Light Aircraft Association

The Light Aircraft Association (LAA) is a UK membership body for light aviation, based at Turweston Aerodrome near Brackley in Northamptonshire. It grew out of the amateur aircraft building movement. It supports members who build, own, maintain and fly light aircraft.

Members can build their own aircraft from original plans or from a modern kit made by a recognised maker. An LAA Inspector supports each build. There are many aircraft types to choose from.

Engineering is at the heart of the association. Its engineering team supports the Permit to Fly airworthiness system. It has full-time qualified engineers and a countrywide network of Inspectors. This helps make owning and flying an aircraft affordable. As the LAA fleet grows, more members fly aircraft that they did not build themselves. The engineering department also supports them.

The Pilot Coaching Scheme covers biennial reviews and class rating revalidation. It also covers type conversions, renewal training, differences training and licence migration. Coaches work all over the UK and will travel to meet pilots. The association also has an NPPL section for members.

The LAA runs courses for members. Topics include electrics, working with aluminium, aircraft carpentry, composites and Rotax engines. There is also an air to ground radio operator course. Local clubs, called Struts, meet to share knowledge and take part in local events. Each year the LAA holds a fly-in known as the LAA Rally, or more recently the Grass Roots Fly In. Members pay a reduced entry fee.

Members receive Light Aviation, a full-colour monthly magazine with technical articles, flight tests and member stories. Some LAA-friendly companies offer discounts to members. The association also speaks for its members on airspace, planning and safety rules. It gives advice to bodies such as the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority. It offers an annual bursary and an information library as well.

Services

• Aircraft building support
• LAA Inspectors
• Engineering and Permit to Fly support
• Pilot Coaching Scheme
• Training courses
• Light Aviation magazine
• Local Struts
• Member discounts
• Representation to regulators
• Bursary