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< Back Engineering updates in September 6 Oct 2026 The following documents have been issued/updated in the Engineering 'Info Library' during September. Continuing airworthiness information : MTD-07-2026 issue 3 - Horizontal stabiliser forward attach bolt - Vans SB 00134 TADS : Luton Minor Technical Leaflets : TL 1.10 - List of aircraft parts and materials suppliers TL 2.31 - Maintenance and overhaul of propellers TL 3.04 - CAA approved welders Propeller type list, PTL/1 : Europa Next Previous

< Back Eurofox Rudder Pedal Failures - CAA Mandatory Permit Directive 12 Jan 2026 MPD-2026-002-E – Eurofox Rudder Control System - Rudder Pedal/Rudder Pedal Torque Tube - Inspection The CAA has published a Mandatory Permit Directive (MPD) concerning cracking of Eurofox rudder pedals. Please see MPD-2026-002-E below for full details, or access it HERE . MPD-2026-002-E - Rudder Control System - Rudder Pedal_Rudder Pedal Torque Tube - Inspectio .pdf Download PDF • 175KB 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

Preliminary Design Preliminary Design is the stage where the design is sized and developed in outline, leading to a three view drawing, performance and weight predictions. To help with this, LAA has developed a number of spreadsheets. Spreadsheet 1 is used to develop the basic geometry of the proposed aircraft, size the wing, fuselage and tail surfaces and work out some of the key parameters used later. Spreadsheet 2 is used to estimate the performance of the aircraft based on the geometry, initial weight estimates, engine power and guestimates of the drag coefficient and prop efficiency, allowing you to see how the performance is affected by changing each parameter in turn. Spreadsheet 3 is used to work out the critical structural speeds, develop the flight envelope and predict the aerodynamic loads on the main surfaces which can be used to size the structure, and as the basis for a load test program. The weight and balance spreadsheet elsewhere on our website allows the designer to quickly evaluate the implications on weight and cg of different positions for the crew, fuel tanks and baggage bay, and work out what empty aircraft weight and cg he must aim for. Thanks to the simplicity of these programs it takes only minutes to study the implications of changing the aircraft’s specification, for example the effect of changing the wing aspect-ratio, the trade-off between extra weight and cleaning up the airframe drag, extra power etc. Downloadable Spreadsheets Worked Spreadsheet Examples Design Tutorials

< Back Alert A-05-2025 - Alpi Pioneer 300 - Inspection of Undercarriage Components for Cracking and Corrosion 12 Jun 2025 LAA Alert A-05-2025 - Alpi Pioneer 300 - Inspection of Undercarriage Components for Cracking and Corrosion LAA Alert A-05-2025 has been published on the LAA website (and is also attached), highlighting Alpi Pioneer 300 and 300 Hawk aircraft that have suffered different malfunctions and failures of various components that make up the undercarriage. This Alert strongly recommends a close inspection of the undercarriage at 25-hour intervals for corrosion and cracking, as well as a retraction check, to verify that the retraction system components remained correctly adjusted, to avoid undercarriage collapse due to the mechanism not being adequately over-centre when extended. A-05-2025 - Alpi Pioneer 300 Landing Gear Corrosion .pdf Download PDF • 204KB Next Previous

< Back Engineering updates in June 6 Jul 2026 The following documents have been issued/updated in the Engineering 'Info Library' during June. Continuing airworthiness information : MTD-02-2026 - Cracking in E-Props Durandal HexMc propeller hubs Alert A-07-2025 - Glastar aileron servo tab pushrod cracking (issue 2) Alert A-01-2026 - Eurofox tailplane struts Forms : LAA/IC-APP, -APR & -APY - autopilot installation checklists LAA/IC-ENG-ROTAX915/916-iS - checklist for Rotax 915iS and 916iS engine installations (new) Night/IFR : List of types cleared for Night/IFR updated to include the Sling 4 TSi Propeller type list, PTL/1 : CASA 1-131-E (Jungmann) Next Previous

< Back New Technical Leaflet - Lifed Items 13 Aug 2026 There are usually a number of components on an aircraft where the manufacturer (of the airframe, engine, propeller or other equipment) recommends that they be overhauled/replaced on a regular calendar basis (because they deteriorate through ageing) or a flying hour basis (because they wear out through use), or both. In some cases, these recommendations must be adhered to, for instance where they have been mandated by a Mandatory Permit Directive, or Airworthiness Directive for a type that previously held a Certificate of Airworthiness, or incorporated in an Aircraft Maintenance Programme that has been specified by the LAA. In other cases, these recommendations are not mandatory and the owner has discretion to vary them. As a new development instigated in 2026, to help members and Inspectors to meet their ‘duty of care’ obligations, for safety and, not least, peace of mind, the LAA now advise that: When any component is known to have a recommended limited life, any extension of the life beyond that recommended by the manufacturer is listed down. Against each one, a conscious decision should be made whether or not to continue the part in service or not. In each case, where the decision is to continue the part in service, the justification, mitigation or alternative means of compliance should be recorded. The guidance in this new Technical Leaflet is aimed at helping owners to make and properly record these maintenance decisions, including: How to identify lifed items When a component life is considered mandatory If a life is not mandatory, how to decide an alternative course of action and record the decision not to follow the recommended life The aim is for owners to make considered decisions on such parts, and have a list that can be regularly reviewed by them and their Inspector. To coincide with the launch of this Technical Leaflet and its new advice, LAA have introduced a format for a document ‘ Lifed Item Tracking Supplement Form ’, available to download from the LAA website, that can be used to record the list of lifed items on an aircraft, any deviations that the owner has elected to make from the manufacturer’s recommendations, and the justifications for each case. The LAA Generic Maintenance Schedule LAA/GMS/12/150 has also been updated to include a recommended format that can be used to record the relevant information for aircraft being maintained on customised versions of the GMS. Example entries are given in Appendix 1 of the Technical Leaflet. These documents are linked below. Whichever means of recording is used, this is intended to remain as part of the aircraft’s technical records, along with the logbooks and worksheets etc. and be passed on to a new owner should the aircraft be sold. It’s recommended that the seller bring the list to the buyer’s attention and prevail upon the buyer to review the content and amend as they see fit as part of their transition into taking responsibility for the aircraft’s continued airworthiness. We hope this new Technical Leaflet and associated documents will help discussions between Owners and Inspectors at each Airworthiness Review regarding lifed items. TL 2.34 Lifed Items .pdf Download PDF • 212KB LAA-LI - Lifed Item Tracking Supplement Form - Iss 1 .docx Download DOCX • 79KB GMS-12-150 Issue 3 .doc Download DOC • 263KB Next Previous

< Back New LAA Inspector - Mark Wilkinson 15 Aug 2025 We are pleased to welcome Mark Wilkinson as a new LAA Inspector, having attended an LAA Inspector Assessment Day at Turweston recently. Mark’s aviation career began with 11 years of service in the Royal Air Force, where he initially worked on the Bulldog and Chipmunk aircraft before progressing to the Tornado. Following his military service, Mark spent 25 years in commercial aviation, working primarily on large passenger aircraft - focusing on turboprops and regional jets. This period included a three-year relocation to France, where he was responsible for supporting a BAE146 aircraft. Mark then dedicated eight years to the initial setup and maintenance of the A400M program, before taking on a role maintaining the Grob Tutor aircraft - bringing his career full circle back to light aviation. From his early days working on the Bulldog, he has always had a genuine passion for light aviation. Mark would welcome the opportunity to contribute to the light aviation community, offering support and advice wherever he can. Next Previous

< Back New LAA Inspector - Conrad Ceillam 2 Sept 2025 We are pleased to welcome Conrad Ceillam as a new LAA Inspector, having attended an LAA Inspector Assessment Day at Turweston recently. As a youngster, he worked mostly on 3-engined piston aircraft for commercial flight, and on some twin turboprops in Guernsey. He then moved on to mostly narrow-bodied jets and turboprops, with some executive jets in the UK. Latterly, he worked in Finland on medium-bodied jets, scientific aircraft, and mission/patrol. Since moving to Shetland, he has mostly worked on twin-piston passenger craft. He has held BMAA inspector approvals since April 2023. Next Previous

< Back More new LAA Inspectors - Bryn Holt & Daniel Couzens 16 Jan 2024 It is time to introduce you to two new LAA Inspectors - Bryn Holt and Daniel Couzens, who both attended an LAA Inspector Assessment Day in December, with our Chief Inspector, Lucy. Bryn is the Hangar Supervisor for Shenley Engineering at Headcorn Aerodrome. He has 20 years experience carrying out maintenance on a variety of fixed wing metal, composite and wooden airframes, supporting naturally aspirated and turbocharged Lycoming and Continental Engines, Gipsy Major and Renault 4P03 Engines. Daniel is an Aircraft Engineer based in Lincolnshire, as well as being a qualified CAA welder. The first aircraft he built was an Xair microlight. Congratulations to Bryn and Daniel! 🎊🎉 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

< Back Two new LAA Inspectors appointed 28 Sept 2023 Congratulations to our latest LAA Inspectors, Luke McMillan and Gareth Rutt. Luke and Gareth both came to LAA HQ at Turweston last Thursday for 'Induction, Examination and Interview Day' with our Chief Inspector, Lucy. We wish Luke and Gareth well as they start this exciting new chapter! Next Previous