francoflyers

Reader's Question - Flying in France Post-Brexit

Andy Crowe writes:

I know that there a lot of unknowns over Brexit at the moment, but I'm trying to see what might happen flying in France with a UK issued EASA license after Brexit.

I have a UK issued EASA PPL licence, and have been using that for the past 10 years here in France to fly 'F' registered planes.

However, after Brexit I'm not sure if these will be valid to fly 'EU' aircraft; Only 'G' registered aircraft. Each year I get the FFA issued license, but not sure if this will continue, or be enough.

So does anyone know if its possible to get a French issued EASA licence on the back of my UK issued license? Or if I can get a UK issued AND a French issued one? Or any other ideas on making sure that UK issued licenses do not suddenly stop us flying after Brexit.

 

Readers's Question─Completing PPL in France sans français

Gregory Caminow writes:

Is it possible to complete my PPL training and gain a PPL without having the ability to speak French in France.

I am currently in the process of gaining my PPL with a FFA registered flying club here in France.

I recently soloed after many hours of circuits and am now onto the 15 hours or so cross-country element.

My home airfield has English speaking ATC so the language thus far has not been an issue.

I realise that some of the smaller aerodromes are French only communication.

Unfortunately my French (and language) skills are abysmal and I doubt they will miraculously improve.

Is there any way that I can obtain my PPL in France when I am useless at communicating in French?

Can anyone help as I am desperate to get my PPL before I am too much older?

It has been my lifelong dream to learn to fly and it is only now that I am living in France that it has become possible but I did not consider this additional problem and the club and the English speaking instructors told me at the start the non speaking of French would not be a problem.

I know that the easiest would be to go to the UK or a school that accepts English only. I wonder how schools in other European countries get around the problem when teaching an English only speaker? Does anyone have any similar experience?

Thanks in advance.

Greg

Reader's Question - Fying School in Nantes Area

Gad writes:

Hello

Can you help me find a flying school in the Nantes area?

I would like to get 1 hour in the air/T&G a like flight...to enjoy..

Merci

Gad

Reader's Question - Twin Hire or Group in Southern France

Steve Devereux writes:

Good morning folks

Is anyone aware of a twin available for hire in southern France, or is there a group with one that I might be able to join?

If no and no to the above, are there any pilots in SW France who might be interested in joining a group if I set one up?

I reckon 4 or 5 would be a good number to aim for if so.

Thanks all

Regards, Steve Devereux
steve@devereux.fm based near Pau.

Readers's Question─French-based UK Flight Examiner

Thomas Carré writes:

I'm a FO based in Paris, holding a UK-Issued EASA licence.

I meet all the requirements for SEP/TMG revalidation by experience, I'm just looking for a UK FE to check my logbook and sign my licence.

Would you know someone in France who is able to do that?

Many thanks,

Thomas Carré.

Reader's Question ─ Tips for flying near Bordeaux

Bill Brooks writes: 

Hello Franco flyers

I am touring down to Montpellier next week in our Jodel DR1050 ( Rotax 912S conversion) G-AWWO and then returning via Bordeaux on Thursday 31st May.

I am giving a lecture on human powered flight at Bordeaux university on Friday 1st June. Then returning to UK on Sat or Sun.

I looked at landing at the international Bordeaux airport but it was too expensive.

Hopefully I can land at Saucats, park and get a lift into town near the UV and find accommodation ( I don't like to book till 1-2 days before, till I'm sure of the weather).

It will be me, wife Judy and daughter Phoebe.

All weather dependant - but that's our plan.

Any tips on avoiding ZRTS etc would be welcome - I am using Skydemon and the AZTBA charts on SIA website.

See you soon I hope

Bill Brooks

 

Reader's Question ─ Aircraft Hire Near Paris

Amy writes: 

Bonjour Mr. Les King - Thank you for maintaining the francoflyers website.

We will be in Paris to visit family in June 23-June301.

I  would like to rent a small airplane with an instructor (with my husband as a passenger) for a day trip to fly from Paris to Shoreham Airport, back through either Deauville Normandie or Caen then back to Paris (possible route LFPZ EGKA LFRG LFPZ).

The plane I'm looking for would be a Cessna 172 or similar.

As background, I have a private pilot license and just began working toward my instrument rating. I also added the seaplane rating when I was in Alaska 2 years ago. And last year, when I was in Barbados for a meeting, I rented a small plane (with an instructor) to fly around the island.

I saw that near Versailles is Aerodrome de Saint-Cyr-l'Ecole with a few aeroclubs. I reached out to Aeroclub Cercle Aeronautique du SGAC but they said they don't provide such services.

Here is the list of aeroclubs that came up in my cursory search but didn't want to reach out to all of them and scare them all off at one time. I figure I should ask for help.

Aeroclub Website Aéroclub Cercle Aéronautique du SGAC http://casgac.com
Aéroclub de Courbevoie www.ac-courbevoie.com
Aéroclub de BoulogneBillanco http://acbb.org 
Aéroclub les Alcyons www.alcyons.com
Aéroclub de Versailles www.aeroclub-versailles.com
Aéroclub Pierre Trébod www.trebod.fr
Aéro-club Paul Tissandier www.actissandier.com

Sorry for the long email. Any help/advice would be very much appreciated! :)

 

 

Reader's Question ─ Help with Jodel DR1050 Sicile

Stéphane Dubreuil writes:

I am homebuilder of Jodel Sicile.

I believe that at least one Sicile had been motorized with Rotax.

I am in search of information about the installation of Rotax on Sicile.

How is made built engine? His size ? To have a good centring of the plane.

I am interested in photos of the assembly.

Francoflyers ─ 10 years on

I created this site over 10 years ago when I was a member of a French Aeroclub whose many English-speaking members were desperate for hard information on the local flying rules.

However, I don't do much flying in France these days so updates have become sporadic, mainly comprising readers' questions.

Having noticed several articles on the obsolesce of UK and JAR licences, I realise that much of the earlier material may have fallen out-on-date.

Ideally, I could do with some more direct contributors to the site but I would also be happy to simply hand-it-over to somebody who has the commitment to 'keep-up-the-good-work'.

To be clear, this is not a 'commercial' site and is intended purely to provide useful information to English-speaking flyers operating in France.

Any suggestions would be welcome.

  

Reader's Question ─ Aircraft rental near Paris

Gary Ciampa writes: 

Greeting,

I shall be traveling to Paris for six days in May 2018, looking for options to get a local check ride and rent a GA plane for a day or two, what options are available?

I hold a commercial, instrument rating, with complex, high performance, tail wheel certifications over 2000 hours. Additionally, I have owned multiple airplanes, RV and Velocity aircraft.

Please advise on options...

Warm regards!

Reader's Question ─ Airfield near Issy

Chris Berkvens writes:

Subject: Airfield 30-60 mins from Issy heliport

Hi,

First of all, francoflyers is a great website full of info!!

I’m flying with some friends into Paris Issy heliport in a month and want to fly the next day do a short trip 30-60 minutes from Issy.

Do you recommend any airfield with a nice restaurant for lunch?

I’m using a Robinson R44 helicopter and fly about 90-100kts.

Another option is to fly the Paris heli lanes and then land somewhere for fuel and lunch.

Any ideas are welcome.

Thanks.

 

Reader's Question ─ Aircraft Hire in Corsica / Sardinia

Tim Writes

Hi

I came across your website whilst searching for aircraft hire in Corsica or Sardinia.

I live in Malta, and for general flying, and trips to Sicily I fly a Diamond DA40.

However this aircraft isn't really available for more than two days in a block and I'm planning a 'flying holiday'

So I was researching the possibility of flying commercially to Corsica or Sardinia and hiring an aircraft there.

Any suggestions, info gladly received.

Love your website, it's a great idea.

Regards

Tim Kirk

 

 

Reader's Qurestion - is FFA membership necessary?

Trevor writes:

Hello

Can you please tell me if, as a PPL student (unqualified in any way), ! am liable for the FFA licence fee in order to fly with an instructor at a French club that I am a member of?

Also, does anybody know af an English-language flying instructor in the Burgundy area, where I have a holiday home.

Many thanks,

Trevor

Reader's Question ─ Flying Dogs

Luke Ferris writes:

Hi there,

I just came across your blog which seems to fill a very important niche! Thanks for putting it together.

I’m currently studying for my PPL here in London. This is part of a longer term plan to do regular trips out to our house close to Cahors (not so very far from Limoges).

There are a couple of reasons for this. Primarily, I just love the idea of flying us over myself but a significant second reason in my mind was the ability to more easily transport our little Welsh Terrier. To date, the only way of getting her across is to drive via the channel tunnel which is fine for longer trips with a leisurely drive down, but not great for shorter ones.

My assumption was that given she’s fully passported, chipped and vaccinated and very used to stopping by French vets for her return leg checkup that this would be trivial – I’d just load her into the plane with the rest of us, fly to France and back with no rules broken.

I’m now not so sure though – I’ve seen suggestions online that dogs can’t be flown into France on GA aircraft and I’ve also seen indications that arrival in the UK might have to be via Biggin Hill’s pet clearance scheme, and even that the latter might still not be possible unless you are a commercial company on an approved route.

Whilst finding this is impossible won’t deter me from learning to fly, I’d love to hear more from somebody that has looked into this in detail or better still, does this on a regular basis!

Many thanks for any information you can provide.

Yours

Luke

Reader’s Question ─ Mountain Flying

Jonathan Lumer writes

i am arriving to the area in the end of june and i would like to do a mountain flying training (not the full course ) but  to get the essentials and to get familiarized with the basics.

 

is it possible to have such a training with instructor?

 

i am available for two full days.

 

Waiting forward for your reply

Reader's Question - Romantic Flights

Anna Urbanska writes:

 

I am trying to find one way flights from northern France into Greater London area with a light aircraft.

Do these sort of services exist? Kind of romantic / champagne flights for two people?

I found your website through Google and thought that you might be able to provide some information on that.

 

 

 

Reader's Question - C172 hire

Arvinder writes

I am inquiring about renting a C172 for a short period.

Visiting France with family to fly for leisure.

Please provide some guidance

A. Sandhu

647 678 1875

Thanks

 

Also (separate message)

 

I hold an English speaking VFR pilot with license from Canadian Aviation Authorities and own a Cessna 172.

I am visiting France in July 2016.

I would like to get a check ride with an instructor in order to rent a Cessna aircraft, if that is possible

Please guide me to any Cessna 172 rental authorities

Arvinder (RV) Sandhu

647 678 1875

English Flight Instructor - Limoges

Antony Lancashire writes:

Just wanted to let everyone know that Roger Sprague is an English flight instructor working at AEROCLUB DU LIMOUSIN in Limoges.

He is extremely knowledgable, patient, and got me through my nine PPL theory exams in just a couple of weekends, with some home study as well.

His email address is rogersprague@hotmail.com

Thanks to francoflyers for pointing me in the right direction.

 

Reader's Question - EASA ATPL & FAA Medicals

Richard writes:

Hello,

I live in Gaillac France and am retired from airlines.

I wish to renew my EASA ATPL medical and also FAA.

Is there an examiner near me who doesn’t charge an arm and leg?

With thanks

Richard

 

"French for Aviation" courses

James writes:

Hi Les,

We have corresponded before about my English breakfast fly ins.

I thought your readers might also find the course on "French for aviation" that I run interesting too.

The next one is at Lydd on 28/29 May.

Details here : www.bespokelanguagesolutions.co.uk/aviation-french-course.html

Best,

James

 

Reader's Question ─ St Omer Airfield Information

Paul Bazire writes:

I've been trying to contact St Omer airfield where which the North Weald Flying Group are planning to visit on April 9th.

As with many French airfields as you know its not unusual for them not to reply and we have just turned up.

However my concern at the moment given the recent weather is the condition of the airfield.

I don't want to turn up and find its a bog on arrival. I was wondering if amongst your myriad of French contacts you might know someone who could advise as to the condition.

Thanks,

Paul

http://northwealdflyinggroup.co.uk

 

DR400 Avionics Upgrade

Dear Francoflyers

Please excuse this unsolicited approach but hopefully it brings you some interesting and useful information.

Fairoaks, UK-based Gama Aviation, working together with Robin Aircraft in  Dijon have recently certified a major upgrade for the Robin DR400 series.

The upgrade includes a Garmin G500 EFIS, GTN750 or 650 GPS/Nav/Com and numerous options.  A key point to this upgrade is the IFR capability – full certification for BRNav, PRNav and LPV. 

More information is available here:  www.gamaaviation.com/dr400glasscockpit

If you would like more details, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Regards

Harry

Harry Lees: Project Specialist
Building A17, Fairoaks Airport, Chobham, Woking, Surrey, GU24 8HU, United Kingdom
 
M +44 7860 860744

E harry.lees@gamaaviation.com

 

 

Reader's Question - English-Language ULM Exams

Antony Lancashire writes:

Hello,

As my French is almost none existent, I am trying to find out if it is  possible, to take the ULM theory test in English.

Hopefully someone will know a way around this.

Many thanks

Antony

 

Reader's Question ─ Plane parking wanted

Kevin Widdowson writes:

Hi everyone,

I am currently looking forward to a long vacation in France for 2016 and am interested in touring the length and breadth of the country in a 2 seat light Aircraft.

My plan is to base the plane somewhere convenient for the season and arrange local bed & Breakfast throughout the French countryside.

I would be happy to hear from anyone who has, or knows of any available hangarage around Angers/Cholet/Poitiers/Mayenne or even further afield.

Location is not so important, as plans for accommodation will be made around where the plane is based.

Regards,

Kevin

Reader's Question - Hangarage Required

Chris Pidler writes:

I want to move my plane from the UK to France.

I now live in Deux-Sevres.

 It is not an easy plane as its a motor-glider with a 37ft wingspan.

Does anyone know where I might find it a new home?

I would build a hangar for it if necessary (here's one I built earlier).

Chris

 

Reader's Question - Late billing of landing fees

Kevin Riley writes:

Hi, can you answer the question as to why we cannot pay landing fees at airports such as La Rochelle and Brive, we have to wait until it is sent to us in the UK, then try and pay on receipt, which in this case has come 3 weeks after our return.

Regards

Kevin Riley

Reader's Question - CAA Licence Revalidation

Fiona Rendon writes:

I have a EASA PPL issued by the CAA due for revalidation at the end of May.

The DGAC say they are not able to give me a two year revalidation, even though I have met all the PPL requirements.

They say I must send my license and log book to the CAA.

The late Sue Virr renewed my license four years ago when it was a JAA PPL.

Can anybody provide me with any information on how to proceed?

Many thanks

Fiona

 

Readers' Question - Helicopter Landing Rights

 

Ian Gawn writes

Hi

I am a lapsed PPL but remain passionately interested in flying

Question

Friend just over the border into Deux-Sevres have a friend coming to see them nxt week and is considering coming by helicopter - type unknown.

He can probably go to Fontenay le Comte or perhaps even the local ULM site, but what are French rules about using the farmer's field next door - with his permission of course.

Many thanks

Ian

Reader's Question - SIA Site Changes

Roger Breckell writes:

The past couple of days have been frustratingly foggy in NW England so we fell to planning a French tour in July and tried to use the sia site to research airfields.

But is seems to have changed and we have not been able to figure it out.

Can you help please as it used to be so easy to use. I hope it is teething problems (or our poor interpretation)

Thanks Roger breckell

 

Readers' Question - VFR On Top

Roger nom Deplume writes:

Dear Sir,

I happened to come across your website and I was pleasantly surprised to read on Page 1 of French Rules and procedures dated 5th August 2009, in which it states what I have always understood to be, that UK Pilots have to remain in sight of the ground unless you have a full IR in France, although the French Pilots can go VFR on Top in their Airways

Your article says that a current UK IMC Rating overrides this, although it is not valid outside UK Airspace, and we can fly VFR on top with broken clouds in French Airways.

Can you clarify whether with the new CBM IR now in existence, that using the IMC Rating for flying in French Airways is allowed under the French CAA and the UK CAA.

If it is, this would save a lot of grief trundling along through claggy weather in France.

If there is anything officially that clarifies this, it would be great, as I do not want to fall foul of the UK or French CAA’s by doing this, and have my licence affected in any way. I look forward to hearing from you,

 

 

Readers' Question - Instructor for Sightseeing

Gail Burch writes:

 

Hello,  My name is Gail Burch and I will be visiting the Bordeaux region of France starting the week of April 11.

I am a  private pilot (USA) and would like to take a sightseeing flight with an instructor in the region. 

Is this possible and if so what is the best method to facilitate this dream?
 
thank you

Reader's Question―Mogas availability in France

Richard Lyon writes:

Do you have any information or links to French websites dealing with availability of Mogas in France?
 
We've found around half-a-dozen airfields with Mogas (Dijon Darois, Bar le Duc, Bellegarde for example) but even info on petrol stations nearby to fields would be really useful.
 
Some more info here: http://goo.gl/mU3Yg2
 
UL91 is an alternative, and Total have published a map here: 

http://www.total.fr/carburants/les-carburants-aviation/avgas-91-ul.html

 
Look forward to hearing from you.
 
Rgds

Richard Lyon
 
(Trained with Sue Virr a few years ago...sadly missed)

Reader's Question―English Language exams for ULM

William Metz writes:

Hello,

I am hoping I have stumbled upon a good resource. I am planning to operating a class D drone (Sensefly Ebee) in France next year for non commercial agricultural (vineyard) mapping.

Currently I do this work in Switzerland where there is much lighter regulation.

It looks like it will be necessary to obtain a theoretical ULM licence for the type of surveying I want to do.

Is it possible to take this theoretical exam in English? If not is there an equivalent exam, recognized in France, given by any US or UK bodies?

If this subject has already been covered on this website or another, please point me in that direction.

All the best,

William

 

Shepherd's pie at Saucats Airfield

Bonjour à tous,

Je tiens à remercier tous ceux qui ont fait le déplacement pour notre évènement du 27/09.

Le repas mensuel anglais de Saucats aura lieu le 25 octobre à 12H00 (heure locale).

Après le curry et le rosbif, cette fois ci le "Shepherd's Pie" (hachis parmentier) sera à l'honneur.

Une participation de 7 € sera demandé aux participants. Les boissons sont à régler directement au bar de l'aéroclub.

Il est demandé aux pilotes de ne pas rouler sur l'herbe, et de stationner de préférence au nord du bureau de piste.

Inscriptions par retour de mail, sur Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/events/370785856412111/)
ou par téléphone au 06 77 63 68 41

Dear Pilots,

The monthly English meal will be taking place at Saucats Airfield on 25/10/2014 at 12 noon local time.

This month's English specialty will be a good old fashioned shepherd's pie.

Price per person - 7 € (drinks can be bought directly from the club bar).

Please avoid taxying on the grass and park where possible on the hard standing just north of the "bureau de piste".

Sign-ups by e-mail, Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/events/370785856412111/) 
or phone: 06 77 63 68 41

Best wishes,
James
Dassault Aéroclub
Aérodrome de Bordeaux Léognan Sauicats (LFCS)

 

Quelques photos du repas du 27/09:

 

Reader's Question―Setting-up a Private Airstrip

David Eardley writes:

Good afternoon,

I hope you will be able to help me. I live in France, in the Loire, and currently keep my Super Cub at Loudun. I would love to have my cub at home and have made some enquiries with a local land owner to see whether they would be willing to let me rent some land directly behind our house.

My question is what are the laws with regard to creating a private airstrip?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards

David Eardley

 

Reader's Question―Ballooning in France

Jed Dryden writes:

Hi Les,

I am a hot air balloon instructor from Hampshire.

I have been searching the internet for information on airspace and restricted zones relating to ballooning in Creuse but with no joy.

I came across your website and hope you can help.

I'm not sure of any french regulations which may apply. I have a house 10km south of Dun-Le-Palestal and will be coming over on the 18th August for a month with my balloon and hope to do some flying.

Could you possibly advise me on any airspace and maps that would be needed and a good website for lower atmosphere weather suitable for ballooning. I have purchased local maps of the area. (Carte topographique serie bleue, 1:25 000)

Many thanks in anticipation, look forwards to your reply.

Jed Dryden

PS  

Attatched is pic of my balloon, a Lindstrand 77A, reg G-BZGV taken at the LMAB France (Lorraine Mondial Air Balloons) in Chambley last year.

 

aaa

Touring Home-Built Jodel

Bill Brooke writes:

Bonjour

Déjà Avril j'ai finis mon Jodel DR1050 "Metisse" avec moteur Rotax 912S G-AWWO et nous avons un plan pour un tour de France.

Mon plan est Marlborough - Cherbourg - Le Mans (visite une amie de 85 ans, quelle histoire) et epres, peut etre Saucats (Bordeaux), La Rochelle et retour.

a bientot j'espere

Bill Brooks

 

 

Bill also writes:

Hi Les

Yes, feel free to post a picture.

It featured in the July Flyer magazine.

Rotax 912s, flying in miser mode I get 11 litres/hr with 3 people at 70 kt.

Empty weight 374kg, max wt 720kg. At 85kts it averages 14lph on Mogas.

Took 4 years to build, all worth it.

Climbs at 600fpm at 720kg, 1000fpm flown solo.

Smooth and quiet, as you gather I am very pleased with it!

Flown 40 hours so far, aiming to do some French touring the 16-24 August week.

Best regards

 

Bill Brooks

Reader's Question―English Language Proficiency

Cris Bourillon wtires:

Dear Les,

I am french, I fly out of Normandy on the basis of a UK CAA PPL that I got in 1998.

I am in the process of converting my CAA licence into an EASA one. To do so, I need a valid language proficiency test acceptable to the UK CAA. Would you know if there are any organisations, flight schools, etc. in France that offers this test and is recognised by the CAA?

Thanks in advance.

Chris

Curry on Speaking English at Saucats airfield (LFCS)

James Emery writes:

Hello pilots.

There will be a curry lunch organised at Saucats airfield (LFCS) on Saturday 23rd August 2014 at 2pm local.

The aim is for French pilots in the club who are learning English to practice with other pilots, and of course for English pilots to tuck in to a slap up meal!

Cost: 6 euros per person.

With regards to the airfield itself, parking is free, and Avgas is available on request.

À bientot !
James Emery
Membre de Dassault Aéroclub (LFCS)
06 77 63 68 41

 

TOUS en VOL ULM aeroclub, Macon.

Hello

Could we get our aeroclub and website visible on your site please?

We are located in MACON airfield (LFLM) about 25 minutes drive from Lyon.

Our club offers pilot licence trainning courses and plane hiring possibilities.

TOUS en VOL is non profit aeroclub.

Best Regards,

TOUS en VOL
Avions légers biplaces - ULM Multiaxes
Aérodrome Macon (LFLM)
Chemin de l'Aérodrome
71850 Charnay-lès-Mâcon
Tel mobile : 07 70 855 000

http://www.tousenvol.com

 

PS: Always happy to add French Aeroclubs to our list of links—Les King 

English Breakfast Fly-in at Saucats airfield (LFCS)

James Emery writes:

There will be a big English breakfast organised at Dassault Aeroclub at Saucats airfield (LFCS) on 26th July 2014, starting at 11am. You are all cordially invited to attend. 

The aim is for French pilots in the club who are learning English to practice with other pilots, and of course for English pilots to tuck in to a slap up breakfast! A nominal fee will be requested to cover the cost of the food. 

With regards to the airfield itself, parking is free, and Avgas is available on request. 

Please drop me an e-mail to contact(at)anglaisbordeaux(dot)fr if you are interested in attending.

Thanks very much.

Best wishes,

James

 

Reader's Question―Robin 3000 Information

Desmond Stagg writes:

I fly a Robin 3000/160.

Does anyone have a copy of the POH in English (or French).

The copy I have, supplied with the a/c when it was new is in German

Not that I have problems with the German language (my second mother tongue) but there is various information, (weight & balance*, performance, take off and landing etc.) in same that gives me the feeling the translation is partly incorrect. I presume from French to English then English to German.

One final point, Has the 3000/160 a 160 HP engine or 180 hp?

I can find nothing in the poh.

OK, enough for now, I look forward to hearing from someone?

Bye for now and happy landings

Desmond

* PS, does anyone have a "sensible" W & B chart? The French one is so confusing!

UPDATE

With reference to the engine power I have found out the following;

According to the German Version of the POH, which is an official document, power output is 160HP;

 

I have researched Lycoming and they give the output for this engine as 180 hp. Now I am really confused! Perhaps a French/English poh will reveal the correct answer?

 

 

Reader's Question―ULM Licence Requirements

Simon Holland writes:

I am an USA FAA private pilot moving to France, interested in purchasing a Zenith 701 ULM. 

What licence do i need to fly a ULM in France?

Happy flying

 

Reader's Answer―CAA now accepting French medicals

 
Great news―In response to an earlier Reader's question, Stuart Morton has advised that the UK Civil Aviation Authority are now accepting French Pilot medicals.

  

Hi Les,

The CAA now accepts all French medicals; in fact all EASA country medicals which are done after September 2013. My students here have done their medicals with our doctors who come in to the flying club twice per month.

The Class 2 medicals cost about 40 euro.

As of Sept. 2013, these need to be done on the new medical cards with EASA on the front of them,

I have noticed a few French doctors have carried on using their old stock of JAA ones which are not correct so a point worth checking with the local AME.

If Fiona is going to change her licence over to the EASA one, I would suggest she reads the regulations/notes before going over to the UK as there are a few pieces of fine print that some pilots are missing, i.e the sign off in the log for for the radio navigation and also the language proficiency sign off as well.

I am more than happy to help with anyone needing help with these if pilots would like to contact me directly by email.

Kindest regards

Stuart Morton
EASA Commercial Pilot
Chief Flying Instructor
FAA IR/Commercial Multi Engine Pilot
Flyinginfrance.com

+33 (0)6 43 60 21 86

Reader's Question―French Pilot Medicals

Fiona Renton writes:

Dear Stuart (Morton)

My PPL, which I proudly obtained at Limoges under the guidance of Sue Virr in 2009, is due for renewal. 

I live in France near Nimes and fly regularly with Aeroclub du Nimes, and I intend to change my FAA-FCL PPL(A) to and EASA PPL(A).

I have applied to the CAA on line to effect this change, but the stumbling block might be that my current medical Class 2 valid until the end of September 2014 will not be excepted by them as good enough for the transfer.

The CAA have written saying my UK medical is out of date, and obviously that was the medical I took for the initial licence issue in 2009, but I have subsequently renewed it in France. 

Reading of your new students ability to get an EASA licence complete with medical for €40 at Limoges, I wonder if you can assist me in anyway should the CAA not except my current medical as valid/good enough.

Many thanks in advance

Fiona Renton

Reader's Answer―Landing at uncontrolled airfields

Stuart Morton writes:

Les

Firstly I would like to wish you and all Francoflyer readers a happy new year from here in Limoges.

I wanted to let you know about a few things that have come out of some discussions here in Limoges with the regional licensing officer for the DGAC Monsieur Boulanger.
 
Initially the exciting news that the DGAC are now willing to deliver licences for those pilots who train here in France but also wish to take the UK theory exams with me as I am a registered ground examiner. We are hoping to do the first one in the coming weeks, so the british student will receive an EASA licence from the authority here, the main advantage being that those pilots who are French residents will not have to travel to the UK for an initial Class 2 medical and instead can take advantage of the class medicals here in France which cost only 40 euro.
 
Secondly the question which was raised regarding the "French Only" airfields.

This got the French reception that we all know and love with some head scratching....... so i posed the direct question that if someone wishes to land at a French only airfield which is controlled and needs mandatory radio does the pilot need a recognized Qualification in French and the answer was yes.

I then asked where one could obtain a qualification to be told it would have to be at one of the large aviation schools with an examiner in either Toulouse or Paris.

I asked if a PPL examiner could do it and I was told no, as there is a specific syllabus and exam to pass.
 
I hope this might provide some clarification to your reader Les and it also means that I too I have learned something here this week.

Kindest regards

Stuart―FlyingInFrance.com

 

Additional Information

French Airfield Charts available from―French Airfield Charts and NOTAMS  

 

 

Oradour sur Glane Prosecution

Pilots operating out of Limoges will be familiar with the preserved village of Oradour sur Glane (reporting point November-Whiskey) where 642 people were murdered by SS troops in 1944.

I noticed on the BBC web site that a German man has just been charged with involvement in this war crime,

German Man Charged over WW2 Oradour Massacre 

Here is a picture of the site taken by Stuart Morton

A larger version of this image can be downloaded from Oradour Large Image

Reader's Question―Landing at uncontrolled airfields

Jaap Snippe writes:

Dear reader,
 
Is it allowed for a non French speaking pilot to land in France on an airfield without AFIS on the 123.5 French only frequency.
 
Thanks,
Kindly regards,
 
Jaap Snippe

 

 

 

Reader's Question―French VRPs

Tom Writes:

Can anyone please tell me why VRP,s are not shown on French aviation maps please?

I have looked on the 1:500 000 and they are not shown!

Or are they marked on a different map or document?

 

Reader's Question―Mountain Flying

Simon Rolfe writes:

I am interested in doing some training in mountain flying, purely for my own education and interest at this stage.

Could Franco Flyers help in this regard, or be able to put me onto an English-speaking organisation that could if you are unable to?

I would have to hire the trainer's aircraft.
 
Yours sincerely,
 
Simon
 
• Senior First Officer, Eastern Airways Saab 2000 Fleet
• EASA Flying Instructor (PPL/Night/IMC/Aerobatics/Pilot's Companion)
• UK CAA Authorised Flight Examiner (PPL/IMC/SEP) & Ground Examiner (PPL/IMC)
• AOPA-registered Flying & Ground Instructor
• Upper Freeman, Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators
• Associate Member of the Royal Aeronautical Society & the British Aerobatic Association
• Member of AOPA & the Royal Aero Club