Read below to learn more about how to plan a trip to this region, the best aircraft to make the trip, and a list of the best aero clubs in Occitanie.
Occitanie is the southernmost administrative region of metropolitan France excluding Corsica. It was created from the former regions of Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées.
With a Mediterranean shoreline, two mountain ranges, and a robust historical and cultural identity, Occitanie is the fourth most popular tourist destination in France – which makes it the perfect place for private pilots looking to break the routine, enjoy life in the sun, and experience jaw-dropping scenic views with clear skies.
Read below to learn more about how to plan a trip to this region, the best aircraft to make the trip, and a list of the best aero clubs in Occitanie.
What UK Pilots Need to Know Before Travelling to Occitanie
UK pilots can fly outside of UK airspace so long as they fulfil a few key legal requirements set by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Here is everything that you need to know about the post-Brexit legal requirements for travelling to Occitanie from Sherburn:
Licence Validation
As per the EASA, UK pilots must get their licences validated before entering French airspace. Since Brexit, UK pilot licences are no longer recognised in the EU. This is why UK pilots must either have an EU-issued EASA licence or a UK Part-FCL licence to fly to the region. UK pilots may also be required to apply for a French conversion for UK PPL licences or fly with a permit that is acceptable in France under specific conditions.
The good news is that top-tier aero clubs, like Sherburn, provide a range of services that includes consultancy for planning trips outside of UK airspace. We recommend that pilots utilise these services to fulfil the minimum requirements for licence validation and plan their trip without delay!
Documentation and Submission
As with every trip, pilots will need to provide a robust flight plan. However, in this case, UK pilots will need to especially highlight the documents that you will need to provide to authorities if needed.
The flight plan should include details about the trip and the entry and exit points in France and be submitted through appropriate platforms such as Eurocontrol.
Immigration
As per the recent policy, UK pilots will be required to fill out custom clearance forms when entering or exiting French airspace. Please note that these forms are available at larger airports but may not be accessible at smaller airfields which is why you need to plan your entry and exit points carefully.
Medical Requirements
UK CAA-issued medical certificates may not be valid for flying in France as per the recent EASA policies. This is why UK pilots may need to obtain or validate their medical certificates according to the EU standards. This can be done using the services provided by your aeroclub or by following the guidelines provided by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Best Aeroclubs in Occitanie
With a diversity of cultural and historical landmarks, this administrative region has something for everyone – including a bustling aviation community full of diverse and fun aeroclubs.
Here are our top picks for the best aeroclubs in Occitanie:
Aéro-Club de Toulouse
Located in Lasbordes Airport, this club is known to be one of the premier clubs in the region! The club offers flight training and private pilot activities including thrilling discovery and casual flights.
The best thing about this club is its friendly atmosphere and its diverse fleet. If you are looking for an active pilot community then we highly recommend that you begin your journey here.
Aéro-Club de Montpellier
Located at Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport, this club has all the basic amenities that visiting pilots would need for networking. The club is frequented by several pilots from the surrounding region due to its ideal location and access to historical landmarks.
The club is known for its excellent training programs, scenic flying opportunities, and vibrant community which makes it a no-brainer for any private pilot visiting the region.
Aéro-Club Albi
Looking for scenic views and clear blue skies? Then we highly recommend this club! Situated in Albi, Aeroclub Albi is famous for its beautiful surroundings and well-maintained fleet. The club offers a welcoming environment and focuses on both training and recreational flying options.
Aéro-Club de Carcassonne
If you like to visit the countryside and experience stunning views of the historic city, then we highly recommend this club. Based at Carcassonne Airport, this club provides bespoke flight training and is ideal for a wide variety of private pilots.
Since it is located inside an established airport, you can expect all the basic amenities. Private pilots can also use this club as a convenient entry point in the region and fulfil the customs requirements.
Aéro-Club Béziers Cap d’Agde
Occitanie is known for its diversity and if you want to experience the best of this region then look no further than Aéro-Club Béziers Cap d’Agde. The club is an excellent choice for coastal and scenic flights and with its diversity of aircraft, you can experience the region using several types of light aircraft.
Perhaps the best thing about this club is that it has modern facilities and is popular among new and veteran pilots who enjoy flying along the Mediterranean.
Best Destinations in Occitanie for Private Pilots
Don’t know where to begin your trip? Then check out our guide below for the best places to fly to in Occitanie:
Millau Viaduct
If you are into architecture, then we highly recommend that you check out this famous bridge. Known as the tallest bridge in the world, Millau Viaduct offers breathtaking views of its architecture and surrounding valleys which are sure to entice a wide variety of pilots.
Cévennes National Park
Love wildlife? Then check out Cevennes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning landscapes and vast green fields. This place is perfect for scenic flights and aerial photography.
We highly recommend that you experience this site using a flex-wing light aircraft which will allow you an unimpeded view of the surroundings and also make aerial photography all the more worth it.
Carcassonne Citadel
Since this region is known for its architecture, we highly recommend visiting pilots to check out the Carcassonne Citadel.
The Citadel is an outstanding medieval fortress that provides jaw-dropping views from above. The site also provides access to the surrounding city and natural landscapes which automatically makes it one of the best places to visit in the region.
Pyrenees Mountains
Want more diverse terrain? Then we suggest that you visit the Pyrenees mountains. Enjoy dramatic views of the mountain range, including the Pic du Midi Observatory which is known for being one of the main manmade attraction points. Observe a vast diversity of flora from the skies and don’t forget to take your camera with you!
Camargue Wetlands
If you want a bit of everything, then we recommend checking out the Camargue Wetlands. It provides a unique flying experience thanks to its expansive marshlands, flamingos, and wild horses. The site is frequently visited by visiting pilots and we guarantee that you will instantly fall in love with the vast horizons and breathtaking aerial views of the area below.
Planning the Perfect Trip
Apart from fulfilling the legal requirements for flying to this region, there are a few best practices that all pilots need to keep in mind to get the most out of their trip.
Here is how you can plan the perfect trip to Occitanie:
Pick the Right Aircraft
The best type of aircraft for your trip will depend on your expectations from the trip. If you wish to explore the natural beauty of the region, then we recommend that you go for a flex-wing aircraft. These light aircraft provide a unique flying experience due to their open cockpit design. That’s right, the only thing separating you from the outside environment is a thin windshield upfront!
New and even seasoned pilots regularly rank flex-wings as the best aircraft to explore surroundings. A Flex-wing has a lightweight fabric wrapped around a rigid wing. The fabric flexes in the air, thus making the aircraft very responsive. This feature, along with its open cockpit design makes flex-wings the best choice for adventurous private pilots. The only downside is that these aircraft can’t go the distance and have limited performance. We recommend that you visit a club that provides a diversity of these aircraft for the best experience.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a traditional flying experience and want to travel with more than two people, then we recommend going for a fixed-wing aircraft. This aircraft is the default choice for longer-distance flights and is ideal for multiple flying scenarios, even flights outside VFR conditions.
Flex wings have a traditional design with an enclosed cabin and can seat up to six people and even have room for cargo. These aircraft are readily available at virtually all aero clubs since they are widely used in flight training. Fixed-wings provide a smoother and more precise flying experience and have a higher capacity engine that is capable of better top speeds than flex-wings.
Additionally, if you wish to travel to multiple locations in one day, then we recommend that you stick with a fixed-wing aircraft since this aircraft will provide you with better mileage and offer more value for money in the context of fuel savings.
Helicopters
If you are looking for more diversity in light aircraft, then why not go for helicopters? These aircraft are ideal for sightseeing purposes and provide the pilot with unlimited control. Helicopters provide lateral and vertical control which makes them the best choice for traversing and exploring the numerous natural and manmade features of Occitanie.
Helicopters are usually used for commercial purposes and are the default choice for commercial and emergency services. For example, these aircraft are commonly used for accessing areas where regular aircraft can’t land. Since helicopters can hover over locations, they are the best bet for emergency service personnel.
Another benefit of helicopters is that they provide high mileage, and their design is even ideal for providing a thrilling flying experience for a wide variety of pilots. Furthermore, if you are visiting Occitanie to take pictures, then the best way to capture this region would be using a helicopter. Their stable flight and manoeuvrability make them an excellent choice for aerial photographers worldwide.
However, helicopters may not be available at every flight club. Usually, only comprehensive aero clubs provide this convenience. For example, Sherburn Aero Club offers a dedicated fleet of helicopters through Hields Aviation located inside Sherburn Airfield. If you want to experience every aspect of this beautiful region, we recommend that you go with a helicopter!
Flight Planning
Planning a long-distance flight requires careful considerations, attention to detail, and several iterations of your flight plan. A robust flight plan should include details about the terrain, fuel calculations, budgeting, weather forecasts, and any other aspect of the trip that may impact the flight. A great flight plan will provide a strong foundation for your trip and help you fly in and out of foreign airspace without any problems.
For the best experience, we recommend that you use the resources available at your aero club to build the initial versions of your flight plan. This can include weather details using the MeTARs reports available at the club and several other tools used for fuel calculations and budgeting. Furthermore, it is also advised that less experienced pilots take the help of veteran pilots from the club.
We recommend speaking to pilots who have made similar trips and sharing your flight plan with them. These pilots can help reveal areas of improvement in your flight plan and more importantly, give you advice on the places and things to do in the region.
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.
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 licences, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
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 in various types of light aircraft.
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.
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 in the long run.
Sherburn 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.
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 at 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on light aircraft, training requirements, fee structure, licencing procedures, as well as experience flights and pilot training at Sherburn.
