Search this site

Latest News 2 Nov 2026 Engineering updates in October Updates from the Engineering Team in October Read More 18 Oct 2026 Exciting Career Opportunity at the LAA: 'Senior Inspection & Airworthiness Engineer' Applications are open for the role of 'Senior Inspection & Airworthiness Engineer' Read More 13 Oct 2026 REMINDER: Pilots currently using the 5 in 13 revalidation for SLMG/Microlight deadline Pilots currently utilising the exemption ORS4 1633 for revalidating their SLMG/Microlight ratings are reminded that they must transition to a 24 month validity by the 31st October 2026. Read More 12 Oct 2026 MTD-07-2026 Issue 4 – Van’s RV Horizontal Stabiliser Attachment Bolts Additional Guidance on Assessing Deviations Read More 6 Oct 2026 Engineering updates in September Updates form the Engineering Team in September Read More 2 Oct 2026 LAA's Response to Electronic Conspicuity Mandate Submitted to Consultation on a Proposed Electronic Conspicuity Mandate in the UK Read More 24 Sept 2026 MTD-07-2026 Issue 3 - Vans Horizontal Stabiliser Forward Attach Bolt Position MTD-07-2026 Issue 3 & Van’s SB-00134 Revision 2.2 Read More 22 Sept 2026 LAA Rally 2026 Update LAA Rally takes flight at Leicester Airport for spectacular 80th anniversary celebration! Read More 22 Sept 2026 Rally 2026 Trophy Winners Rally Aircraft Winners Read More 15 Sept 2026 Technical Leaflet TL 2.31 – Maintenance and Overhaul of Propellers (Issue 2) This document has undergone a substantial rewrite and supersedes Issue 1. Read More 11 Sept 2026 Positive Progress Van's RV Tailplane Attachment Bolt Hole Investigation Read More 10 Sept 2026 Engineering updates in August Updates form the Engineering Team in August Read More 3 Sept 2026 LAA Office Closure The LAA Office will be closed from 4th-7th September inclusive for the LAA Rally Read More 1 Sept 2026 Remembering Mike Whittaker Remembering Mike Whittaker, Designer of the MW range of microlights Read More 28 Aug 2026 LAA RALLY 2026 - Speakers Corner Speakers Corner talks now available! Read More 25 Aug 2026 MTD-07-2026 - Vans Horizontal Stabiliser Attach Position - Issue 2 This MTD has been upissued to Issue 2 in order to align with the re-issue of Vans SB 00134 at Revision 1 Read More 19 Aug 2026 MTD-07-2026 Issue 1 - Horizontal Stabiliser Forward Attach Bolt Position A Mandatory Technical Directive to mandate the actions called for in Van's Service Bulletin, SB 00134. Read More 18 Aug 2026 MTD-06-2024 Issue 3 - Pietenpol Air Camper Wing Strut Internal Corrosion Inspection and modification requirements for Pietenpol Air Camper aircraft fitted with 'Jim Wills' wing struts Read More 14 Aug 2026 MTD-06-2026 - Vixxen Forward Wing Attachment Reinforcement A new MTD regarding reinforcing the front wing attachment brackets of A-32 & A32-L aircraft with Aeroprakt serial numbers up to and including #370 Read More 13 Aug 2026 New Technical Leaflet - Lifed Items Technical Leaflet TL 2.34 - Lifed Items Issue 1 - published Read More 6 Aug 2026 Engineering updates in July Updates from the Engineering Team in July Read More 3 Aug 2026 CAA EC Mandate consultation webinar Tuesday 11th August The CAA is holding webinar for the General Aviation community in relation to the CAA’s consultation on a Proposed Electronic Conspicuity Mandate in the UK on Tuesday 11 August from 18:00 – 19:00. Read More 30 Jul 2026 Alert A-03-2026 - Loose Propeller Bolts - Effect of Prolonged Heatwaves on Wooden Propellers Refer to the propeller manufacturer's instructions for the correct bolt torque Read More 28 Jul 2026 MTD- 04-2026 Issue 1 - Vans Fuel Pick Up Failure Final MTD- 04-2026 Issue 1 Published after Consultation Read More 24 Jul 2026 MTD-06-2024 Issue 2 - Pietenpol Air Camper Wing Rear Strut Internal Corrosion Inspection and modification requirements for Pietenpol Air Camper aircraft fitted with 'Jim Wills' rear wing struts Read More 23 Jul 2026 LAA Alert A-02-2026 - MCR-01 Tailplane Mounting Corrosion Inspection of aluminium alloy wing and tailplane attachment brackets on MCR-01 aircraft operating on an LAA Permit to Fly. Read More 21 Jul 2026 MTD-02-2025 Issue 3 - Mission M108 Nose Leg Failure Issue 3 of this MTD is issued primarily to correct and clarify a part reference Read More 6 Jul 2026 Engineering updates in June Updates from the Engineering Team in June Read More 6 Jul 2026 CAA MPD-2026-003-E – Rotax 912/914 Series Engines The directive applies to Rotax 912 UL, 912 ULS, 912 iS Sport, and 914 UL series engines fitted with affected propeller gearboxes Read More 2 Jul 2026 New Technical Leaflet – Parts Produced by Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) Technical Leaflet 3.30, Issue 1 Read More 2 Jul 2026 MTD-06-2025 - Europa Tailplane Torque Tube Mod Failure - Issue 2 Europa aircraft owners are required to identify the tailplane torque tube configuration, determine whether clamps are fitted Read More 29 Jun 2026 LAA HQ will be closed on Friday 3rd July due to the Silverstone Grand Prix LAA HQ will close on the 3rd of July Read More 26 Jun 2026 Engineering Employment Opportunity - Design Verification Engineer Want to take the next step in your Aviation Engineering career? Then join the Light Aircraft Association Engineering Team and help keep the UK's largest fleet of vintage and light sport aircraft flying! Read More 26 Jun 2026 MTD-02-2026 Issue 1 Published - Cracking in E-Props Durandal HexMc® Propeller Hubs A New Mandatory Technical Directive Applicable to LAA Aircraft Fitted with E-Props Durandal 3-Blade Propeller Hubs Read More 24 Jun 2026 LAA RALLY ENTRANCE TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE!!! You can now purchase entrance tickets via the LAA Shop. Read More 16 Jun 2026 Alert A-07-2025 ISSUE 2 - Glastar Aileron Servo-Tab Pushrod Cracking Clarification on the servo tab and aileron electric trim manufacturer options Read More 5 Jun 2026 Engineering updates in May Updates from the Engineering Team in May Read More 5 Jun 2026 LAA Alert A-01-2026 - Eurofox Tailplane Struts Alert to Highlight the Risk of Serious Structural Failure from Incorrect Assembly of Eurofox Tailplane Bracing Struts Read More 3 Jun 2026 LAA Open Day this Saturday 6th June - Postponed LAA's Summer Open Day has unfortunately been postponed Read More 7 May 2026 Engineering updates in April Updates from the Engineering Team in April Read More 24 Apr 2026 MTD-03-2026 Issue 1 Published – NSI CAP 140 Propeller Cracking A new Mandatory Technical Directive has been raised to withdraw approval for CAP 140 propeller blade cuffs versions Read More 15 Apr 2026 MTD-01-2026 Issue 1 Published - Shadow Aircraft Oratex Disbonding A new Mandatory Technical Directive due to Oratex covering suffered a largescale disbond in flight Read More 3 Apr 2026 New LAA Factory-Built Gyroplane Inspector - Kevin Whitehead Introducing new LAA FBG Inspector - Kevin Whitehead Read More 2 Apr 2026 New LAA Inspector - Robin Smith Introducing new LAA Inspector - Robin Smith Read More 1 Apr 2026 Engineering updates in March Updates from the Engineering Team in March Read More 30 Mar 2026 Armstrong / Isaacs Bursary 2026 Winners of the 2026 Armstrong / Isaacs Bursary. Congratulations to Kate, Iain and Rose!! Read More 20 Mar 2026 New LAA Inspector - Mike Maddams Introducing new LAA Inspector - Mike Maddams Read More 16 Mar 2026 New LAA Inspector - Craig Ransome Introducing new LAA Inspector - Craig Ransome Read More 6 Mar 2026 Winner Announced: LAA 80th Anniversary Rally Poster Congratulations to Amy Whitewick, whose striking design was chosen to mark 80 years of grassroots aviation, engineering excellence and community spirit! Read More 5 Mar 2026 Engineering updates in February Updates from the Engineering Team in February Read More 19 Feb 2026 LAA host British Young Pilots BYP launch Sunday Flying Club Read More 6 Feb 2026 Malcolm McBride Update Malcolm McBride's Funeral arrangements Read More 5 Feb 2026 Engineering updates in January Updates from the Engineering Team in January Read More 2 Feb 2026 *DEADLINE EXTENDED!* Design the LAA 2026 Rally Poster Competition 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. Read More 19 Jan 2026 Eurofox Rudder Pedal Failures - LAA Standard Modification Approved & MTD-05-2025 Issue 4 LAA Standard Modification SM16826 ‘Reinforcement of Rudder Pedal to Torque Tube Joints & Latest MT-05-2025 Read More 12 Jan 2026 Eurofox Rudder Pedal Failures - CAA Mandatory Permit Directive CAA MPD-2026-002-E - Eurofox Rudder Pedal Cracking Read More 7 Jan 2026 Engineering updates in November and December Updates from the Engineering Team in November and December Read More 7 Jan 2026 MTD-05-2025 Issue 3 published - Eurofox Rudder Pedals MTD-05-2025 Issue 3 published - Eurofox Rudder Pedals Read More 23 Dec 2025 LAA Alert A-15-2025 Glasair Rudder Pedal Bearing Failures Alert to highlight the Glasair Rudder Pedal Bearing Failures and Recommended Testing Read More 16 Dec 2025 MTD-06-2025 published - Europa Tailplane Torque Tube Mod Failure MTD-06-2025 - A recent inspection of a Europa fitted with the tailplane torque tube clamp modification, LAA MOD 10623, revealed both halves of the clamp had broken and fallen apart. Read More

< Back LAA Alert issued for Lycoming Engines 28 Nov 2024 The LAA has issued Alert A-02-2024 (link below) to highlight the recent Lycoming Airworthiness Directive regarding connecting rod bushings and connecting rod assemblies. The FAA has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) for models of Lycoming engines that have an affected part installed and are assembled within the ship date range, as specified in Table 1 to paragraph (c) of this Airworthiness Directive (AD 2024-21-02). The AD comes into effect on 5th December 2024. This AD was prompted by several reports of connecting rod failures which resulted in uncontained engine failure and in-flight shutdowns. The AD requires repetitive oil inspections for bronze metal particulates at each oil change, and if found, additional inspections of the connecting rod bushings for damage, proper fit, movement, and wear, and replacement if necessary. The first oil inspection must take at the next oil change or within 4 months after the AD becomes effective i.e. 5th April 2025, whichever occurs first. As terminating action to the connecting rod bushing inspections, this AD requires replacement of the connecting rod bushings with parts eligible for installation. LAA A-02-2024 - Lycoming Connecting Rod Assemblies .pdf Download PDF • 203KB Next Previous

< Back MTD-02-2025 issued - Mission M108 Nose Leg Failures 6 Jun 2025 MTD-02-2025 - 'Nose leg failures' was issued today for Mission M108 aircraft. This MTD can be found HERE and is also attached below. Three instances of nose leg failure have occurred in the past 12 months, two of which recently. This MTD mandates the regular inspection of this area until a long-term fix has been put in place. Lambert Aircraft Engineering is working to finalise a solution as soon as possible, working closely with the LAA. We will update the MTD as appropriate once a solution is in place. MTD-02-2025 - Mission M108 Nose Leg .pdf Download PDF • 212KB Next Previous

< Back MTD-04-2025 Issue 3 - Rans Control Linkage Rod End Connector Safety Washers 4 Dec 2025 MTD-04-2025 upissued to Issue 3 to amend the specification of the metal washers that must used to replace plastic washers. MTD-04-2025 Issue 3 is published in order to amend the specification of the metal washers that must be used to replace plastic washers. Therefore, MTD-04-2025 Issue 3 supersedes Issue 1 and 2. Issue 1 and 2 of this MTD are now cancelled. Please refer to the attached MTD document for full details and compliance instructions, which can also be found on the LAA website HERE . MTD-04-2025 - Rans Rod End Washers - Issue 3 .pdf Download PDF • 130KB Next Previous

Opening Times & Car Parking Opening Times Visitors will be asked to leave the exhibition area by 5.00 p.m. Friday: 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Saturday: 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Sunday: 9.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Car Park Car parking remains free. Follow sign posts to visitors car park. Please do not use the Exhibitor car park. Disabled parking is available. Please note that entrance to the LAA Rally car park and exhibition site is separate from the Leicestershire Aero Club entrance (reserved for LAC members and other airfield users) How to get there Leicester Airfield , Gartree Road, Leicester, LE2 2FG Follow the Rally Car Park Signs What3words Location: rings.using.nails

< Back MTD-06-2024 Issue 3 - Pietenpol Air Camper Wing Strut Internal Corrosion 18 Aug 2026 MTD-06-2024 Issue 3 – Pietenpol Air Camper Wing Strut Internal Corrosion Issue 1 of this MTD, issued in 2024, required inspection of the rear 'Jim Wills' type struts for corrosion, replacement of any corroded struts, and the drilling of a single drain hole in the end cap of each strut. MTD-06-2024 Issue 2 superseded Issue 1 and introduced revised drain hole requir ements based on feedback from the field. Aircraft fitted with Jim Wills rear wing struts must have the struts inspected for internal and external corrosion. Issue 3 is being issued to properly reflect the requirements for Air Campers using the Paul Prince metal framed fuselage option and the fact that the outboard ends of the Wills struts are non-adjustable, as well as to clarify that the rod-end’s locknut is not shown in Figure 4. For aircraft that have not already complied with Issue 1 or Issue 2 of this MTD, Issue 3 of this MTD must be embodied ‘Before next flight,’ after the publication of this MTD at Issue 3. For wooden-fuselaged aircraft that have already had their rear struts inspected and single drain holes drilled in accordance with Issue 1 of this MTD, the second drain hole and optional third borescope hole must be drilled in each rear strut and other actions carried out in accordance with Issue 2 or Issue 3 of this MTD before the end of 2027. For Paul Prince metal-fuselaged aircraft, both front and rear struts must be inspected and drain holes drilled in accordance with Issue 3 of this MTD not later than 90 days after the effective date of this MTD Issue 3. Please refer to the MTD-06-2024 Issue 3 document for full applicability, aircraft identification guidance, and compliance requirements. This MTD can be found HERE and is also available below. 20260818 - MTD-06-2024 - Pietenpol Air Camper Struts Issue 3 .pdf Download PDF • 918KB Next Previous

LAA Type Clubs British Rotorcraft Association W: www.britishrotorcraftassociation.org T: 07841870568 E: [email protected] Pietenpol Club W: www.pietenpolclub.uk E: [email protected] The Aeronca Club of Great Britain W: www.aeronca.co.uk T: 01752 406 660 E: [email protected] The Europa Club W: www.theeuropaclub.org E: [email protected] Vintage Aircraft Club W: www.vintageaircraftclub.org.uk E: [email protected] Vintage Piper Aircraft Club W: www.vintagepiper.co.uk E: [email protected] International Auster Club W: www.austerclub.org British Women Pilots' Association W: www.bwpa.co.uk E: [email protected] Beagle Pup & Bulldog Club W: www.bpbc.uk T: 07985 430265 E: [email protected]

< Back MTD-07-2026 Issue 3 - Vans Horizontal Stabiliser Forward Attach Bolt Position 24 Sept 2026 MTD-07-2026 Issue 3 & Van’s SB-00134 Revision 2.2 LAA has now issued MTD-07-2026 Issue 3 to reflect and approve the requirements contained within the revised service bulletin in their entirety, and to include a revised table in Appendix A which, used in conjunction with Van’s narrative and flowchart, helps clarify the requirements, as well as providing a means of recording the results. Please note, whilst compliance with Issue 1 of the MTD meant that compliance with Issue 2 was automatically achieved, the same is not true of Issue 3, since it introduces three extra requirements not present in the previous issues. These are: a requirement to contact Vans and the LAA if any of the four bolts concerned are anything but AN3 size a requirement to measure the extent of the relief notch in the HS-714 component to ensure that it is not too long a requirement to check that the relief notch in HS-714 does not contain any stress raisers. This means that it is mandatory to check your aircraft against Issue 3 of the MTD, even if it has already been shown compliant with issues 1 or 2. Next Steps 1. Have the aircraft inspected in accordance with MTD-07-2026 Issue 3 and SB-00134 Revision 2.2. If you have already made measurements following previous issues of the MTD, you should be able to copy them across to the table in Appendix A on the MTD at Issue 3. 2. Hopefully, your aircraft will be found to be free from cracks and compliant with the requirements of the MTD at Issue 3, either as currently configured or by following any corrective actions specified in the MTD under the supervision of your Inspector. 3. A suitable logbook entry, signed by your Inspector, will then enable the aircraft to be returned to flight. The logbook entry must describe the completion of the procedures required by the MTD at Issue 3, and where applicable, the results of any special inspections carried out, and amendments to the aircraft maintenance programme. 4. If, in order to comply with MTD-07-2026 at Issue 3, you need to instigate repetitive inspections or fit washer plates, please provide LAA Engineering with copies of: The signed logbook entry, including a description of carrying out the checks IAW the MTD Issue 3 and the results of any special inspections carried out as described in the MTD-07-2026 and the associated SB-00134 Revision 2.2. The completed Appendix A checklist from MTD-07-2026 Issue 3; and Where applicable, the revised maintenance schedule. 5. If, on the other hand, your Inspector determines that the aircraft does not comply with the requirements of MTD-07-2026 Issue 3, please contact us so that we can work with you and Van's Aircraft to identify a suitable solution. Please include a copy of the completed Appendix A checklist and, if not already provided, photographs of the relevant areas. In this case, the aircraft must not be flown until a solution is identified, approved by LAA HQ and implemented under your Inspector’s guidance. We are hopeful that, following the process outlined above and compliance with the new requirements contained within MTD-07-2026 Issue 3, your aircraft can either remain in service uninterrupted or otherwise, be promptly returned to flight. Please refer to the LAA MTD-07-2026 Issue 3, together with Van’s SB-00134 Revision 2.2, for full inspection guidance, identification requirements and compliance actions below: 20260924 - MTD-07-2026 - Vans Horizontal Stabiliser Iss 3 .pdf Download PDF • 529KB SB-00134-Horizontal-Stabilizer-Forward-Attach-Bolts-R2.2 1 .pdf Download PDF • 1.80MB Next Previous

< Back Engineering updates in July 6 Aug 2026 The following documents have been issued/updated in the Engineering 'Info Library' during July. Continuing airworthiness information : MTD-06-2024 - Pietenpol Air Camper struts (issue 2) MTD-02-2025 - Mission M108 nose leg failure (issue 3) MTD-06-2025 - Europa tailplane torque tube clamp mod failure (issue 2) MTD-04-2026 - Vans fuel pick up A-02-2026 - MCR-01 Tailplane mounting corrosion Forms : LAA/FT-HIFA PROPS Hydraulically operated variable pitch propeller test schedule LAA/MOD4 Propeller change application form LAA/IC-ENG-ROTAX915/916-iS installation checklist Technical Leaflets : TL 2.00 - Revalidation of a Permit to Fly (minor updates) TL 3.30 - Parts produced by additive manfacturing (3D printing) (New) Propeller type list, PTL/1 : Isaacs Fury II (New) Next Previous

Light Aviation Magazine 2024 Click on the links below to open each issue of Light Aviation Magazine from 2024 January 2024 April 2024 July 2024 October 2024 February 2024 May 2024 August 2024 November 2024 March 2024 June 2024 September 2024 December 2024

Light Aviation Magazine 2012 Click on the links below to open each issue of Light Aviation Magazine from 2012 January 2012 April 2012 July 2012 October 2012 February 2012 May 2012 August 2012 November 2012 March 2012 June 2012 September 2012 December 2012

For Single Engine Piston Assistance (SSEA) Tel: 01280 846 786 - LAA [email protected] For Self Launching Motor Glider Assistance (SLMG) Tel: 0116 289 2956 - BGA [email protected] For Microlight Assistance (M) Tel: 01869 338 888 -- BMAA [email protected] Applications received by the LAA Please allow 5 working days for your SSEA / SLMG application to be processed by the LAA. If you wish to check on the progress of your application, look at the Current Applications Page or contact LAA on 01280 846 786. For the issue of your licence contact CAA licencing department on 01293 567 171 Website links: LAA - BMAA - BGA -CAA Help and Contacts