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  • Items (All) | Light Aircraft Assoc

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

  • MTD-07-2026 - Vans Horizontal Stabiliser Attach Position - Issue 2 | Light Aircraft Assoc

    < Back MTD-07-2026 - Vans Horizontal Stabiliser Attach Position - Issue 2 25 Aug 2026 MTD-07-2026 Issue 2 Horizontal Stabiliser Forward Attach Bolt Position - Van’s SB 00134 Revision-1 MTD-07-2026 has been upissued to Issue 2 in order to align with the re-issue of Vans SB 00134 at Revision 1 on 22.8.26. This revision of the SB, and MTD-07-2026 Issue 2, allow a slightly further reduced spanwise edge margin on the outboard bolt holes to the ends of F-710B, providing the outboard bolt hole falls entirely within the width of the longeron’s flange. MTD-07-2026 also provides additional guidance in the notes section about how to carry out the measurements without removing the bolts. The inspection is to be carried out in accordance with Van’s SB 00134 Revision 1, with the results recorded on the Appendix A table of MTD-07-2026 Issue 2. As this MTD is mandatory for applicable Van’s RV aircraft operating on an LAA Permit to Fly, the required inspection must be completed within the next 10 flying hours or 90 days from the effective date of the MTD, whichever occurs first. If all bolt-hole positions are within the acceptable limits, compliance can be certified and recorded in the aircraft logbook. If any bolt-hole position falls outside the permitted limits, the aircraft must not be flown and the results must be referred to Van’s Aircraft and LAA Engineering for further advice. For aircraft which have already been checked and found satisfactory in accordance with MTD-07-2026 Issue 1, no further action is required. Please refer to the MTD below for full applicability and compliance requirements. 20260825 - MTD-07-2026 - Vans Horizontal Stabiliser Attach Position Iss 2 .pdf Download PDF • 476KB SB 00134 - Horizontal Stabilizer Forward Attach Bolts - Rev 1 .pdf Download PDF • 1.57MB Next Previous

  • Remembering Mike Whittaker | Light Aircraft Assoc

    < Back Remembering Mike Whittaker 1 Sept 2026 We are sad to announce the death, on 26th August, of Mike Whittaker, after a fall. Mike was the designer of the MW range of microlights and light aircraft that were very popular among amateur builders in the 1990s. A hugely talented, but charmingly modest man, Mike's designs enabled many LAA members to build their own aircraft at home on a small budget. Doing so inducted builders into the unique camaraderie of the active MW type club, of which Mike was the father-figure. An aeronautical engineer by profession, Mike was a great believer in the idea that even a low cost aeroplane should be properly engineered and its safety carefully substantiated. Our condolences to Mike's wife, Brenda, daughters Ellie and Lyndsay. Next Previous

  • Engineering updates in August | Light Aircraft Assoc

    < Back Engineering updates in August 10 Sept 2026 The following documents have been issued/updated in the Engineering 'Info Library' during August. Continuing airworthiness information : MTD-06-2024 issue 3 - Pietenpol Air Camper struts MTD-06-2026 - Vixxen forward wing attachment reinforcement MTD-07-2026 - Horizontal stabiliser forward attach bolt - Vans SB 00134 TADS : Europa Tiger Moth Forms : LAA/FT-HIFA PROP-SLPC Hydraulically operated variable pitch propeller with Single Lever Power Control test schedule (new) Technical Leaflets : TL 2.34 - Lifed items (new) TL 3.03 - Aircraft avionics installations Propeller type list, PTL/1 : Europa Eurostar Next Previous

  • AGM 2026 | Light Aircraft Assoc

    The Annual General Meeting of the Light Aircraft Association Ltd Whittlebury Hall, Northants, NN12 8QH 18th October 2026, 1200 hrs Notice was given in the July 2026 issue of Light Aviation that the AGM of the Light Aircraft Association (LAA) will be held at Whittlebury Hall, Whittlebury, Towester, NN12 8QH Sunday 18th October 2026, 1200hrs. Nominations for Board Directors and Notices of Motions of any kind for the AGM must be received at LAA HQ, no later than Sunday 6 September 2026. Nominations must be signed by both proposer and seconder, both of whom must be beneficial shareholders. In respect of nominations to the Board of Directors, candidates must have been a beneficial shareholder continuously for at least two years and include a signed statement indicating their willingness to serve as a Director, should they be elected. The AGM will provide for both in person and remote online participation. These arrangements will be professionally administered. In addition, those unable to attend may elect to submit proxy votes. A full list of nominations, Motions, together with the proxy voting form will be published with October’s Light Aviation and online via the LAA website. The AGM will be preceded by the presentation of LAA Service, Rally Trophies and Awards to members. Following the AGM there will be time reserved for a Member’s Forum for discussion and Q&A on general matters with the Board and CEO. Light refreshments will be available upon arrival and lunch will be available to purchase at the hotel following the AGM. If you have any comments/questions for the AGM or the Member’s Forum get in touch via [email protected] .

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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 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

  • 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

  • Light Aviation Magazine 2016 | Light Aircraft Assoc

    Light Aviation Magazine 2016 Click on the links below to open each issue of Light Aviation Magazine from 2016 January 2016 April 2016 July 2016 October 2016 February 2016 May 2016 August 2016 November 2016 March 2016 June 2016 September 2016 December 2016

  • CAA EC Mandate consultation webinar Tuesday 11th August | Light Aircraft Assoc

    < Back CAA EC Mandate consultation webinar Tuesday 11th August 3 Aug 2026 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. This session will run through the consultation, the CAA’s proposed approach and outline the scope of the consultation. Please note – this is not a forum to respond to the consultation itself, but an information session designed to help you respond to the consultation. There will be a Q&A function available to ask questions after the presentation. Questions are welcome ahead of the session. Register for the webinar on the CAA website: Webinar for GA Community – Electronic Conspicuity Mandate Consultation The session will be recorded and made available online. Next Previous

Light Aircraft Association Ltd, Turweston Aerodrome, Nr Brackley, Northamptonshire, NN13 5YD

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Company No: 00606312

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