< Back Engineering updates in May 6 Jun 2025 The following documents have been issued/updated in the Engineering 'Info Library' during May. Technical leaflets : TL 2.33 - Inspector categories for types TL 3.04 - CAA approved welders TADS : 162 - Zenair CH 601HD/HDS 162A - Zenair CH 601UL 162B - Zenair CH601XL 232 - Murphy Rebel 345 - Sherwood Scout/Reality Escapade BM-102 - Dragon Aviation A32 Vixxen P21 - Woodcomp propellers Forms: LAA/AR-REF - Airworthiness review reference guide (crib sheet) (new form) LAA/CFS-1 (fixed wing) - Check flight schedule LAA/PFRC-1 (fixed wing) - Permit flight release certificate Propeller type lists PTL/1 : Sonex Next Previous

< Back New LAA Inspector - Steve Hodge 4 Apr 2024 The LAA is pleased to welcome Steve Hodge as a new LAA Inspector. Steve came to an Assessment Day at LAA HQ at the start of March. Steve has been part of the aviation trade since 1997, when he joined Arrow Aviation Services as a trainee. He pretty much learnt his entire trade there and was very fortunate to have worked with a wide variety of components from engines and propellers, to wheels and brakes, with a lot of vintage aviation thrown in too. His is now as Owner and Accountable Manager of his own company, SOAR Aviation, a CAA Part 145 approved facility. He continues to provide the aviation industry with what he hopes is thought of as an honest, reliable, friendly and cost-effective service. He has always been involved with the LAA and enjoys serving the LAA community. Next Previous

< Back Engineering updates in January 5 Feb 2026 The following documents have been issued/updated in the Engineering 'Info Library' during January. Technical Leaflets : TL 3.29 Installation of changes approved by STC (new) Forms : LAA/FT-NEW Flight test schedule Continuing airworthiness information : MTD-05-2025 Eurofox rudder pedal cracking (issue 4) TADS: Bristell Next Previous

< Back LAA Inspector Seminar 14 Feb 2024 Last Thursday, 16 Inspectors attended an Inspector Training Seminar at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, run by our Chief Inspector Lucy Wootton, with the assistance of our Head of Flight Test, Andy Draper and Airworthiness Engineer, Cris Fernandez. LAA Inspectors are required to attend training once every four years. We had a great day - lots of knowledge shared and interesting discussions. Next Previous

< Back New LAA Inspectors - Umberto Izzo & Simon Boynett 26 Jan 2024 It is time to introduce you to two more new LAA Inspectors - Umberto Izzo and Simon Boynett, who both attended an LAA Inspector Assessment Day in December, with our Chief Inspector, Lucy. Umberto's experience is mainly in general aviation and microlight aircraft (metal, fabric and composites), either Lycoming, Continental or Rotax-powered. He is also IRMT-approved. He owns a share in Jodel 1050. Simon is a retired Licensed Aircraft Engineer with 44 years of experience working on Commercial Passenger and Cargo aircraft. He has a B1 and B2 CAA licence (Airframes, Engines and Electrical generation systems) B2 (Avionics, Auto flight, Auto land systems, Radio and Radar). In addition to this, he has an FAA issued A & P licence. He put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into building his own Vans RV 7, that he still loves to fly today as often as he can. Although retired, he still has aeroplanes and safety in his blood and looks forward to helping others to keep the high standards the LAA require, and to advise and certify Maintenance and Permit to Fly revalidation inspections. Next Previous

< Back LAA Alert A-15-2025 Glasair Rudder Pedal Bearing Failures 23 Dec 2025 LAA Alert A-15-2025 Glasair Rudder Pedal Bearing Failures A recent social media report has brought attention to two rudder pedal bearing failure events on a non-LAA Glasair. These bearings attach each rudder pedal assembly to the bearing support ribs. Owners and Inspectors should carry out frequent inspections of these bearings for signs of cracking, breaking, excessive play or any other abnormalities. Pilots should also conduct effective full-and-free movement checks during taxiing to ensure correct rudder pedal operation prior to take-off. If there are any doubts on the bearings’ condition, age, or origin, they should be replaced with newly made ones. Instructions on how to make new bearings from a 3/4" UHMWPE sheet can be found in the Stoddard-Hamilton Instruction Manual. Please refer to the LAA Alert A-15-2025 HERE or below for full details and recommended checks. A-15-2025 Glasair Rudder Pedal Bearing Failures .pdf Download PDF • 309KB Next Previous

< Back Alert A-04-2025 - Jabiru Flywheel Bolts 12 Jun 2025 LAA Alert A-04-2025 - Jabiru Flywheel Bolts LAA Alert A-04-2025 has been published on the LAA website (and is also attached), highlighting the Installation Procedure, Torque Checks and Replacement Interval for Flywheel Attachment Bolts on aircraft equipped with Jabiru 2200, 3300 and 5100 engines, and withdrawal of LAA Alert AWA/20/15. With the advice in JSB-012 (Issue 9 onward) having been promulgated by Jabiru, LAA has withdrawn Alert AWA/20/15, which means that provided the advice in JSB-012 Issue 9 or subsequent is followed, along with regular bolt torque checks at every 100 hours and annual check as called for in the Engine Maintenance Manual, the recommended bolt life is as stated in the Engine Maintenance Manual (currently 500 hrs). For LAA aircraft having the flywheel bolts replaced, or torque checked, the work must be overseen and signed-for by a suitably approved LAA Inspector. Engine logbook entries must be made and certified with a PMR statement referencing JSB-012 in the logbook white pages, as well as an entry in the logbook pink pages (or equivalent method for tracking continued airworthiness compliance). A-04-2025 - Jabiru Flywheel Bolts .pdf Download PDF • 202KB Next Previous

< Back New LAA Inspector - Mike Maddams 20 Mar 2026 We are pleased to welcome Mike Maddams as a new LAA Inspector, having attended an LAA Inspector Assessment Day at Turweston recently. Mike is a wood and fabric specialist with extensive experience on a wide range of LAA aircraft types. He owns and operates a 1942 Auster LB369 and is Director of Aero & Auto Ltd, Vintage Restorations. Next Previous

Air to Ground Radio Operator's Course Price Member - £320, Non-Member - £340 (Additional fee of £50 to CAA for ROCC certificate) Duration Day 1: 09:15 for 09:30 PROMPT start. Finish 17:00 (approx). Day 2: 08:30 PROMPT start. Finish 16:00 < Back About the Course About the Course This course, held at Popham Airfield is hosted by Chris Thompson, an experienced AGCS person, CAA examiner, and LAA member. It will provide both the theoretical and practical training required to sit the examinations for the CAA Radio Operator's Certificate of Competence (ROCC) qualification required by operators of ground-based radio equipment at flying sites and events where an air-to-ground radio service is provided. The course is in two parts. Day One is made up of the core training and radio procedures practice on simulated ground-to-air communications. Day Two will consist of the CAA written and practical examinations which will allow candidates to directly apply for the CAA ROCC Certificate. Why two days? This course spends a good deal of time giving background to your practical usage of the ROCC Certificate. The Practical exam is highly developed to give a representation of what it is like to operate an Air/Ground service when you commence any future employment. All delegates SHOULD have some basic knowledge of GA airfield circuit procedures and a level 6 English language proficiency or you may find this course difficult. AGCS RADIO OPERATOR'S CERTIFICATE OF COMPETANCE - IMPORTANT NOTES: Note 1 - This Course is to enable a person to operate a Ground Radio Station running AGCS (Air-Ground-Communication-Service) and not be confused with an aircraft FRTOL (the Flight Radio Telephony Operator Licence, which is required to operate the radio in an aircraft). Note 2 - All ROCC Certificates currently in existence are valid until 31st December 2028. The CAA CAP2192 (July 2021) stating an end date of 31st December 2025 is no longer valid and has been superseded. Note 3 - All new ROCC issued will be valid until 31st December 2028. The revalidation process is under review by the CAA and will be notified here when available. Note 4 - The only pre-requisites that the CAA state for an ROCC “Air Ground” Course are that the applicant should be over the age of 18 and pass the exams. The CAA are no longer using the “paper” application process and are now only using the CAA online Portal. You must have a CAA Portal Username and Verified ID to submit your ROCC application. This can be done by visiting the CAA Portal (search Google for https://portal.caa.co.uk .) website and supplying them with the required documentation. The instructions for this are on the CAA website and not part of the LAA course process. Note 5 -You will be asked to bring your verified Portal Username to the course. Without this, any exam results will not be able to be processed by your Examiner and the CAA. Note 6 - The course also assumes that you speak English to level 6 (CEFR/C2) and that you will have a basic understanding of airfield and light aircraft circuit procedures, hence a "pilot" background is best. Note 7 - This AGCS ROCC "Air/Ground" course should not be confused with other ROCC types, OCS, PARA,CDO, FDD, and OPC as these are not part of the LAA mandate. Note 8 - There will be an additional fee of £50.00 to the CAA for the issue of the ROCC certificate. Your Instructor Chris Thompson Dates 30th & 31st May 2026 Times Day 1: 09:15 for 09:30 PROMPT start. Finish 17:00 (approx). Day 2: 08:30 PROMPT start. Finish 16:00 Duration Two day course Venue Popham Airfield Price Member - £320, Non-Member - £340 (Additional fee of £50 to CAA for ROCC certificate) Booking Pls call the LAA on 01280 846 786 to enquire/book or email [email protected] . *Please note that payment is required when booking, to confirm your place. NO place will be held without confirmed payment* **Please note that your booking payment is non-refundable unless we can fill your place timeously or there are exceptional circumstances**

Light Aviation Magazine 2022 Click on the links below to open each issue of Light Aviation Magazine from 2022 January 2022 April 2022 July 2022 October 2022 February 2022 May 2022 August 2022 November 2022 March 2022 June 2022 September 2022 December 2022

The Light Aircraft Association (LAA) is the UK’s principal representative body for amateur-built and vintage light aircraft, as well as supporting some factory-built microlights and gyroplanes. WELCOME TO THE LIGHT AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATION Welcome to the Light Aircraft Association, the heart of a community that lives and breathes recreational aviation in all its forms! With over 75 years of history, no other UK association has the depth of knowledge and experience in looking after our sport. 7,500 Members 2,700 Aircraft 1,600 Build Projects NINE REASONS TO JOIN THE LAA 1 BUILD YOUR OWN AIRCRAFT The LAA was formed out of the amateur aircraft building movement. Even today, you can build an aircraft from the original plans or purchase a modern kit from a recognised manufacturer to build your dream aircraft, with the support of an LAA Inspector. There are so many types to choose from! More Info 2 PILOT COACHING The Pilot Coaching Scheme includes provision of Biennial Reviews and Class Rating Revalidation, as well as Type Conversions, Renewal Training, Differences Training and Licence Migration. Coaches are based all over the UK and willing to travel to meet your needs! More Info 3 LIGHT AVIATION MAGAZINE Our full-colour monthly magazine, Light Aviation , is free to all members and is packed with a wealth of technical and flying information, first-hand reports of members’ flying adventures and aircraft builds, in depth flight tests and so much more – it’s real cover to cover reading every month! More Info 4 ENGINEERING FACILITIES At our core is the amateur built aircraft movement and the comprehensive engineering facilities that support the Permit to Fly airworthiness system. A full time staff of qualified engineers and a countrywide network of Inspectors help make owning and flying your own aircraft both possible and affordable. More Info 5 TRAINING COURSES The LAA provides a wide range of courses for members, ranging from electrics to working with aluminum, aircraft carpentry, composites, Rotax engines or even an Air to Ground Radio Operators' Course! These will help you build or maintain your aircraft to the highest standard and meet LAA members with similar interests. More Info 6 OPERATE AN AIRCRAFT With the LAA fleet size ever increasing, more and more LAA members are operating LAA aircraft that they have not built under the LAA Permit to Fly Airworthiness System. The LAA Engineering Department offers the support you need to fly! More Info 7 MEET FELLOW AVIATION LOVERS! Do you want to meet fellow light aviation lovers? Clubs for LAA members (also known as Struts) meet at a local level to share knowledge and experiences, as well as take part in local events. You can find the 'Strut' nearest to you! More Info 8 MEMBER DISCOUNTS Every year, the LAA hosts a 'fly-in,' known as the 'LAA Rally' or more recently, the 'Grass Roots Fly In.' LAA members benefit from a discounted entry fee! Furthermore, there are a number of LAA-friendly companies that offer discounts and deals to LAA members. These can be found by clicking the button below. More Info 9 MEMBER REPRESENTATION We have an enviable reputation for determination and fairness within the corridors of power in the UK and Europe. We are one of the principle representative groups providing balanced consultative input on matters such as airspace, planning and safety regulation to bodies including the Department for Transport and Civil Aviation Authority. More Info Contact Us Turweston Aerodrome Nr Brackley Northants NN13 5YD Office Phone No: +44 (0)1280 846 786 Office email: [email protected] Engineering email: [email protected] Our office opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Download Map Local Accommodation

Night IFR Certain LAA types can be cleared for flight at night and/or under IMC (instrument meteorlogical conditions) - commonly referred to as 'Night/IFR' for convenience. The special Night/IFR requirements and process are detailed in technical leaflets TL 2.27 and 2.28, linked below, which are additional to the standard requirements applicable to any LAA aircraft. The special requirements involve the aircraft being of a type that demonstrates flight handling broadly in accordance with CS-23 subpart B (some types, including the RV-6 and RV-7, have a restricted aft cg limit to meet the pitch stability requirements), and each individual example must have a special IFR flight test to confirm it matches the first one tested. For a night clearance, the aircraft must also undergo a night test to check its lighting and general suitability for night flight. The aircraft must have accumulated enough flying hours in VFR to prove its reliability, and it must have an engine of a type accepted as being likely to be as reliable as a certified engine (for example we accept ‘clone’ Lycomings even though not certified). The propeller must be rain-proof, i.e. have hardened leading edges, and the aircraft must have an effective carb ice prevention system. The aircraft’s panel must have at least two independent attitude indicators, with either separate power sources or back-up internal power. If two EFIS are used to provide attitude information, with no other attitude instrument, then the two EFIS must be of different manufacturers so as to avoid the risk of simultaneous failures. There must be pitot heat, an alternative static and an OAT gauge. If the essential systems are relying on electrical power, the electrics must be designed to avoid being vulnerable to any single component failure, and if there is a single alternator there must be enough battery capacity to keep the essential systems running for an adequate time (at least 30 mins) before the battery goes flat. If two radios are fitted, they must not be both vulnerable to failure if any single component fails (e.g. must not be both fed through a single avionics master switch with no back-up power available). LAA does not specify what navigation or radio equipment is fitted, but as with a certified aircraft, the equipment fit determines what type of airspace can be used. An autopilot is not required, but certainly helps reduce pilot workload in sustained instrument flight. Non-certified equipment, including EFIS and autopilots, alternators, etc, are permitted, subject to the usual LAA checks. The aircraft has to be inspected initially and annually by an inspector with a special ‘night/IFR’ endorsement on their LAA inspector approval, and the aircraft is checked to have been built to an appropriate level of quality for a night/IFR aircraft. For example, quality of its instrument wiring, electrical power supply wiring, etc, are checked which are much more critical than in an aircraft only flying day VFR. The ASI and altimeter must be regularly calibrated, the battery must have a regular capacity check and the radios checked regularly by a qualified radio engineer. The aircraft must have an accepted pilot’s operating handbook and an acceptable maintenance schedule, and be maintained to that schedule. The application process involves not only a night/IFR inspector but also a night/IFR assessor who is one of a small band of LAA volunteers qualified to assess the design aspects of the aircraft’s systems and who compiles a technical report about the aircraft and if he is happy with it, includes a recommendation to remove the day-VFR only restriction. The report includes details of the aircraft’s systems, the special flight test reports, inspection reports, maintenance schedule and POH, a photo of the instrument panel and an electrical load analysis. This report is sent to LAA Engineering who checks through it and all being well, issues the aircraft new paperwork with the day and/or VFR restriction removed and replaced by limitations allowing IFR and/or night flight. All LAA night/IFR aircraft are restricted to not fly in the vicinity of thunderstorms and, for IFR cleared aircraft, take-off and landing in visibility less than 1500m is prohibited. The aircraft may not be operated in IMC below 500 ft agl for a precision approach, or 600 ft for a non-precision approach, or approach system limits, whichever is the greater. The pilot qualification for flying an LAA night/IFR aircraft at night or in IFR is the same as for flying a certified light aircraft at night or IFR. Aircraft types that have been successfully cleared for night/IFR flight include the RV-6, -7, -8, -9 and -10 (nosewheel and tailwheel variants – some with cg range restrictions), Europa and Cozy. Several of the modern lightweight 600 kg types have failed to comply due to low stability margins making them OK for day VFR flight but not suitable instrument platforms for night or IFR. Whilst a very few Rotax powered aircraft have been be to be cleared, most of the thirty or so LAA aircraft that have successfully transitioned are powered by Lycoming or Lycoming-clone engines. PROCESS SUMMARY LIST OF TYPES PERMIT IFR FEES NIGHT IFR INSPECTORS FAQs POH LITE TEMPLATE (PowerPoint File) NIGHT IFR PILOTS ACCEPTED INSTRUMENTS TL 2.27 - PROCEDURE FOR APPROVAL & TL 2.28 - ASSESSMENT OF AIRCRAFT LAA/MOD15 APPLICATION FORM