Search this site

Our Services Describe one of your services Service Name Read More Describe one of your services Service Name Read More Describe one of your services Service Name Read More Describe one of your services Service Name Read More Engineering This is a Title 01 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Read More This is a Title 02 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Read More This is a Title 03 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Read More

Latest News 18 Oct 2026 Exciting Career Opportunity at the LAA: 'Senior Inspection & Airworthiness Engineer' Applications are open for the role of 'Senior Inspection & Airworthiness Engineer' Read More 13 Oct 2026 REMINDER: Pilots currently using the 5 in 13 revalidation for SLMG/Microlight deadline Pilots currently utilising the exemption ORS4 1633 for revalidating their SLMG/Microlight ratings are reminded that they must transition to a 24 month validity by the 31st October 2026. Read More 12 Oct 2026 MTD-07-2026 Issue 4 – Van’s RV Horizontal Stabiliser Attachment Bolts Additional Guidance on Assessing Deviations Read More 6 Oct 2026 Engineering updates in September Updates form the Engineering Team in September Read More 2 Oct 2026 LAA's Response to Electronic Conspicuity Mandate Submitted to Consultation on a Proposed Electronic Conspicuity Mandate in the UK Read More 24 Sept 2026 MTD-07-2026 Issue 3 - Vans Horizontal Stabiliser Forward Attach Bolt Position MTD-07-2026 Issue 3 & Van’s SB-00134 Revision 2.2 Read More 22 Sept 2026 LAA Rally 2026 Update LAA Rally takes flight at Leicester Airport for spectacular 80th anniversary celebration! Read More 22 Sept 2026 Rally 2026 Trophy Winners Rally Aircraft Winners Read More 15 Sept 2026 Technical Leaflet TL 2.31 – Maintenance and Overhaul of Propellers (Issue 2) This document has undergone a substantial rewrite and supersedes Issue 1. Read More 11 Sept 2026 Positive Progress Van's RV Tailplane Attachment Bolt Hole Investigation Read More 10 Sept 2026 Engineering updates in August Updates form the Engineering Team in August Read More 3 Sept 2026 LAA Office Closure The LAA Office will be closed from 4th-7th September inclusive for the LAA Rally Read More 1 Sept 2026 Remembering Mike Whittaker Remembering Mike Whittaker, Designer of the MW range of microlights Read More 28 Aug 2026 LAA RALLY 2026 - Speakers Corner Speakers Corner talks now available! Read More 25 Aug 2026 MTD-07-2026 - Vans Horizontal Stabiliser Attach Position - Issue 2 This MTD has been upissued to Issue 2 in order to align with the re-issue of Vans SB 00134 at Revision 1 Read More 19 Aug 2026 MTD-07-2026 Issue 1 - Horizontal Stabiliser Forward Attach Bolt Position A Mandatory Technical Directive to mandate the actions called for in Van's Service Bulletin, SB 00134. Read More 18 Aug 2026 MTD-06-2024 Issue 3 - Pietenpol Air Camper Wing Strut Internal Corrosion Inspection and modification requirements for Pietenpol Air Camper aircraft fitted with 'Jim Wills' wing struts Read More 14 Aug 2026 MTD-06-2026 - Vixxen Forward Wing Attachment Reinforcement A new MTD regarding reinforcing the front wing attachment brackets of A-32 & A32-L aircraft with Aeroprakt serial numbers up to and including #370 Read More 13 Aug 2026 New Technical Leaflet - Lifed Items Technical Leaflet TL 2.34 - Lifed Items Issue 1 - published Read More 6 Aug 2026 Engineering updates in July Updates from the Engineering Team in July Read More 3 Aug 2026 CAA EC Mandate consultation webinar Tuesday 11th August The CAA is holding webinar for the General Aviation community in relation to the CAA’s consultation on a Proposed Electronic Conspicuity Mandate in the UK on Tuesday 11 August from 18:00 – 19:00. Read More 30 Jul 2026 Alert A-03-2026 - Loose Propeller Bolts - Effect of Prolonged Heatwaves on Wooden Propellers Refer to the propeller manufacturer's instructions for the correct bolt torque Read More 28 Jul 2026 MTD- 04-2026 Issue 1 - Vans Fuel Pick Up Failure Final MTD- 04-2026 Issue 1 Published after Consultation Read More 24 Jul 2026 MTD-06-2024 Issue 2 - Pietenpol Air Camper Wing Rear Strut Internal Corrosion Inspection and modification requirements for Pietenpol Air Camper aircraft fitted with 'Jim Wills' rear wing struts Read More 23 Jul 2026 LAA Alert A-02-2026 - MCR-01 Tailplane Mounting Corrosion Inspection of aluminium alloy wing and tailplane attachment brackets on MCR-01 aircraft operating on an LAA Permit to Fly. Read More 21 Jul 2026 MTD-02-2025 Issue 3 - Mission M108 Nose Leg Failure Issue 3 of this MTD is issued primarily to correct and clarify a part reference Read More 6 Jul 2026 Engineering updates in June Updates from the Engineering Team in June Read More 6 Jul 2026 CAA MPD-2026-003-E – Rotax 912/914 Series Engines The directive applies to Rotax 912 UL, 912 ULS, 912 iS Sport, and 914 UL series engines fitted with affected propeller gearboxes Read More 2 Jul 2026 New Technical Leaflet – Parts Produced by Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) Technical Leaflet 3.30, Issue 1 Read More 2 Jul 2026 MTD-06-2025 - Europa Tailplane Torque Tube Mod Failure - Issue 2 Europa aircraft owners are required to identify the tailplane torque tube configuration, determine whether clamps are fitted Read More 29 Jun 2026 LAA HQ will be closed on Friday 3rd July due to the Silverstone Grand Prix LAA HQ will close on the 3rd of July Read More 26 Jun 2026 Engineering Employment Opportunity - Design Verification Engineer Want to take the next step in your Aviation Engineering career? Then join the Light Aircraft Association Engineering Team and help keep the UK's largest fleet of vintage and light sport aircraft flying! Read More 26 Jun 2026 MTD-02-2026 Issue 1 Published - Cracking in E-Props Durandal HexMc® Propeller Hubs A New Mandatory Technical Directive Applicable to LAA Aircraft Fitted with E-Props Durandal 3-Blade Propeller Hubs Read More 24 Jun 2026 LAA RALLY ENTRANCE TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE!!! You can now purchase entrance tickets via the LAA Shop. Read More 16 Jun 2026 Alert A-07-2025 ISSUE 2 - Glastar Aileron Servo-Tab Pushrod Cracking Clarification on the servo tab and aileron electric trim manufacturer options Read More 5 Jun 2026 Engineering updates in May Updates from the Engineering Team in May Read More 5 Jun 2026 LAA Alert A-01-2026 - Eurofox Tailplane Struts Alert to Highlight the Risk of Serious Structural Failure from Incorrect Assembly of Eurofox Tailplane Bracing Struts Read More 3 Jun 2026 LAA Open Day this Saturday 6th June - Postponed LAA's Summer Open Day has unfortunately been postponed Read More 7 May 2026 Engineering updates in April Updates from the Engineering Team in April Read More 24 Apr 2026 MTD-03-2026 Issue 1 Published – NSI CAP 140 Propeller Cracking A new Mandatory Technical Directive has been raised to withdraw approval for CAP 140 propeller blade cuffs versions Read More 15 Apr 2026 MTD-01-2026 Issue 1 Published - Shadow Aircraft Oratex Disbonding A new Mandatory Technical Directive due to Oratex covering suffered a largescale disbond in flight Read More 3 Apr 2026 New LAA Factory-Built Gyroplane Inspector - Kevin Whitehead Introducing new LAA FBG Inspector - Kevin Whitehead Read More 2 Apr 2026 New LAA Inspector - Robin Smith Introducing new LAA Inspector - Robin Smith Read More 1 Apr 2026 Engineering updates in March Updates from the Engineering Team in March Read More 30 Mar 2026 Armstrong / Isaacs Bursary 2026 Winners of the 2026 Armstrong / Isaacs Bursary. Congratulations to Kate, Iain and Rose!! Read More 20 Mar 2026 New LAA Inspector - Mike Maddams Introducing new LAA Inspector - Mike Maddams Read More 16 Mar 2026 New LAA Inspector - Craig Ransome Introducing new LAA Inspector - Craig Ransome Read More 6 Mar 2026 Winner Announced: LAA 80th Anniversary Rally Poster Congratulations to Amy Whitewick, whose striking design was chosen to mark 80 years of grassroots aviation, engineering excellence and community spirit! Read More 5 Mar 2026 Engineering updates in February Updates from the Engineering Team in February Read More 19 Feb 2026 LAA host British Young Pilots BYP launch Sunday Flying Club Read More 6 Feb 2026 Malcolm McBride Update Malcolm McBride's Funeral arrangements Read More 5 Feb 2026 Engineering updates in January Updates from the Engineering Team in January Read More 2 Feb 2026 *DEADLINE EXTENDED!* Design the LAA 2026 Rally Poster Competition 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. Read More 19 Jan 2026 Eurofox Rudder Pedal Failures - LAA Standard Modification Approved & MTD-05-2025 Issue 4 LAA Standard Modification SM16826 ‘Reinforcement of Rudder Pedal to Torque Tube Joints & Latest MT-05-2025 Read More 12 Jan 2026 Eurofox Rudder Pedal Failures - CAA Mandatory Permit Directive CAA MPD-2026-002-E - Eurofox Rudder Pedal Cracking Read More 7 Jan 2026 Engineering updates in November and December Updates from the Engineering Team in November and December Read More 7 Jan 2026 MTD-05-2025 Issue 3 published - Eurofox Rudder Pedals MTD-05-2025 Issue 3 published - Eurofox Rudder Pedals Read More 23 Dec 2025 LAA Alert A-15-2025 Glasair Rudder Pedal Bearing Failures Alert to highlight the Glasair Rudder Pedal Bearing Failures and Recommended Testing Read More 16 Dec 2025 MTD-06-2025 published - Europa Tailplane Torque Tube Mod Failure MTD-06-2025 - A recent inspection of a Europa fitted with the tailplane torque tube clamp modification, LAA MOD 10623, revealed both halves of the clamp had broken and fallen apart. Read More 11 Dec 2025 LAA Alert A-14-2025 - Eurofox Fuel Line Disconnected In-Flight Alert to highlight the issue of Eurofox Fuel Line Disconnected In-Flight Read More

Light Aviation Magazine Archive 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2022 2020 2021 2023 2024 2019 2025

The Annual General Meeting of the Light Aircraft Association Ltd Whittlebury Hall, Northants, NN12 8QH 19th October 2025, 1200 hrs N otice has been given that the AGM of the Light Aircraft Association (LAA) will be held at Whittlebury Hall, Whittlebury, Towester, NN12 8QH Sunday 19th October 2025, 1200hrs The AGM will provide for both in person and remote on-line participation. These arrangements will be professionally administered. In addition, those unable to attend may elect to submit proxy votes. A full list of nominations, Motions and Association documents links can be found below: The AGM will be preceded by the presentation of LAA Service, Rally Trophies and Awards to members. Following the AGM there will be time reserved for a Member’s Forum for discussion and Q&A on general matters with the Board and CEO. Light refreshments will be available upon arrival and lunch will be available to purchase at the Silverstone Bar, Atrium Clubhouse and Murrays restaurant. If you have any questions or comments for the AGM or the Member’s Forum please get in touch with us via [email protected] AGM DOCUMENTS Agenda Minutes of AGM 2024 Accounts and Chairman's Report 2024 Motion Director Nominations ~~~ How to vote if NOT attending the AGM in person This year we have an independent company, Mi-Voice, who will be issuing and counting the proxy forms. If we have an email address for you and you are eligible to vote (ie/ a beneficial shareholder) you will receive an email from them directly with a link to the proxy form.

Light Aviation Magazine 2025 Click on the links below to open each issue of Light Aviation Magazine from 2025 January 2025 April 2025 July 2025 October 2025 February 2025 May 2025 August 2025 November 2025 March 2025 June 2025 September 2025 December 2025

The Annual General Meeting of the Light Aircraft Association Ltd Whittlebury Hall, Northants, NN12 8QH 18th October 2026, 1200 hrs Notice was given in the July 2026 issue of Light Aviation that the AGM of the Light Aircraft Association (LAA) will be held at Whittlebury Hall, Whittlebury, Towester, NN12 8QH Sunday 18th October 2026, 1200hrs. The AGM will provide for both in person and remote online participation. These arrangements will be professionally administered. In addition, those unable to attend may elect to submit proxy votes. The AGM will be preceded by the presentation of LAA Service, Rally Trophies and Awards to members. Following the AGM there will be time reserved for a Member’s Forum for discussion and Q&A on general matters with the Board and CEO. Light refreshments will be available upon arrival and lunch will be available to purchase at the hotel following the AGM. If you have any comments/questions for the AGM or the Member’s Forum get in touch via [email protected] . AGM 2026 Documentation Proxy Form Agenda Minutes of AGM 2025 LAA Accounts 2025

Armstrong/Isaacs Bursary 2027 Bursary applications now open! Deadline : end of February 2027 Five bursaries of up to £1,500 are offered every year to support young pilots already in PPL training. To qualify for these bursaries you must be under 30, are required to already have reached ‘first solo’ standard, have completed a minimum of five hours solo training and have gained the necessary medical and ground qualifications to continue your training. Application form can be found here Armstrong/Isaacs bursaries are funded from the Armstrong/Isaacs Fund, which is based on a major donation from David Armstrong, who was a founder member of the original ULAA in 1947, a lifelong member of the LAA’s predecessor the PFA and the latter’s chairman from 1960 to 1964. His legacy, co-named with that of aircraft designer and builder John Isaacs, has, since 1998 enabled many young prospective pilots to gain their PPL. And of course, from kind donations from our members.

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

Weight & Balance The subject of Weight and Balance covers at least four distinct procedures: weighing an aircraft, calculating its empty weight and centre of gravity (CG), establishing the worst forward and aft CG loading cases according to an appropriate design code and calculating weights and centres of gravity for an actual flight. This section includes guidance notes on each of these aspects, forms and worked examples (imperial or metric) for recording and calculating empty weight and CG, as well as worst forward and aft CG cases and an Excel based spreadsheet that makes the weight and CG calculations for you. The table on the spreadsheet is set out in the same layout as the Loading Examples tables. This spreadsheet can, of course, also be used for carrying out calculations for an actual flight. Simply input the actual weights of the items to be loaded rather than the standard occupant or maximum fuel and baggage weights. Remember, it is important to check that the CG remains within limits with no usable fuel as well as with the loaded fuel in the tanks, even though it will not be your intention of running the tank dry. The calculator generates two sets of weight and CG values for this purpose. Weight & Balance arrangements for gyroplanes are different to those of aeroplanes and a special type of report is used, unless the manufacturers concerned provides their own special schedule in which case this should be used instead. Before accessing the documents below, please ensure you have read Technical Leaflet 3.16 - Weight and Balance Guidance Notes . Technical Leaflet 3.16 Other useful documentation is as follows: Weight & Balance Forms Weight and Balance Example Forms Weight and Balance Excel Calculators

Light Aviation Magazine 2023 Click on the links below to open each issue of Light Aviation Magazine from 2023 January 2023 April 2023 July 2023 October 2023 February 2023 May 2023 August 2023 November 2023 March 2023 June 2023 September 2023 December 2023

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 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

< Back New LAA Inspector - Robin Smith 2 Apr 2026 Robin enjoys every aspect of light aircraft whether it be flying or maintenance. Robin spent 15 years with REME attached to the Army Air Corps, was Aircraft Engineering Warrant Officer. He trained and experienced on helicopters, Skeeter, Bell 47 (Sioux), Alouette, Scout and Gazelle including their respective power units. He trained and experienced on fixed wing Auster 9 and Beaver including respective power units. He saw active service in Aden and Northern Ireland. He also flew in his early days as an observer. Robin has a UK PPL; he is a CRI and Fl(A). He currently instructs at Fowlmere with the British Aviation Academy and at Flying Made Easy at Old Buckenham airfield. He has aerobatic and aerobatic instructor rating and night rating. Differences training includes tailwheel and constant speed propellors. Robin has flown Robin HR200, Maule, Grob 115D, Cessna 140, Cessna 152, F24 Argus and PA28. He has owned a Robin HR200 a Maule MXT7 180A, Auster 6 and he currently owns a Grob115A C1 Aero which is fully aerobatic. He just loves turning himself upside down! He has worked with Modern Air Ltd at Fowlmere airfield doing annuals, inspections and repairs to Cessna 140, Cessna 152, Cessna 172, Cessna 177 Cardinal, Argus, Twin Cessna 310 and Extra aircraft. Currently he works with Touchdown Engineering at Old Buckenham on average some 2 days per week. He is also Safety Manager at Fowlmere and EASA approved. Robin has a small company Beagle Flight Consultancy Ltd which can provide several services which include Flight instruction via DTO/ATO, 2-year revalidations. Prebuy surveys, aircraft transport by road in UK and Europe. Import and export handling of light aircraft, inclusive of dismantle, containerisation, shipping, customs docus and assembly. Next Previous