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

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

< Back Mandatory Technical Directive issued for Rotax 914 powered Eurofox aircraft 29 May 2024 Mandatory Technical Directive, MTD-03-2024 has been issued today to introduce mandatory disabling of cabin heat on examples of the type fitted with Rotax 914 (and derivative) engines. This follows an in-service occurrence of carbon monoxide entering the cabin due to leaks from the exhaust system. The MTD must be carried out before flight on or after 5th June 2024. This MTD has been emailed to all affected owners. 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

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.

< Back New LAA Inspector - Lewis Harper 18 Aug 2025 We are pleased to welcome Lewis Harper as a new LAA Inspector, having attended an LAA Inspector Assessment Day at Turweston recently. Working full-time as a CAA and EASA Licensed Aircraft Engineer, Lewis has pursued his lifelong passion for aviation since entering the industry at age 16, and have also achieved his PPL along the way. 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 New LAA Inspector - Mike Wigg 22 Sept 2025 We are pleased to welcome Mike Wigg as a new LAA Inspector, having attended an LAA Inspector Assessment Day at Turweston recently. With a deep passion for vintage aeroplanes, Mike strives to bring joy to all enthusiasts by keeping these remarkable vintage aircraft flying. With extensive engineering experience from both military and civilian sectors, he is dedicated to supporting owners in maintaining their beloved planes. Based near Duxford in Cambridgeshire, Mike travels across the UK and beyond to ensure these classic aeroplanes remain airworthy. If you're an owner in need of maintenance, repair, or inspection, please don't hesitate to reach out! Next Previous

< Back Alert A-11-2025 - Eurostar aileron rose joint and rudder hinge inspection 8 Oct 2025 LAA Engineering has issued Alert A-11-2025 to highlight the recent issue of an Airmasters service bulletin that requires checks on the integrity of a rose joint in the aileron controls and the rudder hinge, following examples of these joints migrating and jamming aileron controls. Following the up-issue of Airmasters SB/EUR/023 to issue 3, on 07/10/25 CAA has issued MPD 2025-004-E to mandate the checks contained in the SB, which supersedes MPD 2025-003-E initially issued on the subject. A-11-2025 - Eurostar Rose Joints issue 1 .pdf Download PDF • 372KB 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

< Back Engineering updates in March 5 Apr 2024 The following documents have been updated in the Engineering 'Info Library' during March. Continuing airworthiness information: Mandatory Technical Directive MTD-02-2024 Pioneer trim tab checks TADS : Europa Sling 2 Technical Leaflets : TL 1.28 Approved homebuild aircraft type list (new) TL 3.12 Engines and propellers fitted to LAA aircraft TL 3.17 List of prototype modifications Propeller type list PTL/1: Ikarus C42 FB UK Standard Modifications: SM 10671 Rotax 2-stroke carburettor heater Next Previous

< Back Armstrong-Isaacs Bursaries for 2026 21 Nov 2025 Armstrong-Isaacs bursaries for 2026! The LAA is proud to announce the opening of applications for its Armstrong-Isaacs bursaries for 2025. Five bursaries of up to £1,500 are offered to young pilots already in PPL training, offering extra funding to help them complete their courses, at a time when, all too often, money starts to run out. More information on the bursaries can be found here . Next Previous