Reader's Question―Clubs in South-West France

Brian Yeats writes:

Hi
 
I'm a UK PPL with some 12 years' flying behind me, currently haunting the skies of Ireland flying out of Newtownards. 

Following a few extended tours in the south west of France in the past few years my wife and I are committed to buying a house here in the nearish future.  Strongest candidates are the northern Lot, southern Correze and eastern Dordogne.

The thing is, I'd obviously want to buy a place within easy driving distance of an airfield with club aircraft to hire. 

Is there a simple list of such happy holes I can access and keep up my knowing sleeve for useful reference?  Sorry if I've missed an obvious reference point!

Comments

[Les King]

Hi Brian

Most French Flying Clubs are associated with the FFA (Fédération Française Aéronautique) who have a complete list on their website, which can be searched by region using the following link.

http://www.ff-aero.fr/accueil.php?item=5&a_item=1&include=s_aeroclub

[Clive]

Hi Brian, I know it's not in your list of areas, but I happen to know that there's a plot for sale at the Atlantic Air Park in Vendée.

(http://www.atlanticairpark.com/)

[Jenny]

Hi Brian,

I'm based at the club in Libourne (LFDI)- full name Artigues de Lussac - just ten minutes from St. Emilion. It's a small, friendly club with a good on-site restaurant (3-course set lunch, with wine, for €13).

VAC here https://www.sia.aviation-civile.gouv.fr/aip/enligne/PDF_AIPparSSection/VAC/AD/2/1009_AD-2.LFDI.pdf

If you're in the area during your search (good luck), and want to say hello, do stop by...

[Marcus Dalgetty]

I have just come across this site and I think it is a great resource for fellow English aviators. We have started a club at Gap-Tallard which is based in the south east of France to cater for both the french and english speaking pilots alike. I can fully understand the difficulties of those pilots who feel that obtaining a license in France is difficult . I recently did my french license and I was allowed to take in a dictionary for my exams. I have not heard of exam translations although it would be a good idea. Has anyone else come across this. We cater for both the french and the brits and offer both licenses on a Skyranger Swift and a Pegasus Quantum.So if anyone needs advice in our area then we will be pleased to be help. We are located one and half hours drive north of Marseille. See www.pegasusfrance.co.uk

[Bob Thompson]

There is a great club for light aircraft and microlights at Sarlat/Domme (LFDS). It is a municipally owned airfield with a 750 meter tarmac runway. I know of two Brits who have a hangar there with two aircraft.
There is very little controlled airspace around the area.