RAeS Light Aircraft Design Conference 2026

The RAeS Light Aircraft Design Conference 2026 takes place on Friday 6 November 2026 at Royal Aeronautical Society Headquarters in London. This annual conference provides a unique opportunity for the General Aviation community to meet and discuss the latest developments in light aircraft technology.

The programme includes technical briefings covering fast development of digital twins using AI, use of models to validate new aircraft concepts, human factors in the design of next-generation light aircraft, important lessons learned in 40 years of light touch airworthiness regulation, and the conspicuity debate from the drone industry perspective.

Additionally, the conference features RAeS Design Competition and Education sessions, including presentations of the Light Aircraft Design Competition 2025–2026 winning submissions, updates on the 2026–2027 competition, and aerospace design in education projects such as Creating Cranfield Flying Club, The Magpie 3D Printed Human Powered Aircraft, and Flight Testing the Stratos 716 Single Engine Jet.

The RAeS International Light Aircraft Design Competition 2025/2026, now in its ninth iteration, promotes innovation in the general aviation aircraft sector and is supported by the Light Aircraft Association (LAA) and the British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA). Competition winners will be announced at the conference.

This is a hybrid event welcoming both in-person and online delegates. RAeS Members, Corporate Partners, and non-members are welcome to attend. Ten free spots are available for RAeS Student Affiliates and Apprentice Affiliates on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees must be 18 or older unless accompanied by a legal guardian.