Read below to learn more about how to plan this exciting flight, the laws and jurisdictions of the area, and of course, a list of the best aero clubs in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Want to get the most out of your private pilot licence and explore new places? Then why not plan a trip to some of the beautiful regions in France? That’s right, not only is it possible for private pilots to fly from Sherburn to some of the regions in France, but you can also visit many of the bustling aero clubs in the region as well.
If you are looking for a jaw-dropping scenic location with vast mountain ranges, clear blue skies, and spectacular horizons then look no further than Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Located within 1,273.5 km of Sherburn, Elmet, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is perhaps the best place private pilots can fly to for leisure and networking.
Read below to learn more about how to plan this exciting flight, the laws and jurisdictions of the area, and of course, a list of the best aero clubs in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
Travelling To Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes from Sherburn – Post Brexit Considerations
Your Private Pilot Licence (PPL) is highly versatile and there is so much more that you can get from it than just short-distance flights. Using your PPL and some proper planning (discussed below) you can easily take a long-distance and scenic flight to one of the beautiful regions in France.
For example, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is an excellent destination for private pilots looking for the next big thing on their bucket list. The region is rich with tall mountains, incredible man-made and natural structures, and spectacular horizons.
However, there are a few things that private pilots need to keep in mind before embarking on their journey. Since Brexit, there have been some legal changes that every visiting pilot must know.
Here are all the main factors to keep in mind:
Licensing
Due to Brexit, UK pilots are no longer recognised under the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations. Therefore, private pilots holding a UK licence will need to check with the local Civil Aviation Authority guidelines to determine if their licence is validated for flying in French airspace. Additionally, some pilots may also need additional certifications or temporary licences to fly within the EU. This is especially true for fresh private pilots who just got their licence and generally have limited flying experience.
UK-based CAA-issued medical licences may also need to be validated as per the EASA rules. Once these conditions are met, the pilot will be allowed to enter EU airspace.
Flight Plans and Customs
Flight plans are necessary wherever you fly. After Brexit, UK pilots must also ensure customs clearance. Smaller airports or aero clubs may not have customs facilities, so landing at larger airports like Lyon or Grenoble may be more beneficial for easily clearing customs.
Once everything is sorted, you can easily visit any aero club in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
Insurance
Make sure that your insurance is valid for flights in France. Since Brexit, UK policies may not provide the same level of coverage across all EU countries which is why private pilots should check with their insurance provider for clarification.
Navigation and ATC Rules
Finally, make sure that your equipment complies with French air traffic control regulations. This is a small but easily overlooked aspect of planning a flight but since things have politically changed, it would be wise to acquaint yourself with local protocols, especially if you plan to fly near or in controlled airspaces around large airports.
For more information, we recommend that you talk to people who have already conducted similar flights at your Aero Club. Sherburn Aero Club has a vast knowledge base and trained agents who can help you arrange everything, so you don’t have to go through the trial-and-error process.
Best Aero Clubs in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes to Fly to From Sherburn
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes has an excellent community of veteran pilots and ambitious students and jaw-dropping locations. Whether it is Mont Blanc and the French Alps, Lac d'Annecy, or Lyon, you are guaranteed to find a varied landscape in this region!
The region also offers a wide range of aero clubs that can provide you with access to these locations. Here are some of the most well-established aero clubs in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes:
Aéroclub Lyon Bron
Lyon Bron is located within the grand city of Lyon, Rhône, and is one of the largest and oldest aero clubs in the region. The club offers a bustling community of private pilots and a diversity of aircraft and is known for its rich history, fine dining, and proximity to the spectacular French Alps.
For the best experience, we recommend that you call the Aero Club beforehand or visit their website for more information about visiting pilots and any specific policies that you need to keep in mind.
Aéroclub Annecy Haute-Savoie
Nestled near the awe-inspiring Lake Annecy and surrounded by the beautiful Alps, Aéroclub Annecy Haute-Savoie is perhaps one of the best places to fly to from Sherburn. Due to its prime location, this club offers amazing flights and scenic views from the airfield. Furthermore, the club is home to several aircraft and a very friendly community of veteran and student pilots.
The Aero Club also has a lot of amenities that make networking more fun. From a café to a common area where all pilots hang out, you are bound to make friends and find people of interest in aviation.
Aéroclub de Chambéry Savoie
Located at the foot of the Alps, this aero club has got to be the most ideal spot for anyone looking to explore the mountain landscapes in the region. The club offers mountain flying courses and a vibrant pilot community full of daring and aspiring pilots.
Since the climate in this region can be quite dramatic, we recommend that you pack accordingly and speak to a representative at the club to gather more information about what you can expect at the club.
Aéroclub Valence-Chabeuil
Aéroclub Valence-Chabeuil is located in Valence, Drome, and has access to both the Alps and the Provence region known for its lavender field and Mediterranean climate. The flight school offers scenic flights around the area using its extensive variety of aircraft and highly trained instructors.
Since this club is so ideally located, it has a very busy airspace and requires prior bookings. Make sure that you double-check your dates and reconfirm before the day of your flight for the best experience.
Aéroclub de Grenoble
Located in Grenoble, Isere, Aéroclub de Grenoble is widely recognised as the gateway to the Alps. The aeroclub is ideal for pilots looking to experience thrilling mountain flying in some of France’s most dramatic and beautiful terrains. The club has a rich diversity of aircraft and provides extensive services to plan and execute the perfect flight around the region.
If you are interested in aerial photography, then now is the time to get all your gear together! Pack your camera and jump on a plane with a trained pilot from the club to get the best shots and make unforgettable memories that will surely last you a lifetime.
Planning a Long-Distance Trip
If you are trying to attempt a long-distance flight, then here are some important tips to keep in mind for the best experience:
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Flight Plan Basics
A comprehensive flight plan is not only necessary, but it also ensures that you get the most out of your trip.
Since you will be flying from Sherburn to Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, it would be wise to start with every minute detail that you can think of. We recommend borrowing ideas from previous successful flights by veteran pilots at your aero club. Pilots must ensure that the departure and destination airports are clearly specified in the flight plan to avoid legal and customs problems.
This will give you a roadmap for what to expect and how to build your own flight plan. Account for things like the weather, terrain, fuel calculations, lodging, budgeting, documentation, clearances, and more so that you cover all the important aspects of flying to France. Your flight plan should also have all the information (including landing fees) about the stops that you will make between Sherburn and France for resting and refuelling.
Once you have a preliminary flight plan in hand, share it with veteran pilots so that they can vet it and inform you about how you can make an even better flight plan for your journey.
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Fixed-Wing Aircraft
For Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the best type of aircraft would be a fixed-wing aircraft. They offer better fuel efficiency and more reliability than flex-wing aircraft, which are suitable for very short trips. These aircraft have an enclosed cockpit and all the necessary navigation and communication equipment that you would require for a long-distance flight. Furthermore, these planes can also accommodate some luggage and have a higher Maximum Take-off Weight (MTOW).
Another benefit of fixed wings is that you can also use them for flying in non-visual flight Rules (VFR) conditions such as at night or during mild bad weather. However, you will require an Instrument Rating (IR) to be able to fly these aircraft outside of VFR conditions.
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Prior Arrangements
When visiting other aero clubs, it is always advisable to make prior arrangements and make sure that you book your arrival at the aero club(s) that you want to visit. France’s airspace is extremely well managed and very busy, so ensure that you have everything in order before you take off.
Most aero clubs have extensive information about visiting pilots on their websites. You might also want to check out if the Aero Club has any noise-mitigation policies or visitor policies for the best experience.
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Precise Budgeting
Long-distance flights require you to budget using the worst-scenario framework where pilots need to ideally take the ceiling value for particulars such as fuel, food, lodging, and more. This surplus will add a cushion and will allow you to absorb unforeseen circumstances that may cost you money.
It is also advisable to consider different insurance values, custom fees, and more when planning a trip to a new region. We recommend that you talk to a specialist at your aero club for precise costing or get help from veteran pilots who have been to the region recently.
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Important Documentation
For the best experience and to avoid problems during your journey, you will need to make sure that you have all the appropriate documentation with you. These documents can be your pilot licence, medical certificate, clearance documents, custom forms, flight plan, written permission slips from the aero clubs that you want to visit, etc. Although you would rarely have to produce these documents for official purposes during a routine flight, it is always a good idea to keep a clear folder with all these documents in one place when you fly.
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Rechecking Everything
It is a good practice to always recheck everything once after you have completed the flight plan and once again a few days before your flight. This practice can not only help you highlight problems in your flight plan but can also save you from problems in your journey. Make sure that you account for weather conditions before your flight and that you have all the customs forms ready and duly filled. Also, before you conduct your preflight checks, we recommend that you go over the route and alternative route details to confirm that you have everything in order before embarking on your journey.
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Represent your Club
When visiting another region, you must always be on your best behaviour and conduct yourself professionally. You will not only be representing your aero clubs but UK pilots in general. While this isn’t a written rule and not part of official regulations, your demeanour and character are a direct reflection of your training and the ethos of your aero club.
Always be cordial with students from other aero clubs and, if possible, make sure that you learn the local lingo and phrases so that you get an idea of how to establish communication with other pilots. These small details can go a long way in developing your character and helping you progress in your aviation career.
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.
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