< Back *DEADLINE EXTENDED!* Design the LAA 2026 Rally Poster Competition 2 Feb 2026 LAA “Design the LAA 2026 Rally Poster” Competition: Entry requirements The Light Aircraft Association (LAA) invites members, their friends and family who are 16+ to take part in our Design a 2026 Rally Poster competition celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the LAA. We’re looking for exciting, imaginative poster designs that capture the spirit of the LAA, celebrate homebuilt and vintage aircraft, and highlight the future of general aviation. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or a first time creator, we’d love to see your vision! Children’s competition Alongside this, we are also running a children’s design a poster competition, to inspire our young aviators to get creative! Parental consent required for under 18s. Shortlisted entries in this category will be displayed at the Rally. Age categories 3 – 6 7 – 11 12 – 15 Theme “Celebrating 80 years of the LAA” - building, flying and Innovation. Entrants may interpret the theme however they wish. Ideas could include: LAA homebuilding heritage The community spirit of the LAA Spirit of flight Future aviators and innovators Safety, engineering, sustainability, or adventure within GA Iconic imagery associated with the Rally A celebratory anniversary feel for the LAA 80 th ! Creativity is encouraged! Who Can Enter This is a competition for ages from 16+ . Anyone under 18 will require parental permission. The children’s competition is in three age groups. Poster Requirements Format: Poster size: A4 (portrait or landscape) Accepted media: hand-drawn, painted, digital artwork, mixed media All entries must be submitted as: A high-resolution JPG or PNG, or A PDF suitable for printing Design Requirements The poster must include the title: LAA Rally 2026 and mention the 80th Anniversary. LAA logo (download link will be provided). Date and location of the Rally – 4 th , 5 th and 6 th September 2026 at Leicester Airport The UK’s biggest International Fly in. No copyrighted images or AI-generated stock art unless you own the rights. The poster can include aircraft, venue (i.e. from above with parked planes). Themes from any era (Design themes from any era). Key Dates Deadline for submissions: 14th February 2026 Shortlist announced: 20th February 2026 Winner announced: End of February 2026 Judging Entries will be judged on: Creativity & originality Visual impact Relevance to the theme Suitability for use as an official event poster Prizes Prizes include: Your design featured in official LAA promotional materials. Design becomes the official 80 th Rally poster. A printed, framed print of your artwork 2x VIP all access event passes Presentation at the LAA Rally 2026 LAA merchandise and goody bag. *Prizes subject to change, subject to partner availability. 2 nd and 3 rd prizes for runner ups: Printed certificate Goody bag Children’s category prizes: LAA goody bag Printed certificate Poster displayed at the 2026 Rally Presentation at the 2026 Rally Terms & Conditions By entering, you grant the LAA permission to reproduce your artwork for promotional use across all media including social media, website and printed. Grant LAA permission to print artwork to sell. Artists retain copyright of their work but not print or re-sell. Entrants under 18 must have parent/guardian consent. The judges’ decision is final. The LAA reserves the right to withdraw entries that do not meet the guidelines. We reserve the right to adapt the design to best meet our needs. Submission Process: How to Enter Entries with artwork file to be sent by email to: [email protected] with: Full name Age category if child entry. Contact email and/or phone Confirmation that the artwork is your own original work and that you grant the LAA permission to reproduce your artwork for promotional use. Contact For questions, contact: [email protected] LAA Office: Address. Head office. Turweston Aerodrome, Nr Brackley. Northants. NN13 5YD. Next Previous

< Back Engineering updates in February and March 11 Apr 2025 The following documents have been issued/updated in the Engineering 'Info Library' during February and March. Technical leaflets : TL 1.10 - List of aircraft parts and materials suppliers TL 2.01 - A guide to LAA aircraft ownership TL 2.22 - Non-type specfic MPDs TL 3.25 - Flight test briefing Continuing airworthiness information : Alert A-01-2025 - Piper rudder post Alert A-02-2025 - Rotax crankcase Alert A-03-2025 - Gen 4 Jabiru 2200 and 3300 engines TADS : Brandli Cherry Cessna 120 Eurostar Groppo Trail Rans S5 (204 and 204B) Rotax 4-stroke Sportcruiser Next Previous

< Back Alert A-08-2025 - Gen 4 Jabiru 3300 Engine Crankshafts 25 Jul 2025 LAA Alert A-08-2025 - Gen 4 Jabiru 3300 Engine Crankshafts On 11.4.25, Jabiru Aircraft Pty Ltd issued a new Service Bulletin, JSB 046, which applies to specific Jabiru 3300 engines and requires the replacement of the crankshafts on engines within certain serial number ranges, which they state were supplied between April 2017 and June 2024. Jabiru regards the Bulletin as mandatory. The Bulletin advises that Jabiru has identified that, as a result of an issue with heat treatment, crankshafts supplied with the affected engines are in some cases susceptible to failure. Jabiru have specified that the crankshaft must be replaced by a crankshaft of the later, improved design. Affected crankshafts must be replaced prior to 15th December 2026, or 150 hours total time in service (TTIS), whichever occurs later. A-08-2024 can be found HERE and is also shown below. A-08-2025 - Gen 4 Jabiru 3300 Engine Crankshafts .pdf Download PDF • 202KB Next Previous

< Back New LAA Inspector - Mark Bodger 23 Oct 2024 The LAA is pleased to welcome Mark Bodger as a new LAA Inspector. Mark has considerable experience on metal and wooden aircraft. He has rebuilt a Turbulent, Nipper, Colibri, Pitts, Vans RV-4 and completed new build projects including an Isaacs Fury and plans Replica SE5a. He has experience in VW engines, having rebuilt several. In his 30 years of LAA membership, he has owned over 20 LAA types, giving him a broad exposure to the maintenance of different aircraft. He also has the facilities to weigh aircraft. Congratulations Mark! 🎉 Next Previous

< Back Mandatory Technical Directive issued for Pioneer aircraft 6 Mar 2024 The control horn on the elevator trim tab on a Pioneer 300 failed in flight, which resulted in sever trim tab flutter. A safe landing was made and there was no further damage to the aircraft. MTD-02-2024 requires the checking of this horn on all Pioneer variants to ensure that it is of the correct design standard and recommends regular checks for free-play in the system. Next Previous

< Back Alert A-09-2025 - Hairline Cracking in Woodcomp Klassic Propeller Blades 19 Aug 2025 Alert A-09-2025 - Hairline Cracking in Woodcomp Klassic Propeller Blades LAA Alert A-09-2025 has been published on the LAA website (and is also attached), highlighting reports of Woodcomp Klassic blades found with hairline cracks in the blade’s surfaces, running chordwise, usually outboard of about 30% radius. The Alert described actions for Owners to take if such cracks are found and to contact LAA Engineering. A-09-2025 - Woodcomp Klassic Propeller Blades issue 1 .pdf Download PDF • 205KB Next Previous

< Back AGM The awards ceremony will start at 11.30 a.m. Registration for entry into the AGM will be open at 10.45. For more details, please see link below. https://www.lightaircraftassociation.co.uk/agm2025 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

< Back Engineering updates in October and November 6 Dec 2024 The following documents have been issued/updated in the Engineering 'Info Library' during October and November. Alerts : Alert A-01-2024 Eurostar trim system Alert A-02-2024 Lycoming connecting rod bushings TADS : Europa Eurostar Sling 2 Next Previous

< 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 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

< 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