Sue's Diary—No French, No Problem

August is a strange month in France as most of the population seem to 'shut up shop' and go on long vacations.

As this is the busiest time of the year for students visiting from the UK, I have been the only instructor working at the Aeroclub de Limoges for several weeks and it almost feels like the club house is my home.

It is also the peak period for students' 'first solos' and there have been a steady stream of these during July and August—nothing is more-rewarding than the look on a student's face after passing this 'milestone'.

There are also several students almost ready for their final 'skills test' and I have every hope of drinking lots of champagne in September.

After 6 years of instructing in France, I still find that many prospective students are concerned with the possible need to speak French or with the validity of a PPL obtained in France.

To clear up any misunderstandings, I can confirm that it is easy to fly in France without knowing the language—I am proof of this as I could not speak a word of French when I arrived here 6 years ago.

All training conducted by me is in English and leads to a UK-issued JAR PPL—actually, a French-issued JAR PPL would be equally valid in all JAR countries.

Also, the whole of France provides an excellent Flight Information Service in English though French is used, air-to-air, at smaller uncontrolled airfields—see our article on French Radio Calls

To briefly answer the most frequently-asked questions:

Can students learn to fly with me if they speak little or no French?  Yes

Will the exams be in French?   No                                    

Will the skills test be in French?   No

Will it be a French PPL?   No

It brings me great pleasure to encourage people to fly in France—the flying here is superb and the controllers are very friendly and helpful.

I love the ever-changing scenery and the unrestricted airspace which provides many opportunities for stress-free flying.

I am delighted and surprised by the number of pilots who land at Limoges Airport with the sole object of thanking me for the Francoflyers web site which provides English-language information on all aspects of flying in France and has attracted nearly 35000 page-views since it's launch in January.

I have even had some of  the pilots from Ryanair and Flybe waving to me as they taxi to their stands.

Comments

[Gerry]

As one of Sue's students - I am revalidating after lapsing my licence - I can say the facilities and atmosphere at the Aeroclub is excellent.

Sue has been a great support and does her utmost to get people competent and flying. Having flown with her 4 times now, I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The views are stunning, the airspace certainly less crowded and the ATC/FIS second to none.

There are many opportunities to base yourself in France with holiday lettings and flying through Sue the reduction is at least 25% cheaper than in a UK/SE airfield.