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< Back LAA appoints new CEO 22 Feb 2023 “This is my dream role and I can’t wait to get started!” Simon Tilling has been appointed as the new CEO of the Light Aircraft Association. He will start in his new role in mid-April. Simon brings to the Association a wealth of leadership, general management and customer service experience gained in the technology sector including ‘blue chip’ brands such as Dell and Sony, together with a passion for sport and recreational aviation. Simon is an experienced pilot who has owned various LAA types, including one of the UK’s oldest Taylorcraft Auster aircraft. He’s also a former British Air Racing champion and was from 2020 to 2022 the chairman of the Royal Aero Club ‘3Rs’ committee for races, records and rallies, during which time he regenerated the appeal of air racing to new participants. Eryl Smith, Chairman of the LAA said “I am delighted to announce Simon’s appointment as CEO of the LAA and look forward to working with him to further improve the performance and standing of the Association on behalf of our members.” Next Previous

< Back MTD-06-2024 Issue 2 - Pietenpol Air Camper Wing Rear Strut Internal Corrosion 24 Jul 2026 MTD-06-2024 Issue 2 – Pietenpol Air Camper Wing Rear Strut Internal Corrosion Issue 1 of this MTD, issued in 2024, required inspection of the rear 'Jim Wills' type struts for corrosion, replacement of any corroded struts, and the drilling of a single drain hole in the end cap of each strut. MTD-06-2024 Issue 2 supersedes Issue 1 and introduces revised drain hole requirements based on feedback from the field. Aircraft fitted with Jim Wills rear wing struts must have the struts inspected for internal and external corrosion. For aircraft that have not previously complied with Issue 1, the requirements of Issue 2 must be completed before next flight. For aircraft that have already complied with Issue 1, the additional requirements introduced in Issue 2 must be completed by 31st December 2027. Please refer to the MTD-06-2024 Issue 2 document for full applicability, aircraft identification guidance, and compliance requirements. This MTD can be found HERE and is also available below. 20260724 - MTD-06-2024 - Pietenpol Air Camper Struts Issue 2.docx .pdf Download PDF • 924KB Next Previous

< Back MTD-05-2024 - Jabiru Distributor Caps - Issue 2 23 Jul 2025 MTD-05-2024 - Jabiru Distributor Caps - has been upissued to Issue 2 today. This MTD can be found HERE and is also available below. On 10th July 2024, LAA Engineering published Issue 1 of MTD-05-2024. This was published due to apparent variations in the design of the distributor caps and rotor arms on Jabiru 2200 engines, which meant that, in some cases, there was insufficient clearance between the rotor arm and centre boss of the distributor cap, causing the contact button of the distributor cap to be flattened against its range of travel by the rotor arm, which causes extremely accelerated wear leading to ignition issues and potential engine failures. Today, Issue 2 of MTD-05-2024 has been issued, superseding Issue 1. Issue 1 of MTD-05-2024 detailed a method for ensuring sufficient clearance between the centre boss of the distributor cap and the rotor arm. This method has now been superseded by Jabiru’s Service Bulletin JSL050. LAA MTD-05-2024 Jabiru distributor cap Iss 2 .pdf Download PDF • 294KB Next Previous

< Back New LAA Inspector - Tomas del Carpio 15 Aug 2025 We are pleased to welcome Tomas del Carpio as a new LAA Inspector, having attended an LAA Inspector Assessment Day at Turweston recently. Living in the historic village of the former RAF Upper Heyford base, aviation is a part of Tomas’ life even outside of my daily job of restoring and maintaining vintage and modern light aircraft. He has been in the aircraft maintenance industry since 2008 but the age range of aircraft. He has worked on spans more than a century of aviation history. From helping to restore an original AVRO 504 to carrying out advanced composite carbon fibre repairs on a Diamond DA42, his experience covers a broad and diverse spectrum of aircraft types and technologies - both certified and non-certified. Whether it’s performing an engine change on a King Air in the dusty heat of Malta or changing a tyre on a stranded PA-28 in a muddy field in Kent, He has encountered a wide variety of challenges and learned something valuable from each one. Tomas is always happy to help and share his knowledge and experience whether it’s offering technical advice over the phone or getting hands-on with something more involved. Next Previous

< Back LAA Rally 2025 - Landing Slots now Live! 6 Aug 2025 The slot booking system is now live. Slot bookings can be booked and purchased via the Eventbrite website. The Pilot Notes for the LAA Rally at Leicester Fri 29 Aug-Sun 31 August can be found here . Next Previous

< Back MTD-06-2025 published - Europa Tailplane Torque Tube Mod Failure 16 Dec 2025 Ref: LAA Mandatory Technical Directive MTD-06-2025 – Europa Tailplane Torque Tube Clamp Mod 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. These clamps are intended to prevent relative movement between the tailplane torque tube, the tailplane drive plates and the central drive horn, on which the mass balance arm is mounted. Failure of these clamps could allow free play to develop, potentially leading to taper pin hole damage, tailplane flutter, or jamming of the pitch control mechanism. An inspection must be carried out within the next 5 flying hours to determine whether MOD 10623 is fitted. If MOD 10623 clamps are fitted, making use of a light source and mirror as necessary, inspect the alloy clamp blocks for any signs of cracking (in particular along the sharp corner between the bolt flanges and main body), for any signs of looseness or relative movement between the parts and for any other abnormalities. If any of these are detected, the aircraft must not be flown and LAA Engineering must be contacted. This must be repeated at intervals not exceeding 25 flight-hours or the next Permit revalidation inspection, whichever occurs first, for as long as MOD 10623 remains fitted. Please refer to the below Mandatory Technical Directive for full details, compliance times, and certification requirements. This MTD can be found HERE and is also available below. MTD-06-2025 - Europa Tailplane Torque Tube Mod Failure .pdf Download PDF • 259KB 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

Rotax Fuel Injected 912 iS / 915 iS Installation & Operation Price Member - £224, Non-Member - £244 Duration Arrival 09:30. Finish 17:00. < Back About the Course With the growth of interest in the fuel-injected Rotax 912 and 915 iS series engines, it has become apparent that there is a lot of confusion and misunderstanding about the installation and operation of these engines and the way that the latest built-in systems work. Electronics and Rotax iRMT certified engineer, John Barrott, was an early installer of a 912iS and found it difficult to find accurate information on best practice. Working with UK Rotax agents CFS and LAA Engineering, John has built up a comprehensive understanding of the iS engines and has developed a course around this to provide help and advice on the installation and operation of this new generation of aero engines. The course is classroom (not workshop) based. Your Instructor John Barrott Dates Saturday 24th October 2026 Times Arrival 09:30. Finish 17:00. Duration One day course Venue LAA HQ, Turweston Aerodrome, NN13 5YD Price Member - £224, Non-Member - £244 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**

< Back MTD-06-2026 - Vixxen Forward Wing Attachment Reinforcement 14 Aug 2026 LAA Mandatory Technical Directive MTD-06-2026 Issue 1 has been issued today, relating to the inspection and reinforcement of the forward wing attachments of A-32 Vixxen and A-32-M Vixxen aircraft operating on an LAA Permit to Fly with Aeroprakt serial numbers up to and including #370 , which have accumulated 3000 flight hours or more. In December 2025, Aeroprakt issued Service Bulletin SB A32-25 to address cracking in the spar wall (web) and in the reinforcing plate near the forward wing attachment fitting, which, according to Aeroprakt, may lead to the disintegration of the aircraft in flight. Given the severe consequence identified in the Service Bulletin, this MTD is raised to mandate the reinforcement of the forward wing attachment fittings as described in SB A32-25 for aircraft within the applicable serial number range, which have accumulated 3000 flight hours or more. For aircraft in the affected serial number range which have not accumulated 3000 flight hours, the reinforcement remains a recommendation in line with SB A32-25. Please refer to the MTD below for full applicability, aircraft identification guidance, and compliance requirements. MTD-06-2026 - Vixxen Foward Wing Attachment Reinforcement .pdf Download PDF • 147KB SB-A32-25 - Reinforcement of forward wing attachment fittings .pdf Download PDF • 1.22MB Next Previous

< Back The importance of airfield location 12 Feb 2024 The first results of a survey conducted by the new Strategic Airfield Network (SAN) indicate that location is the number one reason airfields consider themselves important. For more information, head to the Flyer article below: https://flyer.co.uk/location-location-location-airfields-are-important/ Next Previous

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Latest News 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 10 Dec 2025 LAA Alert A-13-2025 - CZAW SportCruiser Nose-Leg Failures Alert to highlight the issue of CZAW SportCruiser Nose-Leg Failures Read More 5 Dec 2025 MTD-05-2025 Issue 2 published - Eurofox Rudder Pedals MTD-05-2025 Issue 2 published - Eurofox Rudder Pedals Read More 4 Dec 2025 MTD-04-2025 Issue 3 - Rans Control Linkage Rod End Connector Safety Washers MTD-04-2025 upissued to Issue 3 to amend the specification of the metal washers that must used to replace plastic washers. Read More 4 Dec 2025 New LAA Inspector - Gary Priestley Introducing new LAA Inspector - Gary Priestley Read More