Aircraft Carpentry Workshop - Basic Course Price Member - £206, Non-Member - £226 Duration Arrival 09:00. Finish 17:00. < Back About the Course Alan James brings a host of carpentry skills to this course, gained from building and maintaining wooden aircraft for more than 30 years. He is probably best known for his award winning Pietenpol Aircamper G-BUCO and more recently the Isaacs Spitfire G-ISAC. He’s also hand-carved more than 100 propellers for LAA and vintage aircraft over the years and is often seen demonstrating the art at the LAA Rally. His aircraft carpentry course covers everything the prospective builder needs to know. Subjects include quality and specification of approved timber, plywood, adhesives and how to use them, marking out, cutting, drilling, laminating, shaping, sanding, scarfing and finishing. As an LAA Inspector, he can also guide you through the paperwork process for repairs and modifications. This is the 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. It is recommended that you bring your own protective glasses. Your Instructor Alan James Dates 7 October 2025, 4 November 2025, 2 December 2025 Times Arrival 09:00. Finish 17:00. Duration One day course Venue LAA HQ, Turweston Aerodrome, NN13 5YD Price Member - £206, Non-Member - £226 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**

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 Gyroplanes to join the new online Permit Revalidation System 17 Jun 2025 The new online Permit Revalidation system has been in place for fixed-wing aircraft on the LAA fleet since 15th April 2025 and now it is time to add Gyroplanes, both amateur-built and factory-built. Therefore, we are pleased to announce that gyroplane Owners and Inspectors will be able to use the online Permit Revalidation system from 22nd July 2025! The Permit Revalidation Process for gyroplanes will follow the same three steps as for fixed-wing aircraft, shown in the graphic below. The only differences will be small changes to the questions in line with the requirements for gyroplanes, such as asking about the rotor and rotor-head. Where do I find more information? If you are a Gyroplane Owner or Inspector, then please talk to your friends that own and inspect fixed-wing aircraft, as many of them will have been through this new process. There is lots of information to help you: Technical Leaflet 2.00 – Revalidating an Aircraft’s Permit to Fly , will be updated on 22nd July to include information regarding gyroplanes A detailed step-by-step video guide is available on the LAA’s YouTube channel, called ‘ Online Permit Revalidation Explained .’ A list of Frequently Asked Questions is available on the LAA website. Again, these will be updated on 22nd July to include Gyroplanes For more information, click HERE . Note: the 22nd July is a hard deadline, so LAA Engineering will not accept applications made under the old system from that date. Changes to Permit Revalidation Fees for Gyroplane Owners From 22nd July, Permit Revalidation Fees for gyroplanes will be based on Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW), rather than Factory Built Gyroplanes always having a fee of £323. This is in line with the charging regime for fixed-wing aircraft. The current charges are as follows: Up to 450kg - £241 451-999kg - £292 1000kg & above - £323 Note: For FBGs - if the last Permit revalidation was not administered by the LAA, an extra fee of £155 applies Next Previous

Light Aviation Magazine Archive 2020 2022 2023 2021 2024 2019

Armstrong/Isaacs Bursary Winners of 2025 Bursaries!! 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. Bursary applications will be open towards the end of October for awarding in 2026. AppYo Simon Grainger (above - left) Flying has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. The sense of freedom and the challenge of mastering flight are aspects that keep me motivated. In the future, I plan to become a flight instructor, sharing my passion with others while continuing to grow as a pilot. I see instructing not only as a way to give back but as a powerful opportunity to inspire and support the next generation of aviators. Being awarded the Armstrong Isaacs Bursary is a significant step in my journey and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity. This support will allow me to continue my training with renewed focus and momentum, bringing me closer to achieving my goal of completing my PPL and becoming a fully qualified pilot. I would like to thank the LAA and its members for this opportunity, which I hope to repay in the future through continued involvement in the aviation community. Calvin Sucharov (above - right) I am currently working towards the navigation portion of the PPL and my plan is to continue with this and hopefully r I am currently working towards the navigation portion of the PPL and my plan is to continue with this and hopefully receive my licence in the SummerThanks to the LAA bursary, I can continue my flying training and hopefully become a CFI later on as I enjoy teaching and aviation - a perfect mix! I also plan on applying to university for aeronautical engineering so receiving this competitive bursary will hopefully help me to secure a place. I look forward to my solo cross country and flying to places such as Shoreham, Kemble and Popham, I just need the weather on my side now! Tom Hathaway (below - left) The Armstrong Isaac's Bursary has allowed me to accelerate progress in gaining my PPL, and a step closer to my dream of being a pilot. Without it, there is no doubt I would be a number of months away from completion, but with it I hope to be a PPL holder within a short number of weeks. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and can't wait to get my remaining lessons booked! 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. HOW TO APPLY All applications must be completed on the form below: APPLICATION FORM (this will be availabe towards the end of Summer) Please complete and email to [email protected] with the subject title Armstrong/Isaacs Bursary. It should arrive on or before the closing date of 1st March 2026. The LAA may contact you for further information, and may request an interview, if it is thought necessary.

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

< 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 Alert A-06-2025 - Christen Eagle II Canopy Detachment 12 Jun 2025 LAA Alert A-06-2025 - Christen Eagle II Canopy Detachment LAA Alert A-06-2025 has been published on the LAA website (and is also attached), highlighting a recent Christen Eagle II Canopy detachment in flight due to damage of the canopy locking pin brackets, which were bent as a result of draught excluding foam being installed at the front edge of the canopy, placing excessive force on these brackets, so that they deformed. A-06-2025 - Christen Eagle II Canopy Detachment .pdf Download PDF • 474KB Next Previous

< Back Mandatory Technical Directive issued for many Zenair types 14 Jan 2025 MTD-01-2025 - 'Inspection of horizontal stabiliser (tailplane) attachment brackets and associated hardware for cracks, looseness and other forms of distress' is issued for Zenair CH601, CH650, CH701, CH750 and variants of these four models. This MTD can be found HERE and is also available below. A number of cases have been found whereby the structural integrity of the horizontal stabiliser mountings on the Zenair types identified above have been compromised by one or more of the following: cracking of the attachment brackets oversize holes loose rivets distorted and chafed brackets. These problems could occur due to a number of factors including poor build quality, a build-up of tolerances in the positioning or dimensions of the brackets, improper assembly, rough treatment or in-flight vibration. Failure of a tailplane attachment could result in degraded controllability in flight or loss of control. Special inspections of this area have been recommended by Zenair since January 2017, in their document ‘Mandatory Action. Jan. 2017 – Inspection of Horizontal Stabilizer tail attachment brackets’. This Mandatory Technical Directive mandates this safety action for aircraft operating on LAA Permits to Fly. MTD-01-2025 - Zenair Tailplane Brackets .pdf Download PDF • 162KB 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