Light Aircraft Association, Leicester Aerodrome, UK 3-5th September 2026.
Report by Peter & Kim Davison and Colin Coulthard
The Light Aircraft Association (LAA) annual rally celebrated its 80th Anniversary this year.
In 1946 a group of passionate private flyers formed the Ultra-Light Aircraft Association (ULAA) creating the ‘Permit to fly’ system and, by 1950 amateur-built aircraft were overseen by designated inspectors. By 1952 this morphed into the Popular Flying Association (PFA) and by 1955 a few homebuilt types were added to the growing UK civil register including the pioneering Taylor Monoplane. Biplane numbers were down but a few classics tried to steal the show.
Regional Branches were created from 1969 called ‘struts’ and Strut Fly-ins saw the arrival of scale replicas and composite materials being used with great success. As kit guilding increased the PFA became the Light Aircraft Association (LAA) with a Headquarters at Turwerston Aerodrome in Northamptonshire. Many aircraft types now had specialist groups like Austers, de Havillands and Beagles who share knowledge throughout the year as well as organising flying events.
With fair weather forecast, particularly on Saturday, around 300 visiting aircraft were expected at Leicester Aerodrome and, by 1600 hours the available grass parking was almost full. A few overseas visitors crossed the channel, including from France, Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland. The healthy Leicestershire Aero Club generously hosted hangar tours for the numerous aviation enthusiasts and photographers that, no doubt, boosted ticket sales considerably.
The display area featured a selection; including Chipmunks, Vans, a Turbulent and various Gyrocopters with tents housing talks and advice centres plus networking opportunities with the various sponsors. New for 2026 was a STEM zone to inspire and inform the next generation and help update those of the 7000 members who operate nearly 3000 light aircraft in British skies.
