31 March 2026
Enthusiasm, dedication and exciting news is what we’ve come to expect from the UK’s vibrant microlight sector and plenty of this was on display at the inaugural British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA) awards at the weekend.
Held at Chesford Grange, near Kenilworth, the event recognised extraordinary contributions to the microlighting community and saw a record 62 nominations across various categories.
The Young Person Award was presented to Layney Lindsey, an apprentice who has made a significant impact through her technical expertise and role as a mentor for young females in aviation. Lindsey achieved a distinction in her NVQ and was named Apprentice of the Year. She was praised for her ‘maturity, passion, and interest’ and her aspirations to become a BMAA aircraft inspector.
James Alexander and Colin Logan were honoured for their efforts at Balado Airfield
Innovation in industry was also a key theme, with Balado Airfield and Adventure Aviation taking home the BMAA Industry Award. Based in Perth and Kinross, the team was recognised for transforming their airfield into a vibrant hub featuring STEM outreach programs for local schools, scholarships providing free flight training to young aviators, and airfield infrastructure upgrades, including new hangers and onsite fuel facilities.
Dave Simpson was one of two recipients of the BMAA Medal of Honour
The BMAA’s highest awards, the Medal of Honour, was awarded to two stalwarts of the industry: Dave Simpson and Rob Grimwood.
Simpson was lauded for his ‘priceless’ decades of service as a lead certification engineer for the backbone of the training sector, the Ikarus C42 and EV-97 Eurostar aircraft, and his role as the longest-serving BMAA Quality Manager.
Rob Grimwood, a former youngest-ever BMAA instructor, was recognised for a career that includes winning numerous World and European Championships and serving over 15 years as a BMAA council member.
Rob Grimwood and son William top the podium at the 2024 World Microlight Championships
Tam Carr (Steve Hunt Memorial Trophy): Awarded for his Pooleys Dawn to Dusk challenge, where he flew 739nm with his 10-year-old grandson to raise funds for The Seafarers’ Charity.
Cath Spence (Patricia Anne Trophy): Honoured for her formidable energy in leading the BMAA Wings Scheme and her vital support on the BMAA Council.
‘Unsung hero’ Mick Moulton
Mick Moulton (Brian Cosgrove Award): Recognised as an unsung hero for his dedication to his club and the Kent Scout Microlight Team.
SVMC (Community Cohesion Award): This inaugural award went to the Severn Valley Microlight Club for their infectious enthusiasm and commitment to mutual support.
Kernan Youth Week Team won the Keith Negal Trophy, “for getting things done!” They are: Gareth Wilson, Ruth Devlin, Alastair Kenmuir and James Rodgers. They said, “As a club, we’ve long discussed a youth day to engage new young members, until this group of pilots took the bull by the horns and created a day which was run with military precision, welcoming young guests and parents from across the country.”
The evening concluded with a keynote speech from wing-walker Kirsten Pobjoy, who provided an inspiring perspective on the ‘how and why’ of daring aviation.
