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  • Revalidating a Permit | Light Aircraft Assoc

    Revalidating a Permit to Fly Revalidating the Permit to Fly on your aircraft involves a simple three-step process, as outlined below: START APPLICATION HERE More detailed information is available by clicking the buttons below: Step-by-Step Video Guide TL 2.00 - Permit Revalidation Frequently Asked Questions Check Flight Form, PFRC & Inspector Crib Sheet

  • Weight and Balance | Light Aircraft Assoc

    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 Archive | Light Aircraft Assoc

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

  • AGM 2025 | Light Aircraft Assoc

    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.

  • Home | Light Aircraft Association

    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

  • Bursary | Light Aircraft Assoc

    Armstrong/Isaacs Bursary Winners of 2026 Bursaries below. 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. Rose Solley (above - left) A flight in my Grandfathers Jodel D117 was where it all began for me. I was lucky enough to have that first trial experience of flying when I was 12, followed by my first lesson when I passed my GSCE at 15. Because I loved my initial experience so much I was determined to find a way to fulfil my dream of being a pilot. Knowing that gaining my PPL would be a costly challenge I knew it was going to take a long time to complete. Coming from a farming background and enjoying working with livestock, I was able to get a job at our neighbouring dairy farm. This gave me flexibility with working hours and also the finance I needed to fund my PPL, the journey so far has taken 5 long years and the LAA Armstrong Isaacs bursary will enable me to complete the challenge I set myself of becoming a female Pilot. Iain Kirkham (above - right) I began my passion for flying at a young age, taking every opportunity to fly with my dad in his Escapade and more recently his Sling 2 taildragger. At first, I found flying an aircraft to be both intimidating and exciting but also rewarding as well as giving a sense of freedom and this motivated me to obtain my PPL. During the holidays whilst studying for an Engineering degree, I decided to start my PPL training in a Sonaca S200 at Blackbushe airport. I am now aiming to complete my solo x-country which has been delayed over the past two months due to bad weather and thanks to the LAA bursary I hope to complete my PPL training in the next few months. After my PPL I intend to become a member of the LAA and do a taildragger conversion course so that I can fly the Sling 2 taildragger and go touring in an aircraft that I helped my dad to build. I would like to thank the LAA and am very grateful for the opportunity the LAA has given me enabling me to pursue my passion and love of flying. Kate Lee (below - left) I am an Aerospace engineering graduate and have just started my PhD looking in to sustainable aviation solutions. I am passionate about combining my interests in sustainability and aviation and am focussing my current work on some of the challenges associated with developing hydrogen gas turbine engines for planes. I was fortunate to start working towards my PPL whilst completing an internship at Kemble airport. I love the feeling of freedom of being in the air, and find it very motivational for my work, as it’s a feeling I believe as many people as possible should be able to experience. The bursary should ensure I’m able to complete my PPL course this year before my theory tests expire! I’m very grateful to the LAA Armstrong/Isaacs Bursary for this support in realising my goal of completing my PPL. 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.

  • Home | Light Aircraft Association

    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

  • An Introduction to Permit Aircraft Avionics | Light Aircraft Assoc

    An Introduction to Permit Aircraft Avionics Price Member - £224, Non-Member - £244 (includes printed course material) Duration Arrival 09:00. Finish 17:00. < Back About the Course This course is an introduction to permit aircraft avionics. The course starts with explaining the LAA rules and guidance regarding avionics fit in your aircraft, discusses how to plan and install your avionics including panel design, explains how modern avionics connect with each other and the various protocols (electronic languages) that they commonly use. The course takes you through selection of your avionics including EFIS, ELTs and PLBs, Autopilots, Antennas, Transponders, Radios and Audio Panels including some of the more common options available, including redundancy options where applicabl The course also includes practical demonstration and practice in wiring the most commonly used avionics connectors, the ubiquitous D Sub connector, and provides advice on minimising interference and best practice for shielding connections. The course finishes with an introduction to avionics considerations for Permit Aircraft planning to apply for permission to fly in IMC or at night. Your Instructor Mark Castle-Smith Dates TBC Times Arrival 09:00. Finish 17:00. Duration One day course Venue LAA HQ, Turweston Aerodrome, NN13 5YD Price Member - £224, Non-Member - £244 (includes printed course material) 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**

  • Courses (All) | Light Aircraft Assoc

    LAA Courses 2026 An Introduction to Aircraft Flying Qualities This course describes how the design (and construction) of a fixed wing light aircraft may positively or negatively impact flying qualities using a fully immersive Virtual Reality + Motion simulator. Read More Acquiring, Owning and Operating a Europa This is a seminar aimed at recent, current or prospective Europa owners - and will cover the key features, details and advantages of acquiring, owning and operating this, the second most numerous LAA aircraft type. Read More Jabiru Engine Course This course aims to give pilots sufficient knowledge to be confident that their engines are serviceable, inc. detailing common weaknesses & the important Jabiru modifications, primarily focusing on the 4 & 6 cylinder generation 1-3 engines. Read More An Introduction to Permit Aircraft Avionics The course starts with explaining the LAA rules and guidance regarding avionics fit, discusses how to plan and install your avionics (inc. panel design) and explains how modern avionics connect with each other. Read More Aircraft Fabric Covering Course This is a hands-on course so you will be working with the tools and materials required for aircraft covering and learning all the required skills in a fun, interesting and popular workshop. Read More Caring for your Gipsy Major - Basic Course The course will explain the ins and outs of these deHavilland vintage aircraft engines and how to solve those starting difficulties, with comprehensive course notes to take away. Read More Permit Aircraft Electrics - Advanced Course The premise of this course is that it will help the owner/builder create the system design and circuit diagram, including covering electrical theory, failure modes, reliability issues and planning an installation. Read More Permit Aircraft Electrics - Basic Course An introductory course on electrical wiring, featuring minimal electrical theory, instead concentrating on the installation practices with practical wiring experience and fault finding. Read More Aircraft Carpentry Workshop - Basic Course A perfect course for the would-be aircraft builder, who may be nervous about cutting the first piece of spruce, or anyone contemplating repairing a classic wooden aircraft. Read More Air to Ground Radio Operator's Course A course to achieve your Radio Operator's Certificate of Competence (ROCC) in order to operate a Ground Radio Station running AGCS (Air-Ground-Communication-Service). This is not to be confused with a FRTOL. Read More Rotax Fuel Injected 912 iS / 915 iS Installation & Operation A course providing information and advice on installation and operational procedures for Rotax Fuel Injected 912iS/915iS aero engines. This course is run by a Rotax iRMT certified engineer. Read More Rotax Carburetted 912/914 Installation & Operation The course covers everything those who own/operate a carburetted Rotax 912 (UL, ULS and 914 turbocharged) engine need to know about getting the best out of these very popular engines! Read More

  • Jabiru Engine Course | Light Aircraft Assoc

    Jabiru Engine Course Price Member - £213, Non-Member - £233 Duration Arrival 09:00. Finish 17:00. < Back About the Course It is widely accepted that a good working knowledge of an engine will help a pilot to service and maintain it to a satisfactory standard. This course is designed to give pilots sufficient knowledge to be confident that their engines are both serviceable and airworthy and; if an issue is detected, to know whether they have the ability to resolve the issue or need to seek assistance. The course will also cover the common engine weaknesses and the important Jabiru modifications. The course primarily focuses on the 4 and 6 cylinder generation 1-3 engines. The course will also benefit owners of the latest generation 4 engine, but information will be limited due to the overall hours flown to date for this type of engine. The Aim of the Course The aim of the course is to give Jabiru engine operators sufficient knowledge to maintain and operate their engines. Method A classroom slide presentation will be given , supported by a demonstration engine and parts, detailing the build of a Jabiru engine from the crankshaft up. The slide presentation will also use the knowledge gained from the virtual build and cover how to check for engine serviceability prior to flight. Course Instructor: Clive James. Clive has owned and operated a Jabiru for over 20 years and in that time has worked on many engines, including 4 and 6 cylinder engines. Clive also provides technical assistance to many Jabiru engine owners, helping them maintain their engines to an airworthy standard. Your Instructor Clive James Dates TBC Times Arrival 09:00. Finish 17:00. Duration One day course Venue LAA HQ, Turweston Aerodrome, NN13 5YD Price Member - £213, Non-Member - £233 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**

  • Caring for your Gipsy Major - Basic Course | Light Aircraft Assoc

    Caring for your Gipsy Major - Basic Course Price Member - £213, Non-Member - £233 Duration Arrival 09:45. Finish 17:00. < Back About the Course Caring for your Gipsy Major course presented by acknowledged DH Gipsy engine aficionade, Dennis Neville. Dennis will explain the ins and outs of these vintage aircraft engines and solve those starting difficulties. Your Instructor Dennis Neville Dates TBC Times Arrival 09:45. Finish 17:00. Duration One day course Venue LAA HQ, Turweston Aerodrome, NN13 5YD Price Member - £213, Non-Member - £233 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**

  • Permit Aircraft Electrics - Advanced Course | Light Aircraft Assoc

    Permit Aircraft Electrics - Advanced Course Price Member - £224, Non-Member - £244 (includes printed course material) Duration Arrival 09:00. Finish 17:00. < Back About the Course The Basics course covers simple DC theory and concentrates on the practical aspects of installing a basic permit aircraft electrical system. The course explains how to interpret a ‘typical’ permit aircraft electrical systems diagram and for every element, explains how to size, select and source components and then how to practically install them. This Advanced course builds on the Basics course by providing more detail about component selection and options and the use of integrated power management systems within permit aircraft. The course takes the simple systems design introduced in the Basics course and explores options for creating more complex electrical systems including the use of dual and essential system bus bars. The course introduces fault tolerant design considerations, thus allowing attendees to consider safety and fault analysis in their own designs. As a tool for understanding this aspect of the course, it will take an introductory look into the requirements of electrical systems for those wishing to fly their aircraft under IFR. What this course will try to do is: Explain power generation and distribution options in a light aircraft More advanced consisderations into component selection Discuss circuit protection devices and systems Explain failure modes and reliability issues Introduce interference and EMC issues Show correct grounding and screening techniques Provide you with the knowledge to plan an installation and create the necessary documentation Warn about the ‘gotcha’ areas and the things to look out for What the course will not do is: Turn you overnight into an expert Enable you to fault find on an undocumented aircraft installation Delve inside avionics boxes It will be useful, but not essential, for people to have previously attended the Basic course. In order to make the best of this course, if you have not attended the basics course, you will need to understand basic DC theory; Ohms Law and the Power Law. Please note that this course is primarily a classroom based course, as you will already have the practical skills you need, which are covered in the basics course. Your Instructor Mark Castle-Smith Dates TBC Times Arrival 09:00. Finish 17:00. Duration One day course Venue LAA HQ, Turweston Aerodrome, NN13 5YD Price Member - £224, Non-Member - £244 (includes printed course material) 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 Aircraft Association Ltd, Turweston Aerodrome, Nr Brackley, Northamptonshire, NN13 5YD

Registered in England & Wales

Company No: 00606312

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