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< Back New LAA Inspector - Mike Maddams 20 Mar 2026 We are pleased to welcome Mike Maddams as a new LAA Inspector, having attended an LAA Inspector Assessment Day at Turweston recently. Mike is a wood and fabric specialist with extensive experience on a wide range of LAA aircraft types. He owns and operates a 1942 Auster LB369 and is Director of Aero & Auto Ltd, Vintage Restorations. Next Previous

< Back LAA Alert - FAA issues AD for Piper rudder posts 14 Feb 2025 Replacement of rudder posts not made from 4130N On 13.02.25, FAA issued Airworthiness Directive 2025-02-11 which requires the replacement of the rudder post on a large number of Piper types, where the part is not made from 4130N steel. Compliance time varies between 2 years and 10 years depending on whether a beacon light is fitted to the top of the fin post and depending on the power of the engine installed. LAA Alert A-01-2025 has been created to communicate this to potentially affected owners. A-01-2025 Piper rudder post AD .pdf Download PDF • 196KB Next Previous

< Back MTD-03-2026 Issue 1 Published – NSI CAP 140 Propeller Cracking 24 Apr 2026 MTD-03-2026 - 'NSI CAP 140 Propeller Cracking' was issued today for aircraft fitted with NSI Propeller. This MTD can be found HERE and is also attached below. in November 2024, a potentially very serious crack was reported in the propeller blade retaining cuff of an NSI CAP 140 propeller installed on a Europa aircraft with a Rotax 912-UL engine. The attached Mandatory Technical Directive, MTD-03-2026 , has been raised to withdraw approval for CAP 140 propeller blade cuffs Versions 1 and 2 and to mandate an operating life limit on blade cuffs of Version 3. This MTD replaces LAA MOD/247/005, which is now cancelled. All LAA aircraft with this propeller must be inspected in accordance with MTD-03-2026 within 5 flight hours or 30 days of the directive’s effective date, whichever comes first. The ‘white page’ logbook entry must state compliance with this MTD-03-2026 and record the inspection results. Additionally, please see below the Type Acceptance Data Sheet (TADS), which has now been written for this propeller type and references the MTD also published today. Please refer to the below documentation for full details of the mandatory inspection requirements. 20260424 - MTD-03-2026 Issue 1 - NSI CAP 140 Propeller Cracking .pdf Download PDF • 264KB TADS P34 - NSI .pdf Download PDF • 187KB Next Previous

Permit Aircraft Electrics - Advanced Course Price Member - £224, Non-Member - £244 (includes printed course material) Duration Arrival 09:00. Finish 17:00. < Back About the Course The Basics course covers simple DC theory and concentrates on the practical aspects of installing a basic permit aircraft electrical system. The course explains how to interpret a ‘typical’ permit aircraft electrical systems diagram and for every element, explains how to size, select and source components and then how to practically install them. This Advanced course builds on the Basics course by providing more detail about component selection and options and the use of integrated power management systems within permit aircraft. The course takes the simple systems design introduced in the Basics course and explores options for creating more complex electrical systems including the use of dual and essential system bus bars. The course introduces fault tolerant design considerations, thus allowing attendees to consider safety and fault analysis in their own designs. As a tool for understanding this aspect of the course, it will take an introductory look into the requirements of electrical systems for those wishing to fly their aircraft under IFR. What this course will try to do is: Explain power generation and distribution options in a light aircraft More advanced consisderations into component selection Discuss circuit protection devices and systems Explain failure modes and reliability issues Introduce interference and EMC issues Show correct grounding and screening techniques Provide you with the knowledge to plan an installation and create the necessary documentation Warn about the ‘gotcha’ areas and the things to look out for What the course will not do is: Turn you overnight into an expert Enable you to fault find on an undocumented aircraft installation Delve inside avionics boxes It will be useful, but not essential, for people to have previously attended the Basic course. In order to make the best of this course, if you have not attended the basics course, you will need to understand basic DC theory; Ohms Law and the Power Law. Please note that this course is primarily a classroom based course, as you will already have the practical skills you need, which are covered in the basics course. Your Instructor Mark Castle-Smith Dates TBC Times Arrival 09:00. Finish 17:00. Duration One day course Venue LAA HQ, Turweston Aerodrome, NN13 5YD Price Member - £224, Non-Member - £244 (includes printed course material) 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 More new LAA Inspectors - Patryk Nelkowski & Pete Nicholson 2 Feb 2024 It is time to introduce you to two more new LAA Inspectors - Patryk Nelkowski and Pete Nicholson, who both attended an LAA Inspector Assessment Day in January, with our Chief Inspector, Lucy. Patryk is a UK CAA licensed aircraft engineer (B1.1/B1.2/B3) based in the south west of England. Currently in the Greater London area on Pilatus, Cirrus and Tecnam aircraft as part of his day job. He has a wide-ranging aircraft maintenance background, with experience on commercial aircraft, such as the A220, Dash 8, and Embraers right through to Cessnas, Pipers, RVs and a variety of other aircraft including warbirds. In his spare time, he is involved in the maintenance and restoration of classic cars and historic military vehicles and their engines. After studying an engineering degree, Pete's professional career covered a wide range of electronic and communications systems, during which flying and maintaining both powered aircraft and gliders was a passionate hobby. After being lucky enough to take early retirement, his hobby has become a significant part of his activities and he particularly enjoys using his background and experience to work on Avionic systems. Next Previous

< Back New LAA Course dates released 6 Oct 2023 Dates have now been published for upcoming LAA Courses for the rest of this year. To find out about specific courses and their dates, click here . Please note, the next 'Caring for your Gipsy Major' course is on the 11th November, not 7th November, as published in the latest edition of Light Aviation magazine. Next Previous

< Back LAA RALLY 2026! 3 Nov 2025 We’re thrilled to announce that our 2026 Rally is officially in the calendar! Mark your diaries and get ready for a special rally, celebrating the LAA 80th Anniversary. 📅 Date: 4/5/6 September 2026 📍 Location: Leicestershire Aero Club, Leicester Airport. More details will follow soon. Enquiries to [email protected] We can’t wait to see you all there! Next Previous

< Back Replica De Havilland DH71 Tiger Moth Racer takes to the air 23 Dec 2024 Steve Jones’ replica DH71 Tiger Moth Racer made a highly successful maiden flight on 26th November, piloted by Steve himself. The immaculate monoplane, appropriately registered G-ECDX, is a full-size recreation of one of only two examples built by de Havilland in 1927. Of all wood construction, and fitted with a modified DH Gipsy 1 engine, the original DH71s were created to publicise their new Gipsy engine before releasing it onto the market to power their already successful DH60 Moth biplane. An exercise in light weight and streamlining to maximise speed, the DH71 was also significant in developing construction techniques that de Havilland used to good effect in later designs. The original DH71 achieved 186mph around a 65 mile closed circuit course, its Gipsy 1 engine souped-up from 85 to 130 horsepower for racing. The replica project was largely built by Ron Souch in the 1990s, under PFA supervision, using drawings produced by Ron’s friend Ben Price, a former aircraft draughtsman who put forward the idea as his retirement project. None of the original construction drawings had survived, so the design had to be recreated based on a three-view, photographs, press articles and intimate knowledge of de Havilland’s standard design techniques – and then checked against modern design code requirements. Most challenging part of the design were the details of the internally bungee-sprung wheels, as on the original. The project was paused for several years after issues came to light with the stressing of the wing spars and undercarriage. Steve Jones, looking for a hangar-mate for his scratch-built Comper Swift project, purchased the DH71 in 2016. Steve quickly got things moving again by commissioning re-designs of some of the original components, stripping off the fabric covering, re-sparring the wings and finishing the aircraft off to the same high standard as its original construction. The final examination of the assembled aircraft by LAA HQ’s design staff in November, when ground runs of the modified engine and its very coarse pitch Hercules propeller were demonstrated, took place over three decades after the project’s inception. When Steve’s replica DH71 first lifted off from Sywell’s grass runway, it was a sight not seen in Britain for 95 years. Big congratulations to all involved, especially to Ron and Ben for initiating it, and Steve’s perseverance and skill in finishing all the last details to such a high standard. Honourable mentions also to John Tempest for the re-design work and Ben Cox for inspecting it, this was truly a team effort. Sadly, Ron Souch is no longer with us to see the Racer fly. https://video.wixstatic.com/video/62c8d3_cf3ab2cf7a524a2d953fd5a8f08ed411/480p/mp4/file.mp4 Steve describes his aircraft experience as starting as an aircraft engineering apprentice at CSE Kidlington, in the late 1970s. He towed gliders at Husbands Bosworth, in Chipmunks, at age 19, and joined the Tiger Club in the late 1970s, becoming a flying instructor at Staverton 1981. As he describes it, he somehow (?) ended up flying BA 747s for 20 plus years. His remarkable flying career has involved air racing, aerobatic competition and display flying, Redbull competitions and record setting in the Rolls Royce electric powered ‘Spirit of Innovation’ aircraft. Next Previous

< Back Engineering updates in March 1 Apr 2026 The following documents have been issued/updated in the Engineering 'Info Library' during March. Technical Leaflets : TL 3.25 'Flight test briefing' TADS: Sling 2 Sling 4 Sling 4 TSi Next Previous

< 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 LAA 'Grass Roots Fly-In' returns 23 Apr 2023 The LAA is returning to the green grass of Popham Aerodrome in Hampshire for a repeat of its “Grass Roots Fly In” from 18th to 20th August 2023. The Fly-In will again on one hand take the Associate back to its traditional roots, while continuing to offer the first chance to see some of the latest aircraft and products in the recreational aviation market. What was particularly notable about the 2022 Popham event was its sociality. LAA members and exhibitors alike commented on its relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with post-event comments such as “It’s a great reunion as well as a fly-in–cum trade show” and “super friendly, the event always had a good vibe”. A joint venture with Popham Aerodrome, the LAA Grass Roots Fly In will develop its strengths as a social event bringing flyers from around the UK and Europe to meet fellow enthusiasts. The grass runways at Popham and the airfield’s famed rural ambience will mean that the event will focus on the fly-in and social element as much as on a large exhibition campus. The earlier mid-August date will also mean longer evenings, allowing more scope for flyers from further afield and hopefully, milder conditions for those who choose to ‘camp under the wing’. Said LAA CEO designate Simon Tilling: “The LAA Grass Roots Fly In was a great success last year, with over 3,000 visitors, more than 30 exhibitors and a total of 350 visiting aircraft through the weekend. It is a different event to the past, larger scale LAA Rallies and we’re working on plans for the continuation of a larger scale LAA event in the future. For this year, we’re looking forward to another great, social and fun, LAA fly in”. Next Previous

< Back New LAA Inspector - Gary Priestley 4 Dec 2025 We are pleased to welcome Gary Priestley as a new LAA Inspector, having attended an LAA Inspector Assessment Day at Turweston. Gary started at BAe Filton as an Aeronautical Engineering Apprentice in 1978. His first day out of the training bay was spent working on the test and development Concorde 002. During his apprenticeship he worked on the VC10's air-to-air refuelling conversion and on test and development for Airbus on the fly-by-wire BAC 1-11. After his apprenticeship he became an Inspector on the F1-11s, with his main role involving pre- and post-inspection of the Cold Soak, where the aircraft were frozen and bent to re-life them. He transferred to Warton for the Al-Yamama project, working on Tornado ADVs and IDS aircraft in Saudi Arabia. Gary returned in 1990 and was recruited as a technical instructor at British Aerospace Filton, teaching the following: Concorde pilots and flight engineers, utilising the simulator to help them pass their ground school type rating. Aircraft fitters working toward their B2 and B1 licences, as well as type courses on the A300 B4 and A300-600, where the aircraft were being converted to freighters. The BAC 1-11 refresher course for the Sultan of Oman Air Force pilots. Type rating for British Airways Concorde engineers at Heathrow. Apprentices studying for their City and Guilds. Night-school City and Guilds for non-skilled fitters. While carrying out this training, he repaired a Robin HR 200 with the help of the apprentices and studied for his Commercial and subsequently his Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence. Gary left BAe in 1999 to fly the BAe 146 for CityJet in Dublin, before being asked, through CityJet, if he would like to transfer to British Midland to fly the BAe 146 for Lufthansa. A few years later he was made redundant, gained his Helicopter Commercial Pilot’s Licence, but was then asked to join Flightline on the BAe 146, flying oil-rig workers from Aberdeen to Scatsta and later working out of Manchester for British Airways. An opportunity arose to fly with Titan Airways in Stansted, flying ad-hoc standby for British Airways, easyJet, and others. Several years later he completed a type-rating course on the Boeing 737 to fly from Exeter. He took voluntary redundancy in 2013. By chance, after buying a prestigious car from someone who owned an aircraft at Middlezoy, Gary made the connection that brought him into affiliation with Middlezoy Aerodrome, where he now has a share in Louis, the Taylorcraft type D, and is 50% owner of the Isaac Fury. Next Previous