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Detail Design Having worked out a promising-looking layout, initial three-view and performance and weight specifications, now is the stage where the hard work begins of transforming concepts to working drawings. Essential decisions have to be made about types of material to be used, the structural arrangement, exact choice of powerplant and so on. You’ll probably need to make a cockpit mock-up to check the ergonomics and control system arrangements, and maybe build a flying radio controlled model of the design to give faith in the handling characteristics. With the basic geometry laid out, stress calculations and assembly drawings come next, then drawings of individual piece parts. Keep an up-to-date tally on weights. As the drawings get more detailed you must re-evaluate whether you are going to meet your original targets in terms of weight, strength and aerodynamic cleanliness, whether you need to re-visit your original assumptions or re-design from scratch. Is there a way that the part or assembly can be made more easily, more cheaply, lighter, stronger, more fatigue or corrosion resistant? Fewer parts and fewer joints generally means fewer problems and less weight. Can you use off the shelf parts rather than having to make them specially? Are there other aeroplanes around that have already solved a particular problem in a clever way? Will the aircraft be easy to inspect in service, easy to repair if it gets damaged? Can it be broken down for transportation? If the handling isn’t quite right when the prototype is test flown, does the design make provision for ‘tweaks’ to put it right? Does the design include reserves of strength to cope with weight growth in service and more powerful engines, or is everything pared down to the minimum? Design Tutorials

< Back New LAA Inspectors - Cameron Bunce & Brian Davies 11 Jan 2024 Back in December, seven potential LAA Inspectors attended LAA Inspector Assessment Days at Turweston with our Chief Inspector, Lucy. We are pleased to announce that all seven were successful. Here is an introduction to the first two: Cameron Bunce - Cameron is based north of Aberdeen. He is a Chartered Engineer working in the Energy Industry. He has been involved with aviation since 2007 and currently is building a VANS RV-3. He has experience with metal, composite and wooden aircraft having flown over 30 types - but most familiar with the VANS RV series. Brian Davies - Brian has experience in building and maintaining composite, metal and wood aircraft, but tends to specialise in Rotax-powered aircraft. He is also experienced in Avionic installation and trouble-shooting. Brian is also on the LAA Board of Directors and our Vice-President. Congratulations Cameron and Brian! 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

< Back Alert A-12-2025 - Aeroprakt windscreens 14 Oct 2025 LAA Engineering has issued Alert A-12-2025 to highlight the recent issue of a series of Aeroprakt service bulletins that require older style windscreens to be replaced at certain intervals, with the Vne of the aircraft being temporarily reduced in certain circumstances. A-12-2025 - Aeroprakt windscreens issue 1 .pdf Download PDF • 231KB Next Previous

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), an LAA Inspector can sign off the change. Technical Leaflet TL 3.29 N/A N/A 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

MAGAZINE ARCHIVE Our magazine archive is available for all members to view in the Members Area. This is an ongoing project. For our latest magazine, of course, you'll need to be a member. A previous copy of Light Aviation can be viewed by clicking on the link below Light Aviation ENGINEERING INFORMATION Light Aviation magazine keeps you informed of engineering issues to help you ensure that your aircraft is kept in tip top condition. Our 'Engineering Matters' articles will form a vital information source for future reference. Light Aviation Magazine Light Aviation magazine brings you exciting articles about what LAA members are building, restoring and flying. Also included are reports on all the major rallies and GA shows and information about new products and services. ADVERTISING, CLASSIFIED & CONTRIBUTION DETAILS If you wish to advertise in Light Aviation: For display and commercial advertising, please contact Phil Johnston to discuss your requirements. For classified ad queries please contact LAA Office . Classified ads and photos can only be accepted by e-mail . Classified ad fees can be found below. The Editor, Ed Hicks , is always keen to receive your contributions of articles, pictures, technical ideas and letters. Up to 30 words Member: £6 Non-Member: £22 31-50 words Member: £12 Non-Member: £44 Up to 50 words with a coloured photo Member: £45 Non-Member: £60

< Back New LAA Inspector - Robin Smith 2 Apr 2026 Robin enjoys every aspect of light aircraft whether it be flying or maintenance. Robin spent 15 years with REME attached to the Army Air Corps, was Aircraft Engineering Warrant Officer. He trained and experienced on helicopters, Skeeter, Bell 47 (Sioux), Alouette, Scout and Gazelle including their respective power units. He trained and experienced on fixed wing Auster 9 and Beaver including respective power units. He saw active service in Aden and Northern Ireland. He also flew in his early days as an observer. Robin has a UK PPL; he is a CRI and Fl(A). He currently instructs at Fowlmere with the British Aviation Academy and at Flying Made Easy at Old Buckenham airfield. He has aerobatic and aerobatic instructor rating and night rating. Differences training includes tailwheel and constant speed propellors. Robin has flown Robin HR200, Maule, Grob 115D, Cessna 140, Cessna 152, F24 Argus and PA28. He has owned a Robin HR200 a Maule MXT7 180A, Auster 6 and he currently owns a Grob115A C1 Aero which is fully aerobatic. He just loves turning himself upside down! He has worked with Modern Air Ltd at Fowlmere airfield doing annuals, inspections and repairs to Cessna 140, Cessna 152, Cessna 172, Cessna 177 Cardinal, Argus, Twin Cessna 310 and Extra aircraft. Currently he works with Touchdown Engineering at Old Buckenham on average some 2 days per week. He is also Safety Manager at Fowlmere and EASA approved. Robin has a small company Beagle Flight Consultancy Ltd which can provide several services which include Flight instruction via DTO/ATO, 2-year revalidations. Prebuy surveys, aircraft transport by road in UK and Europe. Import and export handling of light aircraft, inclusive of dismantle, containerisation, shipping, customs docus and assembly. Next Previous

Light Aviation Magazine 2015 Click on the links below to open each issue of Light Aviation Magazine from 2015 January 2015 April 2015 July 2015 October 2015 February 2015 May 2015 August 2015 November 2015 March 2015 June 2015 September 2015 December 2015

< Back New Technical Leaflet – Parts Produced by Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) 2 Jul 2026 Technical Leaflet 3.30 – Parts Produced by Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) This new Technical Leaflet provides guidance on the use of additively manufactured (3D-printed) parts in LAA aircraft. It draws on lessons identified during an AAIB investigation and highlights the importance of selecting appropriate materials and manufacturing processes, particularly for airworthiness-critical and environmentally demanding applications. The leaflet explains why the properties of 3D-printed components cannot be assumed from material names alone and outlines the key characteristics that should be considered when assessing the suitability of printed parts, including material composition, manufacturing process, key process parameters, and build orientation. It also reminds builders to declare significant modifications involving 3D-printed parts to LAA Engineering for technical assessment. Please take the time to read the TL3.30 HERE (or below) and refer to it when considering the use of 3D-printed parts in aircraft construction or modification. TL 3.30 Parts produced via Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) .pdf Download PDF • 122KB Next Previous

Lycoming Lycoming engines in certain specific airframe types have been approved by the CAA for the use of unleaded Mogas, using the process described in CAP747 , See Section 2, Part 4, General Concession 5. This involves purchasing an STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) from either the EAA or Petersen Aviation in the USA and carrying out the actions called for by the STC. The procedures stated in CAP747 may be followed for LAA aircraft but only for aircraft with the exact same engine/airframe combinations quoted on in CAP747.. An LAA inspector must check that the aircraft operator has obtained a copy of CAP747, Section 2, Part 4, GC5 and of the appropriate STC and complied with the actions called for therein, and signed off a suitable logbook entry accordingly before the aircraft may be flown with unleaded Mogas.

Data Protection Policy A Statement About the Information Held on Our Website We make every effort to make sure that the information held on this website is as accurate, as up to date, and as complete as possible. However, there can be occasions where we experience problems in achieving this. This means that we cannot accept liability for any loss, damage, or inconvenience which may occur through your use of the information on this site. We recommend that you contact us for clarification before going any further with anything which you feel could cause loss, damage or inconvenience, as a result of using information on our site. If you find any information on our site that gives you cause for concern, then please tell us, and we will investigate, as appropriate. Also, please understand that we are not in control of any of the sites that we link to from ours. This means that again we do not accept liability for any loss, damage, or inconvenience which may occur through your use of the information on those sites. Please contact the appropriate organisations to check that their information is up to date and accurate. A Statement About the Copyright of Information/Facilities Held on Our Site All of the pages on this website are the copyright of The Light Aircraft Association (unless otherwise stated). Our copyright is protected by UK laws, and by international treaties worldwide. All rights are reserved. Please read the statements below if you would like to publish our information further : We expect notification of further publication of our information as a courtesy. However, permission to use our information (for non-commercial purposes) is given, if we are acknowledged as the source. Privacy Statement GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION - LAA POLICY 1. INTRODUCTION As an organisation which holds personal data in the form of membership and aircraft ownership information, we are required to ensure compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), which are designed to ensure more robust security and more transparency in the use of personal data. The GDPR places specific legal obligations on the LAA. For example, we are required to maintain records of personal data processing activities. We will have legal liability if we are responsible for a breach of confidential member data and members have a right to request sight of the data we hold on them, how it is used and if necessary to request that data is removed from our database. 2. OVERALL POLICY The LAA holds personal data from members and data linked to aircraft built or operated by members. We only hold data when there is a justifiable need to do so and will remove data if it is no longer required. The LAA has robust security systems to protect data and information, and will promptly inform anyone affected should any breach occur. Finally, the LAA will not circulate any member information to third parties without prior consent. 3. WHAT WE HOLD We currently hold data which is pertinent to GDPR in six main areas: a) Membership Data. All filing is electronic, via a remotely sited database with no hard copy filing. Name, address, contact numbers and e-mails; age; type and duration of membership; aircraft owned linked to Engineering database; bank details; correspondence sent and received. No credit or debit card details are recorded or retained. Members names and addresses are supplied to the LAA magazine publishers for the distribution of Light Aviation magazine only. Stuts receive details of new members with prior consent when they join up. b) Engineering Data. Links from the aircraft ownership database to the member database include correspondence sent and received; lists of permit revalidation dates and related information, categorised both by aircraft type and aircraft registration. Permit issue and revalidation applications, modification and repair applications are held both electronically and as hard copy in a locked, secure archive. These typically include member name and address data and may also record pilot licence number. There is a legal requirement to hold aircraft files for future scrutiny by organisations such as CAA and AAIB. Engineering admin also process debit and credit card information for fees and transactions. No debit or credit card details are recorded or retained. c) Transactional Data. Held electronically and in some cases as hard copy. Records of membership fees paid, permit revalidation payments, modification and repair fees, training course fees and merchandise sales. Records of sales transactions are held for one year in case of queries and also for the purposes of audit. No debit or credit card details are recorded or retained. Magazine advertising transactions held include name, address, payment levels and future commitments. Rally advertising and stand space transactions are logged by the Office Manager and contracted accountant. Other charges and transactions are controlled by contracted accountant via Sage accounting software. d) Inspector Records. Information held by the Head of Continuing Airworthiness & Inspection on LAA Inspectors includes: name, address, age, qualifications, contact numbers and e-mail addresses, inspection approval categories, reports on reviews and competency assessments. Held both electronically and as filed hard copy. e) NPPL Data. Information is processed on behalf of CAA for the National Private Pilot Licence scheme. Name, address, contact numbers and e-mails, age. Payments for the LAA are made either online or virtually. No debit or credit card details are recorded or retained. f) Employee Information. Name, address, contact numbers and e-mails, age, bank details, tax and salary information, as well as working records, for members of staff, contractors and some volunteers. Accessible only to senior personnel; CEO, Office Manager, Accountant and Chief Technical Officer. Terms of staff member access to own records specified in Staff Handbook. It is noted too that every staff member and Board member holds personal information which comes under the jurisdiction of the GDPR in the form of e-mails, applications and transactional records. All staff and Board members are reminded that all correspondence and address details held remain confidential, and a Data Handling Code of Conduct, including advice on computer security, will be followed. All e-mails issued should contain a standard confidentiality notice. In addition to information held at LAA HQ, LAA Member Clubs and Struts will also hold information such as member data which will require GDPR compliance. The LAA will brief these organisations accordingly on a regular basis, giving advice on how they can comply in their own right. 4. OVERSIGHT The GDPR requires that public authorities and large-scale data processing organisations designate a Data Protection Officer to take responsibility for data protection compliance. The size and structure of our organisation does not justify a dedicated post, therefore a GDPR steering team led by the CEO will provide this oversight. The CEO, Office Manager, Chief Technical Officer and Head of Continuing Airworthiness & Inspection will meet at least quarterly to identify areas that could cause compliance problems under the GDPR and will report regularly to the Board. 5. PRIVACY All members, by completing their application and thereby entering into a contractual relationship for the LAA to provide membership services, have effectively agreed to their use of their name and address, exclusively by the LAA, to ensure they receive benefits including Light Aviation magazine. We fulfil the terms of the GDPR in having a lawful basis for processing this data (see 6), which will be held on our database for the duration of their membership. In the case of lapsed membership, the data is held for a further five years to allow lapsed members to more easily rejoin. Deceased members’ records are removed after two months, with the exception of LAA Inspectors, as their records are regarded as a part of an inspected aircraft’s history. Engineering and aircraft-related data linked to members is retained (see 3b), as we have a requirement to hold records linked to aircraft to meet the requirements of organisations such as the CAA and AAIB. Each form requiring Member Information input will henceforth carry the line; “Data privacy: personal data submitted on this application form may be stored electronically but will only be used in relation to the application (and to support the safety of any aircraft to which it relates)*. Statutory obligations excepting, personal data will not be passed on to third parties without your permission. The full LAA data protection policy can be found on our website at www.laa.uk.com ” *this section for engineering forms only. 6. INDIVIDUALS' RIGHTS The GDPR includes the following rights for individuals: the right to be informed; the right of access; the right to rectification; the right to erasure; the right to restrict processing; the right to data portability; the right to object; and the right not to be subject to automated decision-making including profiling. We are confident that current procedures fulfil the GDPR and we do not operate any data profiling processes. We will regularly review our procedures to ensure they cover areas such as the deletion of personal data and will provide a member with the data we hold on them, if requested, in electronic format. The CEO will make any final decisions about deletion or release of information. 7. SUBJECT ACCESS REQUESTS We acknowledge that individuals have a right to seek access to information held on LAA databases or if they think there is a problem with the way we are handling their data. We will comply with any such request within the statutory one month period. However, we can refuse or charge for requests that are manifestly unfounded or excessive. Individuals will have the right to have their personnel data deleted where they believe it is being held without a practical or lawful basis. If we refuse a request, we must tell the individual why and that they have the right to complain to the ICO and to seek a judicial remedy. We must do this, at the latest, within one month. 8. CHILDREN There is a requirement to put systems in place to verify individuals’ ages and to obtain parental or guardian consent for any data processing activity. This is unlikely to directly affect the Light Aircraft Association Limited, but it may be pertinent if Struts hold information on individuals under the age of 13. A briefing on these requirements will be forwarded to LAA Struts as part of their briefing process. 9. DATA PRIVACY IMPACT ASSESSMENT (DPIA) LAA systems fulfil the GDPR recommended ‘privacy by design’ approach. ‘Data Protection Impact Assessments’ will be carried out if a new technology is being deployed; or if there is processing on a large scale of the special categories of data held. While this is unlikely to directly affect the LAA, we will work with our IT contractors to ensure that awareness of this is included in any future development programmes. 10. BREACHES OF DATA Should we become aware of any personal data breach, we will notify members as rapidly as is feasibly possible, notifying the Information Commissioner’s Office if a breach is likely to result in discrimination, damage to reputation, financial loss, loss of confidentiality or any other significant economic or social disadvantage to those concerned. March 2025

< Back Engineering updates in December 2 Jan 2025 The following documents have been issued/updated in the Engineering 'Info Library' during December. Continuing airworthiness information: Mandatory Technical Directive 07-2024 - Eurofox trim cables Alert 03-2024 - Eurostar trim cables Alert 04-2024 - Loose Rotax engines Alert 05-2024 - Rotax 900 series engines - blocked oil spray nozzle Technical Leaflets: TL 2.22 'non-type specific MPDs' TADS : Sling 4 TSi Wishing all our members a very Happy New Year. Next Previous