< Back The New Permit Revalidation System 28 Feb 2025 As the weather improves and the days grow longer, the flying season is just around the corner. Although you may already be thinking about all your usual flying preparations, there is one extra exciting update Owners and Inspectors alike should keep in mind this year: the launch of the new Permit Revalidation System. A flow chart of the new Permit Revalidation Process This new system will be fully online, and submission of your revalidation application will be via the LAA website under the “My Aircraft Details” section. Therefore, before arranging for an inspection this year, please make sure you can access your LAA member page. You can do this by going on www.lightaircraftassociation.co.uk and clicking on the Login button at the top left of the page and checking that your aircraft details are correct. If you have any issues with your login or aircraft details, please contact the LAA Office on 01280 846 786 or via email at [email protected] Screenshot showing where to login on the LAA website Screenshot showing the ‘My Aircraft Details’ button once you have logged into the LAA website Screenshot showing the button to start apply of your Permit to Fly Revalidation in the ‘My Aircraft Data’ area Applying for revalidation under the new system will be straightforward. Aircraft owners will begin the process by selecting their Inspector. Once selected, the Inspector will be notified that an application is awaiting their attention. After the Inspector submits their airworthiness review, the Owner will be prompted to pay for the revalidation, at which point the application will be sent instantly to LAA Engineering for issue. We are also planning to reduce the requirement for a check flight from one to three years for most aircraft types. However, Inspectors will also have the flexibility to request a check flight as part of the revalidation, if deemed necessary. Additionally, once the new system has launched, Inspectors will be able to issue PFRCs up to two years past the expiry of the Certificate of Validity. Please note, these changes, along with the new check flight cycle, will take effect only once the new system is officially launched. As we get closer to launch in April, more guidance, including a video and notes, will be shared with Owners and Inspectors, ensuring a smooth transition to the new Permit Revalidation System. Stay tuned for more! Next Previous

< Back Carbon Monoxide in Piston Engine Aircraft Consultation 22 Feb 2024 In recent years, the CAA has been actively engaged in raising pilot awareness of carbon monoxide (CO) in general aviation (GA) and has undertaken multiple initiatives to promote prevention and detection measures to mitigate the risk. We have now launched a public consultation seeking stakeholder views on: the barriers pilots face in obtaining an active CO detector, the role that maintenance plays in combatting CO, the importance of protecting passengers from CO, and whether active CO detectors ought to be mandatory for some operations. The consultation closes on 20 March 2024. We invite stakeholders to give us your views . Next Previous

< Back Engineering updates in April 7 May 2026 The following documents have been issued/updated in the Engineering 'Info Library' during April. Continuing airworthiness information : MTD-01-2026 - Shadow Oratex disbonding MTD-03-2026 - NSI CAP 140 propeller cracking TADS : Eurostar NSI propellers (new) Vedeneyev M14P/M14PF engines (new) Technical Leaflets : TL 2.22 - Non-type specfic MPDs Propeller type list, PTL/1 : CFM Streak Shadow SA Next Previous

< Back New LAA Inspector - Keith Troughton 4 Sept 2025 We are pleased to welcome Keith Troughton as a new LAA Inspector, having attended an LAA Inspector Assessment Day at Turweston recently. With an active aviation interest from a very young age, he has been involved in certified, homebuilt, and microlight aircraft for over 40 years. He is currently operating within a C.A.O. General Aviation Facility as a Licensed Aircraft Engineer (L.A.E.). He is a CAA-approved maintenance manager within an approved Aircraft Maintenance Facility, with access to most of the necessary tooling for standard aircraft maintenance support, including facilities to weigh aircraft, if required. Next Previous

< Back New LAA Inspector - Tom Bootyman 20 Jun 2024 We are pleased to welcome Tom Bootyman as an LAA Inspector. Tom attended an Assessment Day at LAA HQ at the start of June. Tom is a serial aircraft builder/maintainer/repairer, also with several years’ experience as an engineer with a global aerobatic team. He has experience building and repairing Zenair and Vans RV types, along with working on many aerobatic aircraft. He is also an experienced aircraft painter. Tom has a love and devotion to all things aviation, so he is always open to requests for information, advice and Permit inspections. He is based at Netherthorpe (Sheffield), but willing to travel. Next Previous

< Back Winner Announced: LAA 80th Anniversary Rally Poster 6 Mar 2026 The winner of the 80th Anniversary Rally Poster Competition has been selected, and we’re delighted to reveal the official design that will represent this milestone year for the Light Aircraft Association. Congratulations to Amy Whitewick, whose striking design was chosen to mark 80 years of grassroots aviation, engineering excellence and community spirit! A Design That Captures 80 Years... The judging panel selected the artwork for its strong visual impact, clear celebration of the LAA, and its versatility across print and digital formats. The design reflects both the history of the Association and the forward-looking spirit that continues to define it today. Speaking about the win, Amy Whitewick said: "I'm so excited to win the LAA Rally Poster Competition for the 80th Anniversary, 2026 - my vision for the design was to create something that reflected the colours and styles that I love from posters of the 1930s, the Golden Age of aviation. I also wanted the poster to reflect the excitement and joy of current light aviation, including the portrayal of various aircraft types throughout the 80 years and embody the party-like spirit of this year's special rally. I felt this poster gives back all the joy and kindness that fellow LAA Members, Inspectors and Engineers have given me over the years. It's really a big thank you to them, my airfield 'family', who helped me achieve my wings and continue to encourage me to grow my skills."- Amy Whitewick, G-DHYS From Poster to Rally Branding The winning artwork will now be rolled out to support the promotion of the 2026 Rally! You’ll start seeing the design appear across LAA channels in the coming weeks as we build momentum towards the Rally. Thank You to All Entrants We’d like to thank everyone who submitted entries. The quality and creativity on display made judging a difficult task and demonstrated the depth of talent within the LAA community. We look forward to seeing the winning poster proudly displayed at the 80th Anniversary Rally.Rally details and ticket information will be shared with you in the coming months. LAA 80 Poster 2026 A4 .jpg Download JPG • 1.83MB Amy Whitewick - Photo .jpg Download JPG • 350KB Next Previous

< Back GAA Position on Electronic Conspicuity 29 Jan 2024 General Aviation Alliance Unveils Updated Electronic Conspicuity Position Paper - GAA recognises the importance of EC in collision avoidance GAA Position on Electronic Conspicuity .pdf Download PDF • 364KB The General Aviation Alliance (GAA, www.gaalliance.org.uk ) is pleased to announce the release of its updated Electronic Conspicuity Position Paper, a comprehensive document outlining the organisation's stance on the integration and advancement of electronic conspicuity technologies for all UK aviation. In response to the rapidly evolving landscape of aviation technology and the increasing need for enhanced safety measures, the GAA has undertaken a thorough review and revision of its Electronic Conspicuity policy. This updated position paper reflects the Alliance's commitment to fostering innovation, ensuring airspace safety, and promoting a collaborative approach for all UK aviation. Key highlights of the updated Electronic Conspicuity Position Paper include: 1. Technology Integration : The GAA supports the widespread adoption and integration of electronic conspicuity technologies across all general aviation aircraft. The GAA recognises the potential of these advancements to significantly reduce the risk of mid-air collisions. 2. Standardisation and Interoperability : The GAA advocates for the establishment of industry-wide standards and protocols to ensure the seamless interoperability of electronic conspicuity systems. Standardisation will facilitate the integration of various technologies and contribute to a more cohesive and efficient airspace environment. 3. Government and Regulatory Engagement : The GAA encourages active engagement with regulatory bodies to promote the development of clear and practical regulations that support the safe and effective deployment of electronic conspicuity technologies. The GAA is already working collaboratively with government agencies to address regulatory challenges. 4. Research and Development Investment : To drive further innovation, the GAA encourages increased investment in research and development for electronic conspicuity technologies. The GAA believes that sustained efforts in this area will result in the development of more advanced and cost-effective solutions for all UK aviation. The General Aviation Alliance invites stakeholders, industry partners, and the general public to review the updated Electronic Conspicuity Position Paper, which is available on the alliance's website https://gaalliance.org.uk/position-and-data-papers . About the General Aviation Alliance The GA Alliance is a group of organisations representing the interests of many in the UK GA industry. The members of the GAA are: British Balloon and Airship Club (BBAC) British Gliding Association (BGA) British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA) British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA) British Skydiving Helicopter Club of Great Britain (HCGB) Light Aircraft Association (LAA) PPL/IR Europe - European Association of Instrument Rated Private Pilots Royal Aero Club of the United Kingdom (RAeC) Airfield Operators Group (AOG) The GAA coordinates about 72,000 subscription paying members of these bodies. Next Previous

Aircraft Carpentry Workshop - Basic Course Price Member - £213, Non-Member - £233 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 Tuesday 24 March 2026 Times Arrival 09:00. Finish 17:00. Duration One day course Venue LAA HQ, Turweston Aerodrome, NN13 5YD Price Member - £213, Non-Member - £233 Booking Pls call the LAA on 01280 846 786 to enquire/book or email [email protected] . *Please note that payment is required when booking, to confirm your place. NO place will be held without confirmed payment* **Please note that your booking payment is non-refundable unless we can fill your place timeously or there are exceptional circumstances**

< Back Engineering updates in August & September 7 Oct 2025 The following documents have been issued/updated in the Engineering 'Info Library' during August and September. Continuing airworthiness information : Mandatory Technical Directive MTD-01-2025 - Zenair tailplane brackets - issue 2 Mandatory Technical Directive MTD-02-2025 - Mission M108 nose gear - issue 2 Alert A-09-2025 - Woodcomp Klassic propeller blades Alert A-10-2025 - Cracking in E-Props carbon propeller hubs Propeller type lists PTL/1 : Jodel D117/D119/D120 Next Previous

< Back Aerobatics Course bursary for LAA Members!!! 6 Jun 2025 These bursaries are available thanks to the generosity of LAA member John Rowlinson and his company PTS. You must be an LAA member to apply. Please send an email with the subject line Aerobatics and we will get back to you. Next Previous

< Back Nick Stone appointed as the LAA's Head of Airworthiness 24 Oct 2023 The LAA is pleased to announce the appointment of Nick Stone as the LAA’s Head of Airworthiness. Nick brings a vast wealth of aircraft knowledge as well as a real world understanding of the need for good process and procedure. Having started his career in the Royal Air Force, Nick went on to work in the aerospace industry working in the UK with British Aerospace and Slingsby Aviation at various sites and projects, as an inspector, methods engineer and quality engineer. Nick then moved to the United States at Eastern Airlines in Miami Florida, Learjet in Wichita Kansas and Chihuahua Mexico as inspection/Quality representative of Shorts Aerospace (Bombardier Aerospace). Following a downturn in the British Aerospace industry he then took an opportunity to move into the nuclear industry working in both reprocessing and power generation. Throughout Nick's working life the one constant has been a passion for aviation. Having started as a volunteer at a local aircraft museum at 14, Nick started flying at the age of 16 in gliders and has a private pilot’s licence PPL(A). Prior to becoming an LAA inspector Nick spent many years building, rebuilding, and restoring vintage aircraft, the more unusual the better. “As an LAA inspector I understand the need to move forward and change and adapt to an ever changing but exciting world. Having run my own aircraft restoration company for the last seven years I always felt it is important to understand your customers”. LAA CEO Simon Tilling said, “Nick is a great addition to the LAA staff. I and the rest of the team are looking forward to working with him in the near future” Next Previous

Rotax Fuel Injected 912 iS / 915 iS Installation & Operation Price Member - £224, Non-Member - £244 Duration Arrival 09:30. Finish 17:00. < Back About the Course With the growth of interest in the fuel-injected Rotax 912 and 915 iS series engines, it has become apparent that there is a lot of confusion and misunderstanding about the installation and operation of these engines and the way that the latest built-in systems work. Electronics and Rotax iRMT certified engineer, John Barrott, was an early installer of a 912iS and found it difficult to find accurate information on best practice. Working with UK Rotax agents CFS and LAA Engineering, John has built up a comprehensive understanding of the iS engines and has developed a course around this to provide help and advice on the installation and operation of this new generation of aero engines. The course is classroom (not workshop) based. Your Instructor John Barrott Dates Saturday 21 February 2026 Times Arrival 09:30. Finish 17:00. Duration One day course Venue LAA HQ, Turweston Aerodrome, NN13 5YD Price Member - £224, Non-Member - £244 Booking Pls call the LAA on 01280 846 786 to enquire/book or email [email protected] . *Please note that payment is required when booking, to confirm your place. NO place will be held without confirmed payment* **Please note that your booking payment is non-refundable unless we can fill your place timeously or there are exceptional circumstances**