LAA TODAY i TRAINING COURSES
O
ne of the great things about flying and aircraft engineering is that one truly never stops learning. Whether it is mastering a new flying technique, discovering the latest technical innovation, or relearning a bygone constructional method, there is always something to add to one’s education – and with the knowledge pool that exists within the LAA, it really is a great place to learn. This is becoming ever-more important with a subtle change in LAA membership in recent years, from builders to buyers. While around 100 new homebuild projects are initiated each year, it is noteworthy that an increasing proportion of members are today flying aircraft that they have purchased, either as factorybuilt, from the original constructor or in many cases, several owners and even generations ‘down the line’. Inevitably these owners are likely to know less about the internal workings of their aircraft than the chap who built it. In response to this, the LAA is developing a series of training courses and events that will allow owners and enthusiasts to develop their hands-on skills and knowledge of aircraft engines and structures. Some of these courses are already well-established favourites, which we’ll maybe run more frequently or even perhaps set up additional courses elsewhere in the country to meet demand. Others are designed to take advantage of our own dedicated classroom and training workshop facilities at our headquarters at Turweston in Northamptonshire, offering a central location convenient to most members.
Aircraft woodwork
One of our most popular courses, which most definitely won’t be changing its venue, is the aircraft woodwork course run by master craftsman Dudley Pattison from his home workshop near Swindon. As well as building a string of award-winning aircraft, Dudley is an expert on sourcing aircraft-quality timber and materials, making him an acknowledged guru on materials and techniques. The one-day course at Dudley’s workshop is ideal for anybody contemplating building or repairing a wooden aircraft. The comprehensive course is dedicated to learning the fundamental woodwork techniques; covering wood selection, cutting, drilling, scarfing and gluing. Other areas include shaping, multiple-part production, laminating formers, rib production and the internal finishing of timber, offering all you need to know to gain sufficient confidence to start your own project. All necessary tools and materials are provided, as well as a first-class lunch prepared by Duds’ wife!
Aircraft metalwork
Given that a growing number of the most popular kit aircraft feature riveted aluminium construction, the LAA metalwork courses are unsurprisingly rapidly sold out. The instructors, led by LAA inspector Gary Smith, are all builders of Van’s RV-series
A Great Place to Learn
Steve Slater outlines the Association’s engineering courses that provide members with the confidence to build and maintain their own aircraft
26 LAA TODAY join online at www.laa.uk.com
LAA today_education courses.V2.LB.indd 46
28/03/2019 15:43
