The LAA Sywell Rally has re-established itself as the premier light aviation event of the fly-in season in the UK. In 2010 825 aircraft were flown in by their enthusiastic owners, up 25% on the previous year so who knows how many will come in 2011.
4000 people attended, many staying overnight to enjoy a weekend of fun and entertainment because this is not just a fly-in, it is an aviation experience.
Accommodation
A list of local hotels and B'Bs can be found here. Alternatively, there is a campsite available. More details can be found here.
Camping by your aircraft: One landing fee of £10 covers admission for all on board for three days and camping by your aircraft.
Flying and driving in to the Rally
Please visit the Sywell Aerodrome website for aircraft pre-registration plus map and directions for arriving by road. The AIC for flying can be found here and local Sywell joining instructions can be found here.
Access to the airside park
LAA members gain free access to the airside parking so that they can get up close and personal to the incredibly diverse range of aircraft types that have flown in. Whatever your interest it will be well served, from a single seat microlight to a four seat high speed tourer, from ultra modern homebuilt to vintage masterpiece and from warbird replica to state of the art machines. Talk to the owners and closely inspect the aircraft but please, do not touch.
Non members can join once they have entered the show (or join now and get in at member's rate) or pay an additional fee for airside access. See Entrance Fees for further details.
The comings and goings
Aircraft arrive and depart throughout the day so there is always something going on. For the keen photographer there are ample opportunities to capture the action, rarely will you see so many unique aircraft in one location.
Sales and Wants
Do you want to advertise anything for sale or looking for something in particular? Bring your advert and place it on the Sales and Wants board in Marquee 3.
The LAA AGM
This will take place on Saturday 3rd September at 3.00 pm in Hangar 2. Only current LAA members will be able to attend. You will only be able to vote if you are a Beneficial Shareholder. To become a Beneficial Shareholder, please log onto the members area where you will be able to check if you are a beneficial shareholder. You will also have the abillity to apply to become a shareholder as well.
The Exhibition
The Trade Exhibition offers everything from a nut and bolt to the latest aircraft kits on the market. Pilot supplies, avionics, tools, you name it, it is a veritable toy shop for the aviation enthusiast. List of exhibitors attending can be found here.
Aircraft Coverings
Aircraft Coverings will once again be giving you the opportunity to try your hand with the PolyFiber range of covering materials.
Flea market
The flea market returned last year with such a flourish that it was difficult to believe that it had not been present at an LAA event for five years. Always a popular attraction it presents sellers with an opportunity to get a good price for their unwanted bits and pieces, and buyers the chance of a bargain.
LAA presentation
Come see what the LAA has to offer. Homebuilding, Technical training courses, Pilot Coaching Scheme, Flying on a budget, Working with the regulators to ensure your freedom to fly and much more.
Trophies and awards
Competitions for Trophies and Awards: Best Plans Built, Best kit built, Best Vintage etc. Enter your aircraft for judging on Friday and Saturday or pre-register. Full details can be found here.
Food and entertainment
Sywell is the perfect location for our annual rally; the art deco infrastructure is simply superb with a restaurant, café and motel on site. A selection of fast food and ice cream vans is also available in the exhibition area.
This year sees the opportunity for those Rally goers who do not have to fly or drive home to enjoy a "Beer Festival" in Hangar 1 where over 20 Real Ales will be available at £3 a pint once you have paid an initial £1 for your Beer Festival glass. A hot buffet will also be available from 1830-2100.
On Friday evening we will be entertained by musician Doctor Busker, and on Saturday we will have the presentation of Awards and Trophies, followed by the Bavarian Stompers, who went down a storm last year. For those who prefer a quieter chat over a drink, there is of course the Aviator bar.
