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 & Balance Examples

Modifying & Repairing Aircraft One of the main features of the LAA system is that modifications and repairs can be approved with significantly reduced costs compared with aircraft on Certificates of Airworthiness, where applicants would need to deal with the CAA or EASA. Since the engineering team are all ‘little aircraft’ experts, it is usually a straight-forward job to approve many types of change. Of course, with many of our members being so creative, sometimes the job takes a little more time and thought to approve! View current mod/repair application queue Modifcation Type Description Further Details Application Form Application Fee Category Changes Applications to change an aircraft’s category from a microlight to a ‘Group A’ aircraft (and vice versa) are allocated a modification number to record the change. If an engine or propeller change is required at the same time, then an application must be made as noted above. N/A LAA/ MOD 10 £206 Engine & Propeller Changes These are treated as Prototype or Repeat modifications, unless they appear on the PTL list for the type. Technical Leaflet TL 3.02 LAA/MOD 4 and LAA/MOD 5 * See below Avionics Installations These are not considered modifications, but in order to fulfil their legal obligations, owners are required to keep LAA up-to-date should radio details alter. A special system exists for the approval of radio changes that is separate from other modifications. Technical Leaflet TL 3.03 LAA/MOD 7 No charge for radio/transponder installations, but a £31 fee is chargeable for certified ADS-B Out applications STCs Where a change has previously been approved by means of a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), LAA Engineering then only needs to investigate any installation/compatibility issues rather than the change itself. N/A LAA/MOD 13 £52 The Trivial Change Sometimes a change is so trivial that no application is required and there is no need to inform the Engineering department. Technical Leaflet TL 3.10 N/A N/A Manufacturers' Modifications Kit manufacturers and plans suppliers often have long lists of optional modifications that can be fitted and during the lifetime of a type product improvements are introduced. Generally, LAA-accepted optional items are listed on the TADS for the type. N/A N/A N/A The Standard Modification This is a modification that is very well defined and is applicable to a particular aircraft or engine type or types. Members may nominate new Standard Modifications using form LAA/MOD 9; however, LAA Engineering may choose to convert popular Repeat modifications into Standard Modifications. Technical Leaflet TL 3.06 LAA/MOD 1 Variable, see individual mods for details The Repeat Modification A modification that has already been approved on one aircraft as a Prototype modification. Note that a Repeat modification must identically replicate the original Prototype modification including fasteners and positions of parts and should generally be on the same aircraft type as the original. Technical Leaflet TL 3.07 and TL 3.17 LAA/MOD 11 * See below The Prototype ("normal") Modification This is a normal modification application made in the usual way and is applicable only to the aircraft for which the application is made. Technical Leaflet TL 3.01 LAA/MOD 2 and LAA/MOD3 * See below * All prototype modifications (including engine and propeller changes) attract a minimum fee of £103 which covers up to two hours' work; all repeat modifications (including engine and propeller changes) attract a minimum fee of £52 which covers up to one hour's work. Thereafter, work is charged at £57/hour in either case. See the relevant Technical Leaflet for the type of modification for further details. To access the Technical Leaflets, MOD forms and Standard Modifications described above, click one of the buttons below: Technical Leaflets on Modifications & Repairs LAA MOD Forms Standard Modifications

For Single Engine Piston Assistance (SSEA) Tel: 01280 846 786 - LAA [email protected] For Self Launching Motor Glider Assistance (SLMG) Tel: 0116 289 2956 - BGA [email protected] For Microlight Assistance (M) Tel: 01869 338 888 -- BMAA [email protected] Applications received by the LAA Please allow 5 working days for your SSEA / SLMG application to be processed by the LAA. If you wish to check on the progress of your application, look at the Current Applications Page or contact LAA on 01280 846 786. For the issue of your licence contact CAA licencing department on 01293 567 171 Website links: LAA - BMAA - BGA -CAA Help and Contacts

Light Aviation Magazine 2022 Click on the links below to open each issue of Light Aviation Magazine from 2022 January 2022 April 2022 July 2022 October 2022 February 2022 May 2022 August 2022 November 2022 March 2022 June 2022 September 2022 December 2022

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 Courses 2025 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 Working with Composites - Basic Course This course involves plenty of hands-on practice as you learn the skills of working with epoxy resin and the correct use of a variety of woven cloths and mats. Also covered is the selection of materials. Read More Aircraft Fabric Covering Course This is a hands-on course, not a lecture, so you will be working with the tools and materials, learning the required skills and you will undoubtedly surprise yourself by how quickly you begin to pick things up! 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 Working with Aluminium - Basic Course This course involves building a Van’s toolbox. The build process is specifically designed to teach you drilling, de-burring, dimpling and riveting by various methods. Also, you get to take your toolbox home with you! 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

Latest News 17 Jun 2025 Gyroplanes to join the new online Permit Revalidation System Homebuilt & Factory-Built Gyroplanes to join the new online Permit Revalidation System on 22nd July 2025! Read More 12 Jun 2025 Alert A-04-2025 - Jabiru Flywheel Bolts LAA Alert published to highlight the Installation Procedure, Torque Checks and Replacement Interval for Flywheel Attachment Bolts on aircraft equipped with Jabiru 2200, 3300 and 5100 engines, and withdrawal of LAA Alert AWA/20/15 Read More 12 Jun 2025 Alert A-05-2025 - Alpi Pioneer 300 - Inspection of Undercarriage Components for Cracking and Corrosion LAA Alert published to highlight corrosion issues on Pioneer 300 & Pioneer 300 Hawk undercarriages Read More 12 Jun 2025 Alert A-06-2025 - Christen Eagle II Canopy Detachment LAA Alert published to highlight a recent Christen Eagle II Canopy detachment in flight due to damage of the canopy locking pin brackets Read More 11 Jun 2025 Radio Operators Certificate of Competence The CAA plans to introduce a renewal process for the ROCC in August 2025. Read More 11 Jun 2025 CAA Licencing Update The final legislation has not yet come into force. Read More 6 Jun 2025 Aerobatics Course bursary for LAA Members!!! Aerobatics Course bursary for LAA Members!!! Read More 6 Jun 2025 MTD-02-2025 issued - Mission M108 Nose Leg Failures A new Mandatory Technical Directive due to recent Mission M108 nose leg failures Read More 6 Jun 2025 Engineering updates in May Updates from the Engineering Team in May Read More 30 May 2025 LAA Rally Camping Permits on Sale! You can now buy your camping permit in advance! Read More 30 May 2025 Armstrong / Isaacs Bursary 2025 Winners of the 2025 Armstrong / Isaacs Bursary. Congratulations to Calvin, Tom and Simon Read More 6 May 2025 Engineering updates in April Updates from the Engineering Team in April Read More 11 Apr 2025 Engineering updates in February and March Updates from the Engineering Team in February and March Read More 9 Apr 2025 The New Permit Revalidation System - Step-by-Step Guide Watch our 'Online Permit Revalidation Explained' video for a step-by-step guide on how to complete the online Permit Revalidation Process Read More 31 Mar 2025 New LAA Inspector - Andrew Williams Introducing new LAA Inspector - Andrew Williams Read More 20 Mar 2025 New Permit Revalidation System Announcement Announcement of the new Permit to Fly revalidation system, coming on 15th April... Read More 1 Mar 2025 LAA Alert published for Gen 4’ Jabiru 2200 and 3300 engines LAA Alert published to highlight a Jabiru Service Bulletin requiring replacement of the pistons of certain ‘Gen 4’ Jabiru engine types 2200 and 3300 Read More 1 Mar 2025 LAA Alert for some models of Rotax Engines LAA Alert published to highlight a recent Service Bulletin published by Rotax regarding the inspection and/or replacement of the crankcase and/or gearbox housing on affected engines. Read More 28 Feb 2025 The New Permit Revalidation System A brief introduction to the new Permit Revalidation System, which will be introduced in April Read More 14 Feb 2025 LAA Alert - FAA issues AD for Piper rudder posts FAA releases AD for mandatory changes of certain rudder posts Read More 5 Feb 2025 Engineering updates in January Updates from the Engineering Team in January Read More 4 Feb 2025 Airworthiness Coordinator wanted at LAA HQ An exciting opportunity to join the team at LAA HQ as an Airworthiness Coordinator Read More 14 Jan 2025 Mandatory Technical Directive issued for many Zenair types New Mandatory Technical Directive published regarding 'Inspection of horizontal stabiliser (tailplane) attachment brackets and associated hardware for cracks, looseness and other forms of distress' Read More 2 Jan 2025 Engineering updates in December Updates from the Engineering Team in December Read More 23 Dec 2024 Replica De Havilland DH71 Tiger Moth Racer takes to the air Steve Jones’ replica DH71 Tiger Moth Racer made a highly successful maiden flight on 26th November, piloted by Steve himself. Read More 18 Dec 2024 LAA Alert for Rotax 900 series engines regarding the oil spray nozzle Alert to highlight issues with a blocked oil spray nozzle in some Rotax 900 series engines Read More 13 Dec 2024 New LAA Alert for all Rotax 900 series engines Alert to highlight recent issues with loose engine mount bolts on Rotax 900 series engines Read More 6 Dec 2024 Mandatory Technical Directive issued for Eurofox aircraft Immediate mandatory inspection of the trim cable system on all Eurfoxes & replacement by 1st June 2025 if old-style clevises are fitted Read More 6 Dec 2024 Engineering updates in October and November Updates from the Engineering Team in October and November Read More 3 Dec 2024 New Head of Continuing Airworthiness and Inspection The LAA is very pleased to announce that Lucy Wootton has been appointed as the new Head of Continuing Airworthiness and Inspection Read More

< Back Alert A-05-2025 - Alpi Pioneer 300 - Inspection of Undercarriage Components for Cracking and Corrosion 12 Jun 2025 LAA Alert A-05-2025 - Alpi Pioneer 300 - Inspection of Undercarriage Components for Cracking and Corrosion LAA Alert A-05-2025 has been published on the LAA website (and is also attached), highlighting Alpi Pioneer 300 and 300 Hawk aircraft that have suffered different malfunctions and failures of various components that make up the undercarriage. This Alert strongly recommends a close inspection of the undercarriage at 25-hour intervals for corrosion and cracking, as well as a retraction check, to verify that the retraction system components remained correctly adjusted, to avoid undercarriage collapse due to the mechanism not being adequately over-centre when extended. A-05-2025 - Alpi Pioneer 300 Landing Gear Corrosion .pdf Download PDF • 204KB Next Previous

< Back Alert A-04-2025 - Jabiru Flywheel Bolts 12 Jun 2025 LAA Alert A-04-2025 - Jabiru Flywheel Bolts LAA Alert A-04-2025 has been published on the LAA website (and is also attached), highlighting the Installation Procedure, Torque Checks and Replacement Interval for Flywheel Attachment Bolts on aircraft equipped with Jabiru 2200, 3300 and 5100 engines, and withdrawal of LAA Alert AWA/20/15. With the advice in JSB-012 (Issue 9 onward) having been promulgated by Jabiru, LAA has withdrawn Alert AWA/20/15, which means that provided the advice in JSB-012 Issue 9 or subsequent is followed, along with regular bolt torque checks at every 100 hours and annual check as called for in the Engine Maintenance Manual, the recommended bolt life is as stated in the Engine Maintenance Manual (currently 500 hrs). For LAA aircraft having the flywheel bolts replaced, or torque checked, the work must be overseen and signed-for by a suitably approved LAA Inspector. Engine logbook entries must be made and certified with a PMR statement referencing JSB-012 in the logbook white pages, as well as an entry in the logbook pink pages (or equivalent method for tracking continued airworthiness compliance). A-04-2025 - Jabiru Flywheel Bolts .pdf Download PDF • 202KB Next Previous

< Back CAA Licencing Update 11 Jun 2025 ** The final legislation has not yet come into force and we’ll provide more comprehensive details when we have confirmation of the actual legislation (hopefully late July) that has gone to Parliament ** Link to document can be found below: CAA Licencing update .pdf Download PDF • 459KB Next Previous

< Back Two new LAA Inspectors appointed 28 Sept 2023 Congratulations to our latest LAA Inspectors, Luke McMillan and Gareth Rutt. Luke and Gareth both came to LAA HQ at Turweston last Thursday for 'Induction, Examination and Interview Day' with our Chief Inspector, Lucy. We wish Luke and Gareth well as they start this exciting new chapter! Next Previous

< Back Engineering updates in January 5 Feb 2025 The following documents have been issued/updated in the Engineering 'Info Library' during January. Continuing airworthiness information : Mandatory Technical Directive 01-2025 - Zenair tailplane brackets TADS : Glasair Jabiru engine Pietenpol Aircamper Scottish Aviation Bulldog Zenair CH 750 Cruzer Miscellaneous: Links to the relevant Technical Leaflets and forms added to the Night/IFR section Next Previous