UK GA briefing: AAIB bulletin, CAA notices, fly-ins
12 July 2026
A tidy week for anyone keeping one eye on the regulator and the other on the club calendar. The AAIB’s July monthly bulletin is out, alongside new CAA material that is worth a read if you like to stay current with the paperwork as well as the flying. On the social side, there is no shortage of places to head next. FLYER’s listings bring in events from Manston and Welshpool through to Breighton, Carlisle and Popham, while Farnborough and Perth are also on the near horizon as the UK GA season rolls on.
Official Record Series 2 Number 2698, 07 July 2026. This week’s Official Record Series 2 entry is largely a notice document rather than a substantive policy change. It sets out the standard contents for the series and then records that, in Part 3, foreign operator permits were issued between 28 June 2026 and 4 July 2026. For UK general aviation readers, the practical takeaway is simply that the CAA has published the weekly record and points readers to the issued permit list, but this PDF itself does not spell out any aircraft, operators, or other case details on the page provided.
Before heading to any fly-in, check the airfield briefing, opening times and any PPR or parking arrangements, then ring ahead if the weather makes a last-minute change likely. It saves time on the day and helps the host field keep everything moving smoothly.
Perth Airport has long been one of Scotland’s key GA hubs, and it remains a familiar meeting place for club flying and fly-ins alike.
In the circuit
Air accident monthly bulletin July 2026
The AAIB’s July 2026 monthly bulletin was published on 9 July and is described as a compilation of AAIB reports issued on the second Thursday of the month. This edition runs to 63 pages and includes field investigations, correspondence investigations and record-only investigations. For general aviation readers, the headline item is a field investigation into a Dyn Aero MCR-01 (G-TOMX) after a loss of control in flight, possibly following power loss and an attempted return to the departure airfield at Shenstone Hall Airfield, Staffordshire, on 4 May 2025. The bulletin also lists a correspondence investigation involving a Westland Scout AH1 (G-BWHU) after loss of control immediately after takeoff during a turn close to the ground at Turweston Aerodrome on 24 April 2026.
Sleapkosh '26
FLYER’s event listing says Sleapkosh ’26 will run from 10 to 12 July 2026 at Shropshire Aero Club, Harmer Hill, near Shrewsbury, and that PPR is required. It also points readers to the event website for further details. The page notes that bookings are now open, suggesting this is very much one for pilots and club flyers who are planning ahead for the summer calendar. In plain terms: if you want to attend, the organiser is already taking bookings and the club wants arrivals coordinated in advance.
Fly-in, LAA Kent Strut, Manston
FLYER lists a Fly-in for the LAA Kent Strut at Manston Airport, with the event set for 10–12 July 2026. The page gives the location as Manston Airport (MSE), Manston Road, Ramsgate, UK, and notes that prior permission is required. Beyond the date, venue and PPR requirement, the page does not add further detail on the programme or flying arrangements, so readers keen to go should follow the event website for the full information.
Alpha Microlight Experience, Welshpool Aerodrome
FLYER’s Events page lists an Alpha Microlight Experience at Welshpool Aerodrome for 6 July 2026. Beyond the listing, the page does not provide any further detail on the flying experience, so there is nothing more solid to add from the source itself. For readers heading that way, the event appears in the week’s general aviation diary alongside other club and fly-in dates.
On the calendar
19 July 2026
Best of British Day, Breighton Airfield
On 19 July 2026, Breighton Airfield’s Best of British Day brings together British engineering, style and heritage on the ground and in the air. The Real Aeroplane Club says it is looking for exhibitors, including classic car groups, and notes the event is one for aviation enthusiasts who enjoy a lively fly-in atmosphere at this historic Yorkshire airfield. It also stands out because visiting pilots need PPR, so it’s one to plan properly before heading in.
20 July 2026
Farnborough International Airshow 2026
20–24 July 2026 at Farnborough International Airshow, Etps Road, Farnborough, this is the big biennial showcase for the global aerospace, defence and space industry. The organiser highlights trade registration, public tickets and a public/careers day, with flying and static displays plus a packed programme of talks and networking. For UK GA pilots and enthusiasts, it is one of the best chances to see major aircraft, hear industry updates and soak up the atmosphere at a world-famous airshow.
25 July 2026
Europa UK Fly-in, Carlisle Lake District Airport
On Saturday 25 July 2026, The Europa Club is holding its Carlisle fly-in at Carlisle Lake District Airport. The club says there is strong interest from members, with the Solway Aviation Museum on site and Hadrian’s Wall close by for those turning the visit into a longer aviation-and-exploration day. It’s a neat one for Europa owners and other UK GA enthusiasts because it combines a club gathering with a destination that has both flying appeal and local history.
25 July 2026
Scottish Aero Club Annual Fly-in, Perth Airport
25 July 2026 at Perth Airport, the Scottish Aero Club and ACS Aviation are hosting their annual fly-in for pilots and visitors from across the UK and beyond. The event is open to everyone, not just club members, and includes PPR, a free landing fee code for one landing per aircraft, fuel availability, social events, prizes, and opportunities to meet organisations such as the LAA and Pooleys. It is especially appealing for UK GA pilots because it combines a friendly Scottish welcome with a well-supported stopover and a chance to explore one of Scotland’s key GA airfields.
1 August 2026
Jodel Club & French-built Aircraft Fly-in, Popham Airfield, August 2026
On 1 August 2026, Popham Airfield in Winchester is hosting the Jodel Club & French-built Aircraft Fly-in, bringing together owners and fans of French-built types for a focused day of flying and meet-ups at one of the UK’s best-known grass strips. With no PPR required and Popham’s easy-going fly-in culture, it looks like a straightforward, social summer destination for UK GA pilots who enjoy classic light aircraft and a friendly field atmosphere.