Flying in France (1962-2008)

I first flew over France in 1962, in a Tiger Moth, one third of which I owned for £300!

It had no radio and no brakes, and even in those days the French thought the English pilots were crazy to fly to France in such a vintage plane. Particularly when the inverted engine coughed because the plugs were oiled.

Little did they realise it was nearly out of hours!

It was a great place to fly over then, and it still is. The French encourage General Aviation, in England it has now become too expensive, we all know about the "Campaign Against Aviation" don’t we?

My original PPL for life was issued by the Ministry of Aviation, long debunked and superseded by the CAA.

After a lapse in my flying career of over 30 years, I was able to return to flying which, contrary to what I had been advised, was not quite like getting back on a bike.

I did a five day course in which all 7 subjects for the ground exams were taken. The theory being, that you study the subject during the day, and take the exam in the evening.

It worked well for me but I would question whether or not Air Law can be taken in just one day. Put the cross in the right box and you are OK.

Flying the aeroplane was quite a different matter for me, and what is more the JAR medical required an ECG to get the medical every year, and that becomes quite expensive.

Since I like flying in good weather I did a little research and found out that in the USA, an ICAO state, a PPL only requires a class 3 medical, to be issued every 2 years even for OAP’s, and no ECG.

The syllabus for the PPL is much the same as the JAR, but I would defy any normal person/pilot to digest and retain in the memory Air Law in just one day.

A previous correspondent mentions an unpleasant experience at a rogue US flying school. I too have had this experience, twice in the US.

The sad thing was they were both owned by Brits., from Yorkshire.

I have flown quite a few hours in the state of Florida, and have added both tail-wheel and seaplane ratings to my US licence. (Hi Sue, how about getting a couple of Cubs and keep one on that nearby lake you have there?)

For me there is no contest when comparing flying in France with Florida. France wins hands down every time.

In Florida you fly over grey swamps full of ‘gators, or scrub and building sites. The coast is lovely in places but that is only where they have not yet built blocks of concrete right up to the beach.

In France you fly over beautiful green countryside, hills and even mountains, and go west or south over lovely coastline.

In defence of non-British flight schools in the US, they are not all bad, but you would have to go a very long way to find an instructor/safety pilot who aspires to Sue Burgess-Virr's professional quality.

Can anyone advise me on the in’s and out’s of flying a ‘G’ registered aeroplane in France on a US PPL? There is no problem with an ‘N’ registration.

Happy and safe flying, and next time Sue I need some practice landing with a quartering tailwind.

NB Click on image for bigger picture

Comments

[Paul Emms]

I have recently bought a chelet in Morzine and I wish to fly my Archer II into Anemmasse. However after careful study of the latest French charts which I prefer I am struggling a little to find a way around all the criss crossing noarrow restricted areas. The furthest south I have been is La Rochelle Dijon and the Chateau La Chassagne. Has any one any advice please. I have visited Anemmasse by car and talked to an English speaking pilot who says its no problem at all but I like to get things absolutely right. It looks very very complicated. I have 1000 hours IMC Night and Multi.

[sue virr]

Hi Paul

Thank you for your posting.

I have never flown to Anemmasse and I do not have a map to hand which covers that area (at present I am at home recuperating after an operation, without access to all my maps etc).

I have flown East to Clermont Ferrand several times and I did not find the restricted areas a problem.

If you speak to SIV ( which is the equivalent of our FIS) they will advise you, if the areas are active or not and guide you if required.

With your 1000 hours you are obviously an experienced pilot.When do you intend to make this trip?

If it is in the future and not immediate,I will endeavor to look at the relevant charts and come back to you on this one.

If you wish to speak to me personally please feel free to email me on info@nearlyheaven.com