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< 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 Mandatory Technical Directive issued for Eurofox aircraft 6 Dec 2024 Inspection of Trim Tab Operating Cable Attachment to Prevent In-Flight Failures and replacement with Improved Design of Cable Attachment In 2016, the LAA issued an Alert, LAA/AWA/16/08 , regarding reported problems with the thin stranded steel elevator trim cable on Eurofox aircraft fraying at the attachment point to the trim tab operating horn, where the design forced the cable to be bent around the sharp edges of the clevis. The 2016 Alert also provided a link to, and served to promulgate, the Eurofox UK Service Bulletin on the subject, SB 04/2016 . Recently we’ve been advised of a potentially serious incident of elevator flutter on a Eurofox while towing a glider, which was caused by the trim cable failing altogether in flight where it passes around the trim tab operating horn clevis. This resulted in violent shaking of the elevator with serious potential for structural damage or loss of control. Since the cable had evidently frayed considerably before failing altogether, this occurrence highlights the importance inspecting the trim cable for signs of fraying at this point at each pre-flight and maintenance check, and, as the service bulletin explains, of keeping the clevis free-moving about its attachment to the tab so the clevis remains in line with the cable as the tab moves. This minimises the relative movement between the two which if occurring, would accelerate the wear on the cable. Eurofox UK advises that since the issue of the 2016 Service Bulletin, they have revised the design of the cable attachment clevis so that the cable now passes around a circular bush rather than being forced into two sharp bends, which reduces the wear on the cable and tendency to fray and eventually break. MTD-07-2024 , issued today, requires Owners/Operators to check whether the old or new design of clevises are fitted and for any signs of trim cable fraying before further flight. Owners/Operators must obtain and use a copy of the up-issued AEROPRO Checklist - B Service/Maintenance plan (Update Nov 2024 LAA aircraft) before the next 50-hour check. Finally, the trim cable system must be replaced immediately if any trim cable fraying is found, as detailed in the MTD. Furthermore, all Eurofoxes with the old-style of clevis must have the trim cable system replaced, as described in the MTD, by 1st June 2025. MTD-07-2024 Eurofox Trim Cable .pdf Download PDF • 495KB 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 New LAA Alert for all Rotax 900 series engines 13 Dec 2024 The LAA has issued Alert A-04-2024 – Highlighting loose and broken engine mounting bolts on Rotax 900 series engines A recurring problem with Rotax 912/914 engines, equally applicable to the newer 915 and 916 models, is of the four M10 bolts that attach the engine’s crankcase to the engine mounting frame becoming loose in service. Most manufacturers call for the bolts to be wire-locked in place. However, in the case of the Rotax engine mounting bolts, it seems that the bolts are coming loose not because the bolts are undoing and backing off on their threads, but because of the joint faces become imprinted over time through creep, corrosion or fretting, allowing the tension in the bolt to be lost and the joint to become loose. These problems in the field are a reminder that where it’s critical that a bolt be torqued up, this should be checked at intervals (at least annually, we’d suggest) by undoing the locking and re-torquing them, before replacing the locking wire. Be sure this check is included in your aircraft’s maintenance schedule. DO NOT RELY ON A BOLT BEING WIRE LOCKED TO BE SATISFIED THAT THESE CRITICAL BOLTS ARE STILL TIGHT. A-04-2024 - Loose Rotax Engines .pdf Download PDF • 207KB 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

National Private Pilot Licence CONTACT US Please use this FORM to contact us with any NPPL queries you have. We aim to respond within 5 working days. * F or all microlight ratings or enquiries please refer to the BMAA website * CLICK HERE FOR PCS DETAILS FAQs Details on revalidation of ratings, renewals and more! We will continue to add more FAQs as required. * Adding a SEP rating to your current NPPL (M) CLICK HERE FOR PCS DETAILS NPPL FEES for SEP / TMG Two payments need to be made: One to the LAA and one to the CAA. Please note that the CAA will send a payment link to your email address For details on how to pay, please visit the LAA Online Shop CLICK HERE FOR PCS DETAILS APPLICATION FORM Grant of a NPPL (or addition of a rating) with a SEP or TMG Class rating *** PLEASE NOTE *** All applications that are submitted via email must be as a .pdf, as one document and not individual pages and in colour. Alternatively, you can send them by post. CLICK HERE FOR PCS DETAILS MEDICALS Please use the link below for information on how to obtain a medical. Cellma System (portal) To register for the CAA Portal please read CAA Customer Portal Registration Guide CLICK HERE FOR PCS DETAILS GENERAL INFORMATION Updated 1st September 2026 * CAP3181 Sep 2026 * General Exemption E6556 * ORS4 1639 * Examiner Report for NPPL Skill Test * Information regarding the LAPL Deadline * Deadline for 5 in 13 revalidation for SLMG/Microlight deadline CLICK HERE FOR PCS DETAILS

< Back Returning LAA Inspector - Chris Norris 28 Nov 2025 We are pleased to welcome back Chris Norris. Chris returns as an LAA Inspector, following a few years away from the role. Chris is a licenced aircraft engineer, currently working at Vintage Fabrics at Audley End. Next Previous

< Back New LAA Inspector - Lewis Harper 18 Aug 2025 We are pleased to welcome Lewis Harper as a new LAA Inspector, having attended an LAA Inspector Assessment Day at Turweston recently. Working full-time as a CAA and EASA Licensed Aircraft Engineer, Lewis has pursued his lifelong passion for aviation since entering the industry at age 16, and have also achieved his PPL along the way. Next Previous

< Back Francis Donaldson is awarded the Honourable Company of Air Pilots Sword of Honour 22 Sept 2023 This year’s Sword of Honour – which recognises an outstanding contribution to General Aviation – goes to Francis Donaldson. For more than 30 years, as Chief Engineer of the then Popular Flying Association and then Light Aircraft Association, Donaldson has recommended the issuing of permits to fly for more than 3,000 aircraft and overseen the engineering and handling reviews of around 200 different types. He stood down from his role at the beginning of 2022 but has remained involved as a consultant. Few people have been more influential to the progress and development of light aircraft in the past three decades, with an encyclopedic knowledge backed by real world engineering and flight testing expertise. Press release - Air Pilots Trophies and Awards 2023 (2) .pdf Download PDF • 167KB . Next Previous

< Back MTD-02-2025 Issue 3 - Mission M108 Nose Leg Failure 21 Jul 2026 MTD-02-2025 Issue 3 - Mission M108 Nose Leg Failure This MTD is applicable to all Mission M108 aircraft fitted with the tricycle landing gear configuration (LSTC 1-002). This MTD is issued in order to mandate inspection of the affected area of the original nose leg or the installation of the new design standard of nose leg. It also clarifies and expands some aspects of the Lambert Aircraft Service Bulletin (Lambert Aircraft Engineering Service Bulletin SB-108-515 Rev 1). If MTD-05-2025 Issue 2 has been complied with, no further action is required at Issue 3. Please refer to the MTD-02-2025 Issue 3 document for full identification guidance and compliance requirements - available below. MTD-02-2025 Issue 3 - Mission M108 Nose Leg Failure .pdf Download PDF • 170KB Next Previous

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