LAA are proud to announce our Rally 2025 sponsors General Information Event Opening Hours 9.30am – 5.00pm each day (Fri & Sat) 9.30am – 4.00pm (Sun) Fly-In Instructions Up to date fly-in instructions will be displayed here in the run up to the event. Please check before you fly for the latest instructions. Camping Camping facilities providing basic amenities including hot showers will be available on site. There is ample ground for caravans and motorhomes. The site will be up and running from Thursday afternoon and will close early on Monday morning. Camping passes can be bought in advance via the LAA Shop . In addition to catering provision on the exhibition site, evening food and a bar will be available on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings with entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings, provided by Leicestershire Aero Club. Parking Please follow the signs to the designated free Rally Car parks. Designated parking will be signed for Disabled and Exhibitor users. You must display a Blue Badge if using Disabled Parking areas - any car without a Blue Badge will be asked to move to the main parking area. All emergency access ways must be kept clear. Please ensure you are familiar with the routes and do not block with vehicles or stock. Please do not block emergency gates onto the airfield. You must ensure that you keep the roadway clear for all other users. Dogs We understand that many visitors wish to bring their dogs with them, we welcome dogs on site. However, as this is an operational airfield, all dogs MUST BE KEPT ON A LEAD when on any part of the site. Dogs are not allowed in the aircraft parking areas. Please ensure you pick up after your dog. Anyone caught allowing their dog to foul without picking up will be asked to remove the dog from site. All dogs must have an identity tag with contact tel no on. WiFi Should you require WiFi, then please bring your own supply. Please be aware that due to the remote location of the airfield, WiFi reception can be unreliable. Water TBC Waste We operate a clean site policy and therefore all exhibitors, visitors and traders should remove their own rubbish from their pitch. A skip will be provided on site for cardboard and general rubbish. No electrical or hazardous materials should be disposed of in the skip. Toilets & Shower Facilities Toilets will be provided in the exhibition site, in the aircraft park and on the campsite, together with hot shower facilities. First Aid First Aid cover is provided by an external third party for the duration of the event. In the event of an emergency, please contact them or a member of Leicester Airfield staff. Fire Fire Marshals will be in attendance and should be contacted in the unlikely event of fire. Please ensure all flammable materials are kept away from possible sources of ignition. Dispose of any rubbish in the skips provided. No naked flames are allowed on any exhibition stand or trading stand. Security Regular patrols are carried out by our contracted security staff. e-Scooters No e-Scooters are permitted on site.

LAA are proud to announce our Rally 2025 sponsors Camping and Accommodation Camping passes, which cover the duration of your stay, are available to purchase in advance at a cost of £55 or upon arrival, at a cost of £65 . Camping permits are available now via our online LAA shop. Last date available to buy camping passes is Wednesday 20th of August Camping facilities, providing basic amenities, including hot showers will be available on site. There is ample ground for caravans and mobile homes. The campsite will be open from midday Thursday 28th August and close on Monday morning 1st September. Please note entry to the Rally Exhibition Site is charged separately. Prices are for the duration of your stay. On site catering and bar will be available in the Exhibition area during event opening hours and evening food, bar and entertainment will be provided by Leicestershire Aero Club in the evenings.

LAA are proud to announce our Rally 2025 sponsors Other Attractions The LAA Leicester Rally 2025 opens on Friday 29th August at 9.30 am and closes at 4pm on Sunday 31st August. Aircraft Park – Over 600 aircraft, dependent upon the weather are expected to fly-in over the 3 days of the Rally Airside access - a unique opportunity to inspect the aircraft and chat with the owners Large trade-exhibition: everything from a nut and bolt to an aircraft kit Aircraft Covering Display LAA Team present throughout the weekend Pilot Coaching Scheme coaches available to give advice Flea Market: Sell those unwanted parts or buy yourself a bargain! Speakers Corner: Seminars by keynote speakers throughout the weekend Strut Members' Area Outside catering including bar: Selection of fast-food and beverage outlets including bar and ice cream van; seating area Evening Bar, Food and Entertainment provided by Leicestershire Aero Club On-site campsite GASCo's Aircraft Competition LAA Education and Hands on Skills information and advice Full range of LAA clothing and merchandise

LAA are proud to announce our Rally 2025 sponsors Entrance Fees All fly-in slot bookings for the event are available via the Eventbrite (coming soon) booking website. Member and public entrance tickets can be bought in advance via the LAA Shop. There is free car parking and provision for disabled parking on site. For those arriving by road, Leicester Airfield is easily reached from the north and southwest via J21 on the M1; A563 Sth Leicester Bypass to B582 Gartree Road. Routes from the East and South East via A47 and A6. No dogs are allowed airside BY AIR One landing fee of £10.00 covers a single landing and stay of up to three days and camping by your aircraft. Pilots and accompanying passengers will also need to purchase individual entry tickets to the Rally - available via the LAA Shop . If flying in, you will need to book a slot. PLEASE NOTE ANY FURTHER LANDINGS WILL BE CHARGED. (Local evening flying will be available and not charged) Members : INCLUDES AIRSIDE ACCESS £25 (for all 3 days) LAA, BMAA and BRA members - Please bring proof of membership by way of showing your receipt or mobile phone with membership details. More details on how to find this will be emailed to all members nearer the time. Non-Members £25 for One Day Ticket (does not include airside access) Special Offer!!! Non Member Three Day Ticket (including airside access) for £50. This offer is available until 31st July 2025. Non-Members AIRSIDE ACCESS £15 for One Day Ticket Children 16 and under go free.

LAA Rally 2025 "Inspired to Fly" LAA are proud to announce our Rally 2025 sponsors We are pleased to announce that the LAA Rally will be held in conjunction with Leicestershire Aero Club at Leicester Airfield on 29th-31st August 2025. Are you interested in sponsoring the event or advertising in the Weekend Show Guide? OR Do you want to display your aircraft project in the Homebuilders tent? Contact Nancy Lillington at [email protected] WELCOME TO THE LAA 2025 RALLY FLY-IN ENTRANCE FEES GENERAL INFORMATION FLYING IN & BOOKING A LANDING SLOT (COMING SOON) CAMPING & ACCOMMODATION EXHIBITOR INFORMATION OPENING TIMES & CAR PARKING OTHER ATTRACTIONS TROPHIES & AWARDS

LAA are proud to announce our Rally 2025 sponsors Opening Times & Car Parking Opening Times Visitors will be asked to leave the exhibition area by 5.00 p.m. Friday: 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Saturday: 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Sunday: 9.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Car Park Car parking remains free. Follow sign posts to visitors car park. Please do not use the Exhibitor car park. Disabled parking is available. Please note that entrance to the LAA Rally car park and exhibition site is separate from the Leicestershire Aero Club entrance (reserved for LAC members and other airfield users) How to get there Leicester Airfield , Gartree Road, Leicester, LE2 2FG Follow the Rally Car Park Signs What3words Location: rings.using.nails

LAA are proud to announce our Rally 2025 sponsors Trophies & Awards A number of prestigious Trophies and Awards are judged at the Rally, recognising the many superbly built and restored aircraft that attend. If you would like to enter your aircraft for judging you can do so on arrival. The judging team will be co-located with booking-in. You can, however, download and complete the entry form (coming soon) beforehand. The list of the awards and the judging guidelines can be found here (coming soon) . Awards are only made to the owners of the aircraft and it is the aircraft that is being judged for the workmanship. Factory built aircraft less than 35 years old are not eligible. The judging team will ensure you are in all competitions for which you are eligible. The judges sometimes have difficulty finding an aircraft. Owners are therefore urged to download the free`What3Words’ app and use it to show their aircraft’s location when registering. All pilots who wish their aircraft to be judged are asked to display to the marshallers the large J found here . They will then direct you, if possible, to a convenient parking space. Please leave the 'J' visible in the windscreen to help the judges find your aircraft. Judging takes place from 13:30 to 17:00 on the Saturday; therefore, all entries must be received by 13:00 on Saturday.

LAA are proud to announce our Rally 2025 sponsors The 2025 LAA Rally will take place at Leicester Airfield over the three days Friday 29th to Sunday 31st August. We are excited to be working with Leicestershire Aero Club to host the event at Leicester Airfield. The weekend will focus on the fly-in and social elements of our annual event; provide the opportunity to see a wide range of exhibitors, hear from industry experts in our Speakers Corner programme of talks, get hands-on skills experience in the Homebuilders marquee; meet our LAA team, purchase LAA merchandise and relax in the Struts & Clubs stand. We are reverting to our traditional exhibition layout which provides for a series of marquees housing all the LAA activities; indoor exhibitor space and our homebuilders exhibits. Outside provides the space for larger displays and we will look forward to showcasing manufacturers and distributors of a wide range of the latest aircraft types from across the LAA fleet. The Speakers Corner marquee, will host a varied programme of talks throughout the weekend, including an open Q&A session each day with CEO, Simon Tilling. Members will have free access to the aircraft park, with access available at an additional charge to non-members enabling everyone to get up close to inspect the wide range of aircraft attending the Rally. The exhibition site will host a wide selection of food choices, a full bar and ice cream van during the daytime whilst evening entertainment, food and bar will be provided by Leicestershire Aero Club. There will be free car parking and on site campsite. We look forward to seeing you at Leicester! Introduction

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 NEW PERMIT REVALIDATION SYSTEM: CLICK HERE FOR HOW TO REVALIDATE A PERMIT TO FLY 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

Modification & Repair Worklist Below is a list of modification and repair applications that are awaiting review by our engineers. The top of each list represents the next one in that list to be reviewed. Each engineer's workload is listed separately - engineers also have tasks that are not mods and repairs. New applications received in the last week are not shown and will be added to the relevant engineer's list shortly after allocation (allocation usually takes place each Tuesday). The lists are not currently real time, but will be updated at least weekly. Note that we operate a priority system that aims to put jobs involving accidentally grounded aircraft ahead of longer term projects - new or returning tasks may therefore be added above existing tasks. (last updated 01/07/25) Engineer A Applications under review Applications awaiting review (top of list is next to be reviewed) 16116 TRUTRAK GTX PILOT DUAL AXIS AUTO-PILOT INSTALLATION VANS RV-9A 1485 FUEL SEEPAGE FROM AROUND FUEL INTAKE FLANGE TL2000 UK STING CARBON S4 12185 LARGER NOSEWHEEL AND MODIFIED NOSEWHEEL FORK VANS RV-9A 13152 INSTALLATION OF CENTRAL CONSOLE VANS RV-9A 16221 REPLACE EXISTING TYRES WITH LARGER TYRES VANS RV-9A 11368 BEAM TYPE ENGINE MOUNT FOR WALTER MICRON 3 CHILTON DW.1A 16220 SPRUCE 4 PUSH BUTTON FLAP SYSTEM VANS RV-9A 13289 SPAR JOINING PLATES MATERIAL CHANGE TO 4130N CHILTON DW.1A 16601 HYDRAULIC HEEL BRAKES WOLF W-11 BOREDOM FIGHTER 13289 SPAR JOINING PLATES MATERIAL CHANGE TO 4130N CHILTON DW.1A 16679 ADDITION OF DUAL AXIS DYNON AUTOPILOT QUICKIE TRI-Q 200 16682 ELEVATOR DOWN FORCE SYSTEM SLING 4 TSI 15724 ELECTRIC WING FLAP ACTUATION WITTMAN W8 TAILWIND 16668 TUNED-LENGTH EXHAUST & SILENCER INSTALLATION JODEL DR1051 (MODIFIED) Engineer B Applications under review 16568 RV6A (NOSE WHEEL) TO RV6 (TAIL WHEEL) VANS RV-6A 16612 GYROPLANE WARNING SYSTEM ROTORSPORT UK CALIDUS 16535 INCREASE OF MAUW KLEMM L25C 16482 REVERSE ENGINEERING OF JAP J99 CYLINDER HEAD LUTON LA4A MINOR 15356 PSA 110 DIESEL INSTALLATION JODEL DR1051-M1 16627 ENGINE & PROPELLER UL POWER UL 350iS & DUC PAZMANY PL-2 16630 SPLIT AXLE WISHBONE WITH INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION STAAKEN Z-2 FLITZER Applications awaiting review (top of list is next to be reviewed) 1516 TAILWHEEL MOUNTING ARM BROKEN COLIBRI MB2 15977 CHANGE OF AIRCRAFT COVERING MATERIAL RANS S6-ES 1521 UNDERCARRIAGE DRAG LINK BRACKET - PORT SIDE DRUINE D.31 TURBULENT 1451 PORT WING REPAIR RL 5A-XP SHERWOOD RANGER 1528 WING LEADING EDGE REPAIR BA SWALLOW 2 16591 FITMENT OF LEADING EDGE RIBLETS REPLICA PLANS SE5A 1447 AIRCRAFT UNDERSIDE TORN DHC-1 CHIPMUNK 22 (LYCOMING) 16502 IMPROVED TAILPLANE ATTACHMENT TO FUSELAGE ZENAIR CH 750 1371 BENT LOWER FUSELAGE TUBES AERONCA 7AC CHAMPION 16687 FITMENT OF ALASKA T3 SHOCK ABSORBING TAILWHEEL CHRISTEN EAGLE II 16632 AILERON STOPS VANS RV-9A Engineer C Applications under review Applications awaiting review (top of list is next to be reviewed) 16610 FUEL TESTING FOR UL91 APPROVAL VANS RV-8 16684 ADDITION OF AN ELECTRONICS INTERNATIONAL FT60 FLOWMETER QUICKIE TRI-Q 200 1401 REPAIR TO ELEVATOR DAMAGE AEROPRAKT A22 FOXBAT 16686 INSTALL CARMO CARR 5115 REGULATOR ON 912 & 914 SERIES ROTAX CZAW SPORTCRUISER 1402 CRACKS FOUND EXTENDING 2MM AFTER 2ND STOP DRILL AEROPRAKT A22 FOXBAT 16643 BENDIX/KING XCRUZE 110 AUTO-PILOT CONTROL HEAD INSTALLATION VANS RV-8 Engineer D Applications under review 16659 FIT MK4 CRICKET MAIN WHEELS EVERETT GYROPLANE SERIES 1 16660 BGL CONTROL STICK FIT EVERETT GYROPLANE SERIES 1 Applications awaiting review (top of list is next to be reviewed) Engineer E Applications under review Applications awaiting review (top of list is next to be reviewed) 16022 ELECTRICAL SUPPLY CHANGES TO LEBURG CHARGING & FUEL PUMP DRUINE D.31 TURBULENT 16001 INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP DRUINE D.31 TURBULENT 16341 PROPOSED ENGINE CHANGE TO 2180cc VW CONVERSION & EVANS VP-2 14942 E5 MOGAS - CONTINENTAL C-90 ENGINE LUSCOMBE 8E 16445 RIVETTED ALUMINIUM FUEL TANK EVANS VP-1 SERIES 2 16685 WING ROOT ATTACHMENT BRACKETS BUCKER BU133C Engineer C Applications under review New applications awaiting review 16610 FUEL TESTING FOR UL91 APPROVAL 16684 ADDITION OF AN ELECTRONICS INTERNATIONAL FT60 FLOWMETER 1401 REPAIR TO ELEVATOR DAMAGE 16686 INSTALL CARMO CARR 5115 REGULATOR ON 912 & 914 SERIES ROTAX 1402 CRACKS FOUND EXTENDING 2MM AFTER 2ND STOP DRILL 16643 BENDIX/KING XCRUZE 110 AUTO-PILOT CONTROL HEAD INSTALLATION Returning applications awaiting review 16610 FUEL TESTING FOR UL91 APPROVAL 1401 REPAIR TO ELEVATOR DAMAGE 1402 CRACKS FOUND EXTENDING 2MM AFTER 2ND STOP DRILL 16643 BENDIX/KING XCRUZE 110 AUTO-PILOT CONTROL HEAD INSTALLATION

LAA are proud to announce our Rally 2025 sponsors Exhibitor Information TERMS & CONDITIONS LAYOUT OUTSIDE PRICES BOOKING FORM LAYOUT INSIDE MARQUEE

LAA Staff CEO Simon Tilling Chief Executive Officer An enthusiastic and experienced private pilot, Simon Tilling has been flying for 10 years. In his words, “my wife bought me a trial flying lesson for my birthday. I went for the flight which was at Old Sarum, and that was it. I was hooked and it was ‘love at first flight’ you might say.” He has owned a wide variety of light aircraft in the years since, including a number of LAA types. A keen air-racer, Simon is also a former British Air Racing champion and from 2020 to 2022, was the chairman of the Royal Aero Club ‘3Rs’ committee for Races, Records and Rallies, during which time he regenerated the appeal of airracing to new participants. He currently enjoys flying his 1942 Taylorcraft Plus D/AOP 1, and a North American Navion. Simon also enjoys restoring 1970’s motorcycles and collects Airfix kits from his childhood. Simon began his career working in the telecoms industry, before eventually moving to a role as a services manager for Dell Computers, where he eventually became VP for services for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Upon leaving Dell, Simon helped run an outsourcing company before then becoming a contractor. In this role, he spent 10 years being parachuted in to companies to fix customer service issues, working on transformation projects, and rolling out new software implementation. Simon took over as the Light Aircraft Association’s Chief Executive in April 2023. Our Engineering Team Jon Viner Jon joined the LAA in 2008 as Deputy Chief Engineer, becoming Chief Technical Officer in 2022. Prior to the LAA, Jon was the Chief Technical Officer at the British Microlight Aircraft Assocation, where he learnt to fly flexwings. Before that, he began his career at British Aerospace at Filton (later Airbus UK) as an undergraduate/graduate apprentice and then as an Airworthiness Engineer on A330/A340 projects. Jon has a MEng in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Southampton University, is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and is a Chartered Engineer. Jon manages and oversees the Engineering Team. MEng CEng FRAeS Chief Technical Officer Lucy Wootton Lucy has an MEng (Hons) in Aeronautical Engineering from Loughborough University. Previously, she has worked for Rolls-Royce and as an Aircraft Structural Repair Design Engineer. She has been a BGA Glider Inspector since 2014 and is an ARC Signatory. Lucy began gliding in 2010 and is now a Full Category Instructor, as well as flying in competitions and organising events for young glider pilots, as a member of the UK Junior Gliding Development Team. She is currently a BGA Board Member. In 2016, Lucy started power flying with the help of an Air League scholarship. Lucy holds both a PPL(A) and an NPPL(A) and flies the tug at her gliding club - a Supermunk (Chipmunk modified). MEng(Hons) DIS DipHE MRAeS Head of Continuing Airworthiness & Inspection (Chief Inspector) Ben Syson Ben came to the LAA after spending 13 years working in the Technical Office at the British Microlight Aircraft Assocation (BMAA) and 11 years as BMAA Chief Technical Officer. His interest in aviation was spawned as a youngster reading Biggles books, and then seeing the Edwardian and WW1 aircraft at the Shuttleworth Collection. After graduating from Southampton University with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, he gained his PPL on weight-shift control Microlights. He now owns and flies a Pietenpol Air Camper. Ben’s favourite engineering area is aeroplane loads and structural analysis, and he enjoys dealing with the wide variety of different aircraft construction types in the LAA fleet. BEng(Hons) Head of Design Andy Draper Andy’s aviation interest stems from his Dad. The closest he came to flying was making model aircraft until a BAC apprenticeship enabled him to afford gliding lessons. After his apprenticeship, Andy worked in BAe’s production development department, specialising in non-metallic materials, which meant mostly working with glass, carbon and aramid fibres. This led to co-building and flying a Rutan Long-EZ. He then worked with composites in Milan, before returning to the UK to get his CPL and instructor ratings. He later worked for Europa Aircraft, heading up the technical team. In 2006, Andy joined the PFA/LAA as a Design Engineer, mostly investigating mods and repair applications and conducting check/test flights. Head of Flight Test Fiona Storer Fiona has over 30 years administration experience. She joined the Light Aircraft Association at the beginning of January 2009 and lives locally. Fiona started her career as an Office Junior on YTS (Youth Training Scheme) at 16. She has worked in various admin roles including book keeping, being Personal Assistant to the Managing Director of a Manufacturing Company and Office Manager/Personal Assistant to a specialist building firm. At the Light Aircraft Association, Fiona deals with telephone enquiries, paperwork relating to projects and first issues, modification, repairs, permits and process tracking, liaises closely with the CAA and deals with all general engineering secretarial and admin duties. . Engineering Administrator Adele Cooney Adele joined the Light Aircraft Association in November 2015. She deals with telephone enquiries, paperwork relating to permits, projects and first issues. Adele also liaises closely with the CAA and deals with all general engineering secretarial and administration duties. Adele is approved to sign off Permit to Fly revalidations, so if you own or operate an LAA aircraft, you will often hear from Adele if there are any queries regarding your Permit to Fly revalidation application. . Permit to Fly Revalidation Lead Miti Ghosh Miti’s interest in aviation sparked from the day she first sat on a plane that took her through her journey of building UAVs and other rotorcrafts to forming clubs promoting drone making and flying during her college days. Miti joined LAA as a Design Engineer in April 2023. She deals with the modifications, and repairs of most of the LAA fleet’s light aircraft including the first issues of the new home builds. Prior to the LAA, she worked in an eVTOL startup named Volador Flytech as an Aerospace Structures Engineer. Miti moved to England in 2021, this is when she completed her Master of Science in Aerospace Vehicle Design from Cranfield University. She also graduated from SRMIST with a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering. BTech MSc Design Engineer Cris Fernandez Cris knew he wanted a career in aviation from the day he fired up MS Flight Simulator 2004 on his grandfather’s computer. After countless virtual flight hours, Airfix models and RC plane flights, he moved to the UK to obtain a MEng in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Bristol. While at university, he grew closer to aviation by flying gliders and eventually gained his PPL on fixed-wing aircraft. He also obtained both British Skydiving and USPA skydiving licenses and led the university’s skydiving club for two years, organising training and jump days for members. Cris began his career at Boeing Defence as a System’s Safety Engineer on the Chinook programme. He joined the LAA in 2023, helping to keep the LAA fleet flying safely. MEng(Hons) Continuing Airworthiness Engineer Our Commercial Team Penny Sharpe Office Manager Penny spent most of her life in South America and West Africa before settling back in the UK in the mid 90’s. She joined the LAA in 1996 and as Office Manager her roles vary from overseeing running of the office, H&S and HR to Membership, events, NPPL, meetings, and the Rally. Part of Penny’s role is supporting our members, Struts, Pilot Coaches and the Board. Penny is also part of various LAA working groups. Her previous work varied from being a PA to a Headmaster to volunteering at Tiggywinkles. Penny has a son, a dog, a parrot and keeps tropical fish (in no particular order!). Jo Howard Tues - Thurs Office Administrator Jo joined the LAA in March 2013. She has over 30 years experience in the Secretarial/Admin field. She has previously worked as a PA to a Barrister, for Consultants in the NHS and spent 12 years in the world of education at the University of Southampton and at a Warwickshire Educational Charity. Jo works for both the Commercial and Engineering Departments. She enjoys helping LAA members with their queries and loves organizing the LAA annual rally. She lives locally and is married with two sons. Cheryl Routledge Office Administrator Cheryl has a long and varied working history in administration and office support for international corporates, real estate, training and a large local NHS health centre recently. She is a new addition to the LAA in 2023 and looks forward to meeting and supporting our members going forward. Cheryl moved to England from South Africa with her family, in 2019. She resides near Silverstone circuit and enjoys all things racing related – including British Superbike for which her son is a member of a local BSB team - and her husband is in the Formula 1 industry. Sheila Hadden Mon - Wed Office Administrator Sheila joined the LAA end of year 2003. She is responsible for the day to day running of the membership database. Her many duties include the general running of the LAA office, dealing with e-mails, as well as classified advertisements for Light Aviation magazine, the LAA Shop, the administration of NPPL and 'LAA Wings' applications, checking all online payments and inputting data into SAGE. Sheila lives locally, has two grown-up children and four young grandchildren. LAA Contractors Francis Donaldson Consultant Engineer Francis was the Chief Engineer for the LAA between 1990 and 2021, and led the Engineering Team during the massive expansion in both size and scope of the LAA fleet over that period. For more than 30 years, Francis was the man who recommended the issues of all Permits to Fly for newly constructed amateur built and restored vintage aircraft, as well as dealing with a great many modifications and repairs and overseeing the continued airworthiness of the LAA fleet. He has flown an example of many of the aircraft types approved by the LAA. Francis continues to support the LAA staff and members as an Engineering Consultant. An experienced homebuilder, restorer and aircraft owner himself, Francis continues to be part of the HQ team, write for the LAA magazine and to help ensure LAA members get the technical support they need to get off the ground safely. Ed Hicks Light Aviation Editor Ed joined the Popular Flying Association (now LAA) in 1992 as a teenager who loved flying, and completed his PPL in 1994. He was LAA Bristol Strut co-ordinator from 1998 to 2003, and has built two homebuilt Permit aircraft, a Van’s RV-6 (2000-2002) and an RV-8 (2012-2019). In 2020 he bought an RV-3B, and when time allows, can be found flying that, or a friend’s Piper Vagabond and RV-6 from Garston Farm and Wadswick airstrip. Working as an aviation photographer since 1996, Ed’s images have been published worldwide in a wide array of sport aviation magazines. Well known in the UK for his work with FLYER Magazine, Ed was Editor for over 100 issues until December 2021, when he made the switch to Editor at large. Following Brian Hope’s retirement from the role in late 2021, Ed took on the role of Editor of Light Aviation magazine for the LAA. Philip Johnston Advertising Sales Manager Phil has worked in advertising sales for over 30 years, he was Advertising Sales Manager on IATA's monthly 'Airlines Magazine' and its website. More recently he was Sales Manager at 'Aviation Business Middle East' where he was based in Dubai. He commented, 'I'm delighted to join the LAA and looking forward to meeting the members & helping companies with their advertising requirments.' He can be contacted on:- +44(0)7770 807035 or [email protected] . Dan Griffith Chief Test Pilot Dan Griffith joined the RAF at 18 and went to London University where he studied Aeronautical Engineering. He learned to fly on Bulldogs and Jet Provosts before gaining his pilot wings on the Hawk. Dan flew Harriers operationally, gaining over 1200 hours. In 1992 he went to the USAF Test Pilot course at Edwards Air Force Base. After Edwards he was posted to the Flight Research site at Bedford and then to Boscombe Down, where his main project was the futuristic fly-by-wire VAAC Harrier developing the next generation of Short Take-off and Vertical Landing aircraft. In 1996, Dan left the military to join the CAA as a civil Test Pilot. He was responsible for the Certification and Continued Airworthiness of aircraft ranging from the Airbus A380 to lighter aircraft, including many LAA types. He left the CAA in March 2007 and now works as an independent test pilot. Christine Carlin Head of Training After gaining my PPL, I obtained my CPL and Instructor rating and began my long and illustrious career as a Flight Instructor. I have now been instructing for over 23 years. I became a Director and the CFI for Sheffield Aero Club in 2004. I later attained my FAA CPL/IR and became a company pilot flying the Beech King Air. I am still an Instructor/Examiner at Netherthorpe. My interest in aviation was born as a young child when , my father being an Aircraft Engineer in the RAF, I spent most of my formative years surrounded by fast jets and going to airshows. I have had the joy to fly many different types of aircraft, including a fair amount of seaplane flying, and the excitement of being involved in the Royal Aero Club air racing as a navigator. Alex Harris National Coach Alex started his flying career in gliders in 2008, having been desperate to start flying since he was a small child flying, going for rides with his father to various fly-ins in a Rollason Condor G-BADM, which his father built! Since then, Alex has accumulated around 1,000 hours of silent flight. Alex became a Chief Flying Instructor, Tug Pilot, Examiner, National Advanced Aerobatic Champion and represented GB in international competitions and the World Aerobatic Championships. Moving into the power world, having come from a PFA then LAA family, Alex completed his ATPL at Stapleford Flight Centre and he is currently operating as a Captain/ Type Rating Instructor on the 737 in the U.K. He has owned and flown a variety of LAA aeroplanes and obtained his Display Authorisation for advanced aerobatics and formation. Nancy Lillington Project Event Manager Growing up close to Leicester Airport gave Nancy her passion for aviation, with a lot of her childhood watching airshows and listening to her Grandmother's stories of life in the RAF, with the Dambusters. Nancy is working towards her PPL and has flown several different aircraft from Piper Cubs to Chipmunks, Tiger Moths, helicopters, microlights and gliders. After graduating, Nancy lived all over the world, including Japan and Germany, working in various roles. These included the iconic Nürburgring, fuelling her passion for motorsport. Nancy has a varied career from a reporter at the Bangor Chronicle, Operational management for a vintage flying company and heading up charity, fundraising, marketing and events management roles. Outside of work, Nancy is a self-confessed adrenaline junkie, foodie and recently climbed Base Camp Everest. LAA Officers & Board of Directors Brian Davies - President Eryl Smith - Director & Chairman Simon Tilling - Director & CEO David Mole - Director & Company Secretary Charlotte Dadswell - Director Tim Hardy - Director Ian Sweetland - Director Chris Holliday - Director