The Light Aircraft Association is the UK’s principal representative body for amateur-built and vintage light aircraft. Their history dates back to 1946, originally as the Ultralight Aircraft Association and more latterly the Popular Flying Association, and they are proud to have His Royal Highness, Prince Michael of Kent as patron.
They are a not-for-profit association, owned by our members, providing airworthiness services under direct delegation from the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority. Representing the aviation interests of over 8,000 pilot, amateur builder, vintage aircraft owner and enthusiast members, providing sector-leading consultation and lobbying on UK and European aviation regulatory matters. With over 2,500 operational aircraft, including 500 microlights and 100 autogyros, and another 1,700 aircraft under construction, our technical competence is second to none, worldwide.
In addition to core airworthiness services, they boast a nationwide network of pilot coaches, each familiar with a wide range of light aircraft types and their operation, and also provide technical courses spanning aircraft construction and maintenance aspects. They provide a professionally-produced monthly full-colour member’s magazine and support a nationwide social network of clubs (struts) who organise regular meetings and fly-ins.
Their annual LAA Rally, held over a weekend each September, has attracted close to two thousand visiting aircraft and represent the single largest such event in Europe.