13 January 2026
The Light Aircraft Association (LAA) has told its members that the expelling of former LAA inspector Colin Hales has been upheld at an appeal hearing.
Mr Hales’ conduct had been considered by the Board to be prejudicial to the LAA (in accordance with Rule 8a, Rules of the LAA) on four counts.
• Sustained inappropriate and denigrating communications sent to members of LAA staff, despite repeated warnings to desist from sending such communications.
• Making unfounded, inappropriate and vexatious allegations that Mr Hales was being victimised and/or discriminated against by the LAA, its members of staff and officers, and which the Board considers were being made in order to exert pressure on the LAA / influence LAA decision making
• Making threats of unfounded legal action against LAA its members of staff and officers, which are then not pursued, and which the Board considers were being made in order to exert pressure on the LAA / influence LAA decision making.
• Failure to comply with safety obligations which led to revocation of Mr Hales’ Inspector authorisation.
The appeal was held at the LAA’s Turweston HQ by the LAA president, Brian Davies. Mr Davies concluded that “Mr Hales did not deny the evidence presented to him at the hearing and that, while he did seek to justify his actions, Mr Hales did not provide a reasonable explanation for his behaviour.
“The President noted that Mr Hales did not acknowledge the impact his behaviour was having on LAA staff or the harm being caused to the reputation of the LAA, both with members and the wider public.
“The President further concluded that the Board had correctly implemented Rule 8a and that the decision of the Board to expel Mr Hales from the LAA membership was appropriate and proportionate.”
The LAA Board said it had considered the President’s findings, and decided that the decision to expel Mr Hales from the membership for an indefinite period should stand.”
Click here to read the letter sent to LAA Members.
Colin Hales has responded on Facebook with a lengthy post saying the LAA still haven’t even told him fully and clearly why he was expelled, and asking for the appeal hearing video to be released which he claims he had been promised by the LAA President.
Colin also encourages LAA Members to call for an Extraordinary General Meeting within a week if he doesn’t get these answers.
FLYER has asked the LAA about the release of the appeal hearing video and has been told that this is in process.
