STOP BEFORE TAKEOFF:

MANDATORY CHECKS FOR INACTIVE AIRCRAFT

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The CAA has issued Mandatory Permit Directive (MPD) 2026-001 targeting aircraft that have been inactive. Owners of Permit to Fly aircraft must complete these safety inspections before their next flight to prevent mechanical failure following winter storage.

A new Mandatory Permit Directive (MPD 2026-001) has been issued to address the risks of fuel system degradation during winter inactivity. Stale fuel in contact with rubber seals and diaphragms has led to cracking and loss of plasticity. Owners of aircraft on a UK CAA Permit to Fly must conduct a failure analysis of elastomeric components if the aircraft has been stored for more than one month to prevent engine failure on takeoff.