Here is everything you need to know about flying into the European nation, from what you will need to pack all the way to destinations where you can land.
When it comes to aviation, the United Kingdom is a great place to start your journey. The UK houses some of the best flying clubs and is home to a diverse community of aviation lovers, providing young pilots with valuable insights and experience.
However, it is also true that the UK isn’t very big, and even with England, Scotland and Ireland combined, a pilot can feel a bit pressed for space every now and then. For this reason, it is a good idea to acquire an internationally-recognised licence or one that is authorised by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) so that you can fly outside of the borders of the UK into European Union territory.
Europe has a lot to offer to pilots, with major cities that serve as cultural hubs to natural scenic wonders. One of the most popular destinations in Europe for travellers is France, with Paris, its capital, being one of the biggest tourist spots in the world. Since the United Kingdom is no longer a part of the European Union following Brexit, travel to France isn’t as simple as it used to be. However, it is still fairly easy, given you have the right documentation and are willing to wait in line at the customs office.
Due to France’s close proximity to the United Kingdom and the fact that pilots have flown regularly to and from the area before Brexit, it is one of the most popular destinations for private pilots in the UK to fly to. Many pilots already have connections in the country and are part of communities that have been fostered over decades of collaboration between people from the two countries.
In order to keep this tradition alive and allow pilots to experience the wonder of flying to France, here is everything you need to know about flying into the European nation, from what you will need to pack all the way to destinations where you can land:
LICENCE REQUIREMENTS
Ever since the United Kingdom left the European Union, the national licences authorised by the Civil Aviation Authority of the UK no longer suffice. Instead, pilots are required to have licences recognised and authorised by the European Aviation Safety Agency.
Previously, the licences authorised by the CAA automatically fell under the umbrella of the EASA, but this is no longer the case. General aviation licences such as the Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL) and the National Private Pilot Licence (NPPL) are no longer valid when flying outside of the borders of the UK into EU territory.
These licences are generally less stringent and are not as demanding when it comes to flight hours and the technical skills required. They are also not as demanding when it comes to medical certificates, with applicants who may not normally qualify for more advanced licenses such as the Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) being able to attain these national licences with relative ease.
For those pursuing recreational flying, the Private Pilot Licence is the recommended licence if you wish to fly internationally, especially in countries within the European Union such as France. However, this PPL will also need to be upgraded with a Part FCL (Flight Crew Licencing) rating.
Part-FCL Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
With the Part-FCL rating, PPL holders can operate EASA authorised aircraft in European Union territory with ease. Even if you do not have prior business or personal connections in Europe, it is recommended that you upgrade your basic PPL.
It allows you to broaden your horizons as a pilot and also connect with pilots from other areas, such as France, which has a bustling aviation community with a lot to offer.
WHAT DOCUMENTS WILL YOU NEED?
There are certain documents that you will need to have on your person at all times while flying in accordance with the customs requirements of France and the EU in general. As long as you carry these documents, you will have a smooth journey to and from France with the least amount of administrative hindrances.
While it may seem like a lot at first, upon closer inspection it is only a few major documents that you need to carry with you in a folder, which isn’t all that difficult.
Passport
The most important document you will need in order to get through immigration and customs at the airport is your passport. This is a staple when travelling outside of your country of residence, and France is not different in that regard.
On the brighter side of things, the passport does not need to be stamped with a visa, with UK nationals allowed to stay in countries belonging to the European Union for up to 90 days without a visa. However, if you plan to stay in France for more than 90 days, you will require a visa.
Pilot and FRTO licence
Just like you cannot drive a car without your driver's licence nestled safely within your wallet at all times, you cannot operate an aircraft without having your licence with you when flying.
The pilot must carry their Private Pilot Licence with a Part FCL rating when flying. If they are professionals, they must carry with them their Commercial Pilot Licence or the equivalent of it on their person at all times. International travel requires a fair bit of radio communication as well and getting your Flight Radio Telephony Operator’s Licence is a key step in becoming a pilot and flying your own aircraft.
You should carry your FRTOL with you at all times and ensure that you are well-acquainted with the language of radio communication, since that may make a world of a difference when you are caught in a difficult situation.
Logbook
In addition to your passport and licence, you should carry your updated logbook with you as well. Your logbook is where you note down all of your flight hours, including times of departure and arrival and flight conditions. This document serves as proof of your experience, with the log book usually signed by an authority figure who can testify to your flight experience.
Medical certificate
To be eligible to fly into France, you will need an EASA-approved medical certificate. If your licence is EASA authorised, then this should not be an issue, since the medical certificate you obtained when applying for the licence should suffice while travelling as well.
There are two types of medical certifications when it comes to aviation. The first is the Class 1 medical certificate, which is more stringent in its criteria and is required in order to obtain professional aviation licences such as the Commercial Pilot Licence.
The other type of medical certification is the Class 2 medical certificate. This is relatively less demanding in its criteria and is needed to obtain a general aviation licence such as the Private Pilot Licence. If you wish to obtain your medical certificate, you will need to schedule an appointment with a certified medical examiner, such as the one housed by Sherburn Aero Club, who can provide authorisation for the issuance of a medical certificate.
Certificate of airworthiness
Airworthiness is a measure of whether or not the aircraft you are flying is fit to take to the skies or not. It is necessary to ensure the safety of both the pilot as well as those on the ground.
A valid EASA-approved certificate of airworthiness for an EASA-compliant aircraft is necessary if you wish to fly to France privately. The certificate is issued after the aircraft in question is inspected by certified Aircraft Maintenance Engineers as per the guidelines issued by EASA. In addition to this, you will also need your aircraft registration papers.
WHERE TO LAND
When travelling to a new location, it is necessary to research airports that are best suited to your needs. France is home to major international airports as well as smaller airfields catering to private flyers.
The first thing a pilot must do when preparing to fly to France is to find out whether the airport they are interested in flying to can accommodate them or not. Sometimes due to a high influx of aircraft or issues related to weather, the airport may not be functional. For this reason, it is necessary to communicate with ground control at the airport you wish to arrive at.
Language barrier
While many people speak English in France, especially in major metropolitan areas such as Paris, it is possible when flying to smaller airfields that pilots from the United Kingdom encounter a language barrier.
This may become a problem when it comes to communicating with ground control via radio, so it is best to find out beforehand whether the area you are travelling to can communicate clearly in English or not.
Fuel stops
Some airfields only provide space for landing on the grass, with no facilities of fuel or hangarage. If this is the case when flying to your destination in France, it is important that you fill up your tank before flying and have other stops where you can refuel.
Operating hours
Always make sure you know what an airport’s operational hours are. If you arrive a little too early or too late, you may have to spend time circling the skies and wasting precious fuel.
Transport from airport
When shortlisting airports where you wish to land, you may want to take into account what the transport options are for reaching your desired destination. Some airports are relatively secluded and do not have access to public transport. If you are someone who depends on public transport, you may have to pick another airfield or opt for an alternate mode of transport such as car rentals and chauffeurs. This, however, will come with an additional cost.
BEST GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORTS IN PARIS
Following are some of the best general aviation airports in Paris, France:
Toussus Le Noble
This is the sixth busiest airport in the country despite the fact that it does not cater to commercial flights. Officially known and recognised as a business airport, it is well connected and perfect for landing private aeroplanes. It also houses some restaurants and shopping venues.
Coulommiers-Voisin
Located 50 minutes from the city centre, this airport is also a short 20-minute drive away from Disneyland in Paris, which is one of the most popular theme parks in the world. It is a general aviation airport with three airstrips each accommodating different types of aircraft, making it a great option for pilots flying a variety of aeroplanes.
Pontoise-Cormeilles
This airport is calm and is open 24 hours a day, making it an attractive option for pilots flying at odd hours. It is open to all types of general and business aviation, as well as military aircraft. For the history buffs out there, it is located close to the National Museum of Archaeology and houses relics from the second World War, including bunkers and barracks.
Lognes-Emerainville
This is the closest general aviation airport to most residents in Paris, located a short 25-minute drive from the city centre. It is the second busiest general aviation airport, coming in close behind Toussus Le Noble. Open from sunrise to sunset, the airport is close to the Disneyland theme park and also houses a restaurant if you fancy a quick bite after your flight.
HOW LONG IS THE FLIGHT FROM SHERBURN AERO CLUB?
A non-stop flight between Leeds, where Sherburn Aero Club is located, to Paris would take close to one hour and 25 minutes. However, this number will vary depending on weather conditions, the type of aircraft being flown, as well as the skill level of the pilot flying the aeroplane.
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB?
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.
With a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, we cater to brand new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
If you wish to begin your career in aviation or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers private and commercial licenses, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
Sherburn also offers a dedicated day-long Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course for those wishing to get the certification, running the first Sunday of every month.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran. The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation for the long run.
Sherburn also offers pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward. You are required to take medical exams to prove you are fit enough to take to the skies when applying for a licence, and the facility at Sherburn allows you to start your aviation journey on the right foot.
In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your own aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.
Call us on 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on flying to France and upgrading your Private Pilot Licence.
Photo by Chris Karidis on Unsplash
