< Back Radio Operators Certificate of Competence 11 Jun 2025 Guidance to holders 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 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 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

< 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

< Back Engineering updates in February and March 11 Apr 2025 The following documents have been issued/updated in the Engineering 'Info Library' during February and March. Technical leaflets : TL 1.10 - List of aircraft parts and materials suppliers TL 2.01 - A guide to LAA aircraft ownership TL 2.22 - Non-type specfic MPDs TL 3.25 - Flight test briefing Continuing airworthiness information : Alert A-01-2025 - Piper rudder post Alert A-02-2025 - Rotax crankcase Alert A-03-2025 - Gen 4 Jabiru 2200 and 3300 engines TADS : Brandli Cherry Cessna 120 Eurostar Groppo Trail Rans S5 (204 and 204B) Rotax 4-stroke Sportcruiser Next Previous

< Back Alert A-08-2025 - Gen 4 Jabiru 3300 Engine Crankshafts 25 Jul 2025 LAA Alert A-08-2025 - Gen 4 Jabiru 3300 Engine Crankshafts On 11.4.25, Jabiru Aircraft Pty Ltd issued a new Service Bulletin, JSB 046, which applies to specific Jabiru 3300 engines and requires the replacement of the crankshafts on engines within certain serial number ranges, which they state were supplied between April 2017 and June 2024. Jabiru regards the Bulletin as mandatory. The Bulletin advises that Jabiru has identified that, as a result of an issue with heat treatment, crankshafts supplied with the affected engines are in some cases susceptible to failure. Jabiru have specified that the crankshaft must be replaced by a crankshaft of the later, improved design. Affected crankshafts must be replaced prior to 15th December 2026, or 150 hours total time in service (TTIS), whichever occurs later. A-08-2024 can be found HERE and is also shown below. A-08-2025 - Gen 4 Jabiru 3300 Engine Crankshafts .pdf Download PDF • 202KB 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 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 Alert A-09-2025 - Hairline Cracking in Woodcomp Klassic Propeller Blades 19 Aug 2025 Alert A-09-2025 - Hairline Cracking in Woodcomp Klassic Propeller Blades LAA Alert A-09-2025 has been published on the LAA website (and is also attached), highlighting reports of Woodcomp Klassic blades found with hairline cracks in the blade’s surfaces, running chordwise, usually outboard of about 30% radius. The Alert described actions for Owners to take if such cracks are found and to contact LAA Engineering. A-09-2025 - Woodcomp Klassic Propeller Blades issue 1 .pdf Download PDF • 205KB Next Previous

< Back AGM The awards ceremony will start at 11.30 a.m. Registration for entry into the AGM will be open at 10.45. For more details, please see link below. https://www.lightaircraftassociation.co.uk/agm2025 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