all media including social media, website and printed. Grant LAA permission to print artwork to sell. Artists retain copyright of their work but not print or re-sell. Entrants under 18 must have parent/guardian consent. The judges’ decision is final. The LAA reserves the right to withdraw entries that do not meet the guidelines. We reserve the right to adapt the design to best meet our needs. Submission Process: How to Enter Entries with artwork file to be sent by email to: [email protected] with: Full name Age category if child entry. Contact email and/or phone Confirmation that the artwork is your own original work and that you grant the LAA permission to reproduce your artwork for promotional use. Contact For questions, contact: [email protected] LAA Office: Address. Head office. Turweston Aerodrome, Nr Brackley. Northants. NN13 5YD. Next Previous

Modification & Repair Worklist Below is a list of modification and repair applications that are awaiting review by our engineers. The top of each list represents the next one in that list to be reviewed. Each engineer's workload is listed separately - engineers also have tasks that are not mods and repairs. New applications received in the last week are not shown and will be added to the relevant engineer's list shortly after allocation (allocation usually takes place each Tuesday). The lists are not currently real time, but will be updated at least weekly. Note that we operate a priority system that aims to put jobs involving accidentally grounded aircraft ahead of longer term projects - new or returning tasks may therefore be added above existing tasks. (last update 08/05/26) Engineer A Applications under review Applications awaiting review (top of list is next to be reviewed) 16869 GT-2/160/VZZ-FW-75-SLTC PROPELLER INSTALLATION RL5A-LW SHERWOOD RANGER 16850 LYCOMING ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM INSTALLATION GLASAIR II-S FT 16875 SITE TUBE INTRODUCTION AND SPILL-LESS TANK VENTING EUROPA 16871 M14P ENGINE MODIFICATIONS PITTS S 12 16825 INCREASE MAXIMUM FLAPERON DEFLECTION SKYSTAR KITFOX VIXEN 16720 ILEVIL AP DUAL AXIS AUTO-PILOT INSTALLATION MCR-01 CLUB 16886 CHANGE OF ALTIMETER AEROTECHNIK EV-97 EUROSTAR 16880 FUEL FLOW COMPUTER INSTALLATION AEROTECHNIK EV-97 EUROSTAR 12999 SMOKE SYSTEM VANS RV-8 1583 COMPOSITE FUSELAGE FORWARD LOWER PANEL REPAIR GLASAIR II-S FT 16862 TEMPORARY 42 LITRE LONG RANGE RESERVE FUEL TANK INSTALLATION AEROTECHNIK EV-97 EUROSTAR 16812 WOODCOMP SR3000/3N 1720MM DIAMETER 3 BLADED PROPELLER INSTALLATION CZAW SPORTCRUISER 16094 CANOPY LATCH QUICKIE TRI-Q 200 16864 MTV-9-B-C/C188-18B PROPELLER INSTALLATION CHRISTEN EAGLE II 16815 WOODCOMP SR3000/3N 1720 MM DIAMETER PROPELLER INSTALLATION TL 2000UK STING CARBON 16858 E-PROPS DUR-3-155-C4-T POPELLER INSTALLATION MCR-01 16892 INSTALLATION OF MGL FUEL FLOW METER PIONEER 300 1245 FUSELAGE UNDERSIDE DAMAGE REPAIR PIONEER 300 16769 EZ-101 OIL SUMP PLUG INSTALLATION EUROPA XS 10355 SINGLETON TAILWHEEL STEERING EUROPA XS 16839 ADDITIONAL ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP INSTALLATION BRISTELL NG5 SPEED WING 16897 FUEL SYSTEM MODIFICATIONS EUROPA XS 16896 CS08 CRANK CLEARANCE ENHANCEMENT EUROPA XS 14001 DISC BRAKE CONVERSION FOURNIER RF5 12966 DYNON AP47 DUAL AXIS AUTOPILOT VANS RV-8 16754 E-PROPS GLOR-3-170-C8-T PROPELLER INSTALLATION AEROTECHNIK EV-97 EUROSTAR 16749 KANARDIA NESIS DUAL AXIS AUTO-PILOT INSTALLATION BRISTELL NG5 SPEED WING Engineer B Applications under review 1447 AIRCRAFT UNDERSIDE TORN DHC-1 CHIPMUNK 22 (LYCOMING) 1523 PORT WING REAR SPAR CRACK ZENAIR CH 601HDS 16802 EXTENDED RANGE LEADING EDGE FUEL TANKS VANS RV-7 1593 LIFT STRUT BOTTOM FUSELAGE BRACKET KFA SAFARI 16874 CRICKET TALL TEETER TOWERS EVERETT GYROPLANE SERIES 1 16630 SPLIT AXLE WISHBONE WITH INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION STAAKEN Z-2 FLITZER 16796 ROTAX 912UL CRICKET MK6 16744 AV18 LARGER FUEL TANK CRICKET MK6 Applications awaiting review (top of list is next to be reviewed) 1600 DAMAMGE TO UNDERCART LOWER LEFT FUSELAGE AND LEFT WING ZENAIR CH 701SP 1483 DAMAGE TO AIRFRAME VANS RV-8A 1592 DAMAGE TO STARBOARD WING SKIN & FUEL TANK GROPPO TRAIL MK 2 1484 DAMAGE TO AIRFRAME LUSCOMBE 8A 1599 HOLE IN FUSELAGE UPRIGHT ANGLE SLING 4 TSI 1598 DAMAGE TO TOP LONGERON VANS RV-6 16876 ENGINE & PROPELLER TO ROTAX 912 A2 & WARP DRIVE 3 BLADE 72" DIA JODEL D117 15356 PSA 110 DIESEL INSTALLATION JODEL DR1051-M1 1555 GROUND LOOP DENNEY KITFOX MK2 15691 FITTING OF RAZOR 23FT ROTOR SYSTEM CAMPBELL CRICKET 16889 UNDERCARRIAGE REBUILD SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE MK26 16612 GYROPLANE WARNING SYSTEM ROTORSPORT UK CALIDUS 16879 PARCEL SHELF DEPTH INCREASE SLEPCEV STORCH 1522 TAIL LOWER SKIN DAMAGE GROPPO TRAIL 16795 FRONT SEAT SEATBELT SHOULDER ATTACHMENT POINT/BRACKET PIPER PA-18 16878 WING HARDWARE UPGRADE FOR BEST PRACTICE SLEPCEV STORCH 1571 HARD LANDING REPAIR ZENAIR CH 701SP 16708 TOP FLIGHT SAILS PORCHER MARINE SKINS X'AIR HAWK 1566 LANDING DAMAGE VANS RV-8 16139 TO FIT ENGINE ULPOWER 520IS VANS RV-7 16894 INERTIA REEL SEATBELT SHOULDER STRAP REPLACEMENT JODEL DR1051 (MODIFIED) 1601 LONGERON DAMAGE SLING 4 TSI 16872 LOWER I/B WING BRACINF WIRE SHACKLES STAMPE SV4C (MODIFIED) 1602 FUEL LEAK TECNAM P2002-EA SIERRA 16863 UNDERCARRIAGE FAIRINGS & PROP FLANGE AERONCA 7AC CHAMPION 16501 ENGINE ROTAX 916iS AND PROPELLER MTV-6-A/190-69 DENNEY KITFOX MK 7 SUPERSPORT 1229 REPAIR OF AIRCRAFT - CRASH DAMAGE STARSTREAK SHADOW SA-II 16853 O-240 CYLINDER CHANGE DRUINE D.62C CONDOR 16885 CATEGORY CHANGE TO MICROLIGHT AEROTECHNIK EV-97 EUROSTAR SL Engineer C Applications under review 14531 SOLID STATE VOLTAGE REGULATOR DHC-1 CHIPMUNK 22 16891 PROPELLER CHANGE TO RWG 2 BLADES 57 X 29" DRUINE D.31 TURBULENT 16890 PROPELLER CHANGE TO VT16 2 BLADE 56 X 31" DRUINE D.31 TURBULENT 16888 DUC HELICES SWIRLBLACK-2-R 3 BLADE 1690MM DIA PROPELLER INSTALLATION ZENAIR CH 650B Applications awaiting review (top of list is next to be reviewed) 16219 FITMENT OF CLEVELAND WHEELS & BRAKES NORD 1002 16834 HELICES E-PROPS DUR-3-175-C4-T PROPELLER INSTALLATION VANS RV-12 15516 DYNON SKYVIEW DUAL AXIS AUTO-PILOT WITH SV-AP PANEL CZAW SPORTCRUISER 16533 UPGRADE TO MAIN UNDERCARRIAGE STRUCTURE & MTWA INCREASE TO 1650LBS REBEL 16829 FUEL SYSTEM UPGRADE V-STAR SA900 16856 FITMENT OF SINGLE P-MAG UNIT VANS RV-9 16866 INSTALLATION OF SENSENICH 2G0M8/C82BGF PROPELLER WAG-AERO SUPER SPORT 14185 MGL AVIONICS DUAL AXIS AUTO-PILOT INSTALLATION VANS RV-9A 16838 HERCULES 5542862-S 55" X 42" PROPELLER INSTALLATION NICOLLIER HN 700 MENESTREL II 14787 FT-60 FUEL FLOW TRANSDUCER 'RED CUBE' INSTALLATION VANS RV-7 13431 DYNON SKYVIEW DUAL AXIS AUTO-PILOT INSTALLATION VANS RV-7 16893 REMOVE THE INVERTED OIL SYSTEM BULLDOG SERIES 120 MODEL 121 16895 ENGINE CHANGE TO SUPERIOR XP-IO-360-B1AC2 VANS RV-7 16881 WHIRLWIND GA200L 716-72 PROPELLER INSTALLATION SPRINT 160 16898 BENDIX/KING XCRUZE 2 INCH AUTOPILOT VANS RV-9 14550 IGNITION HARNESS REPLACEMENT REPLICA FOKKER DR1 16789 INSTALL AERO FABRICATORS SHOULDER HARNESS & SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY CESSNA 120 16476 ELECTRONIC IGNITION INSTALLATION PIPER L18C 16712 REDCUBE FUEL FLOW TRANSDUCER INSTALLATION VANS RV-8 Engineer D Applications under review Applications awaiting review (top of list is next to be reviewed) Engineer E Applications under review 12691 CANOPY HINGE AND LOCKS COZY Applications awaiting review (top of list is next to be reviewed) 16324 GIPSY MAJOR 1 CONVERT TO UPRIGHT RUNNING DH82A TIGER MOTH Engineer C Applications under review 14531 SOLID STATE VOLTAGE REGULATOR 16891 PROPELLER CHANGE TO RWG 2 BLADES 57 X 29" 16890 PROPELLER CHANGE TO VT16 2 BLADE 56 X 31" 16888 DUC HELICES SWIRLBLACK-2-R 3 BLADE 1690MM DIA PROPELLER INSTALLATION New applications awaiting review Returning applications awaiting review 16219 FITMENT OF CLEVELAND WHEELS & BRAKES 16834 HELICES E-PROPS DUR-3-175-C4-T PROPELLER INSTALLATION 15516 DYNON SKYVIEW DUAL AXIS AUTO-PILOT WITH SV-AP PANEL 16533 UPGRADE TO MAIN UNDERCARRIAGE STRUCTURE & MTWA INCREASE TO 1650LBS 16829 FUEL SYSTEM UPGRADE 16856 FITMENT OF SINGLE P-MAG UNIT 16866 INSTALLATION OF SENSENICH 2G0M8/C82BGF PROPELLER 14185 MGL AVIONICS DUAL AXIS AUTO-PILOT INSTALLATION 16838 HERCULES 5542862-S 55" X 42" PROPELLER INSTALLATION 14787 FT-60 FUEL FLOW TRANSDUCER 'RED CUBE' INSTALLATION 13431 DYNON SKYVIEW DUAL AXIS AUTO-PILOT INSTALLATION 16893 REMOVE THE INVERTED OIL SYSTEM 16895 ENGINE CHANGE TO SUPERIOR XP-IO-360-B1AC2 16881 WHIRLWIND GA200L 716-72 PROPELLER INSTALLATION 16898 BENDIX/KING XCRUZE 2 INCH AUTOPILOT 14550 IGNITION HARNESS REPLACEMENT 16789 INSTALL AERO FABRICATORS SHOULDER HARNESS & SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY 16476 ELECTRONIC IGNITION INSTALLATION 16712 REDCUBE FUEL FLOW TRANSDUCER INSTALLATION 16219 FITMENT OF CLEVELAND WHEELS & BRAKES 16834 HELICES E-PROPS DUR-3-175-C4-T PROPELLER INSTALLATION 15516 DYNON SKYVIEW DUAL AXIS AUTO-PILOT WITH SV-AP PANEL 16533 UPGRADE TO MAIN UNDERCARRIAGE STRUCTURE & MTWA INCREASE TO 1650LBS 16829 FUEL SYSTEM UPGRADE 16856 FITMENT OF SINGLE P-MAG UNIT 16866 INSTALLATION OF SENSENICH 2G0M8/C82BGF PROPELLER 14185 MGL AVIONICS DUAL AXIS AUTO-PILOT INSTALLATION 16838 HERCULES 5542862-S 55" X 42" PROPELLER INSTALLATION 16881 WHIRLWIND GA200L 716-72 PROPELLER INSTALLATION 14550 IGNITION HARNESS REPLACEMENT 16789 INSTALL AERO FABRICATORS SHOULDER HARNESS & SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY

< Back Telephones 4 Apr 2024 Please note that the LAA phone system is being updated today and currently we are unable to receive any incoming calls. We appreciate the inconvenience this may be causing but we envisage they will only be down for part of the day. Next Previous

< Back Mandatory Technical Directive issued for Chipmunk aircraft 24 May 2024 Mandatory Technical Directive, MTD-04-2024 has been issued by our Head of Airworthiness, Nick Stone, today to introduce mandatory recurring inspections of the flap operating cables following a recent potentially serious incident where one of the flap cables on a Chipmunk failed in flight, leading to an asymmetric flap configuration. The MTD allows a 5 flying hour period of grace before the inspection must be carried out and is being emailed today to all owners of LAA Chipmunks and all LAA Inspectors approved to inspect Chipmunks. Next Previous