Long-time Light Aircraft Association (LAA) Coach and test pilot Chris Thompson has agreed to take over as National Coach for the LAA Pilot Coaching Scheme from Will Greenwood, who stands down at the end of 2019 after almost a decade of service.
Chris will work alongside Head of Training David Cockburn to help co-ordinate the work of the PCS Coaches and develop new initiatives for 2020.
Chris has a wide range of flying experience in everything from the giant Antonov AN-2 biplane to the diminutive Cri-Cri and has also run the LAA’s popular Air-Ground Radio Operators courses at his home airfield of Popham.
Meantime, the LAA has announced that starts the new decade with a record fleet size of 2,827 aircraft on valid Permits to Fly overseen by the Association.
The year 2019 saw 2,750 permits renewed, 50 more than the previous year, and 93 newly permitted aircraft took to the skies for the first time.
There was also an increase in the number of new projects registered in 2019 at 83, in comparison with 67 the previous year. Membership figures look equally strong too, with 7,790 members recorded at the year’s end, including around 600 new recruits.
“We’re delighted to be starting the New Year with such robust figures” said CEO Steve Slater. “While some have worried about stagnation or worse in our sector, these numbers demonstrate that there is strong support for lower-cost recreational flying.
We’ve got an equally exciting year ahead too, with activities including a summer Scottish Tour and the LAA Rally, new additions to our Permit fleet including YAK aircraft and a renewed commitment to areas including engineering training and the LAA Pilot Coaching Scheme.”
