Read on below to learn more about the top things to keep in mind when planning long-distance flights and the top aero clubs in The Grand Est.
The Grand Est is an administrative region in northeastern France located 943.6 km from Sherburn. It superseded three former administrative regions – Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne, and Lorraine. Known for its picturesque towns, coastal line, and beautiful geographical features, this region is perhaps one of the best places to visit for private pilots in the UK.
While flying from Sherburn to any French region requires careful legal considerations, it is plausible to not only fly but also visit many of the top aero clubs in the Grand Est!
If you have been planning to visit the Grand Est, then this guide is just for you. Read on below to learn more about the top things to keep in mind when planning long-distance flights and the top aero clubs in The Grand Est.
Post-Brexit Considerations for UK Pilots
Brexit has had a lot of implications for private pilots seeking to fly outside of the UK. While these legalities may seem cumbersome, they aren’t as complicated as many people believe them to be.
Here is everything that you need to know about the legal requirements for travelling to The Grand Est from Sherburn:
Licence Requirements
According to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), UK pilot licences are no longer valid in the EU post-Brexit. Pilots must hold either an EU-issued EASA licence or a UK Part-FCL licence that can grant them access to flights outside of UK airspace.
UK pilots will be required to apply for a French conversion for UK licences or fly with a permit that is acceptable in France under specific conditions. For full details on how to pursue these legal requirements, we recommend that you speak with a professional consultant at your aero club. Top aero clubs like Sherburn are well-equipped to help UK pilots fulfil all the minimum requirements to fly outside of the UK without problems.
Customs and Immigration
Pilots are required to follow customs requirements when entering or leaving the EU. This includes filling comprehensive flight plans and clearing customs at the point of entry in France. Keep in mind that not all aerodromes provide this facility so you will likely have to travel to a full-fledged airport to fulfil these requirements.
Flight Plan Submission
A robust flight plan is required when crossing international borders between the UK and France. A UK pilot can submit their flight plan through appropriate platforms such as Eurocontrol. Pilots must also ensure that the departure and destination airports are clearly specified in the flight plan.
Aircraft Registration
G-registered aircraft (or UK-registered aircraft) can still operate in France, but they should comply with any additional local requirements which may include insurance coverage or temporary permits that may be needed for certain aircraft categories.
Medical Certificates
As per the EASA rules, UK CAA-issued medical certificates may not be valid for flying in France. UK pilots may need to obtain or validate their medical certificates according to the EU standards to avoid problems.
Best Aero Clubs in The Grand Est to Fly to From Sherburn
The Grant Est offers a diverse landscape for private pilots, from picturesque vineyards and historic cities to the dense forests of the Ardennes and the scenic Vosges mountains.
Here are some of the best aero clubs in Grand Est for accessing these locations:
Aéroclub de Lorraine
Based in Lunéville, Aéroclub de Lorraine is one of the most well-established air schools in the region. The club offers fantastic aerial views of local towns and guarantees a thrilling flying experience. The club is known for its friendly atmosphere and highly trained instructors who offer flight training as well as adrenaline-seeking leisure flights.
For the best experience, we recommend that you call in advance and book your spot, especially during the peak season. The club also hosts air events that you may find interesting and if you are looking for networking opportunities then we recommend that you fly during early May or according to the event schedule provided by the club.
Aéroclub de l’Est
Aéroclub de l’Est is located in Tomblaine and is known for its active aviation community and variety of training options. The club provides access to jaw-dropping horizons and the coastal belt. If you are looking for a thrilling experience and a range of basic club amenities, then this is the best place to visit.
Aéroclub Nord Lorraine
This club has been around for a long time and is frequently known to be one of the best training facilities in the region. It is situated in Villerupt and offers bespoke flight instruction and even glider activities. That’s right, due to its ideal location, glider enthusiasts are bound to get their money’s worth and experience thrilling skies along the coastal area.
Please keep in mind that this club is likely to have a very busy airspace so it would be wise that you book your entry beforehand. While the club offers a range of amenities, you will likely need to find comfortable lodging near the club for the best experience.
Centre de Vol à Voile de Nancy
Centre de Vol à Voile de Nancy is a glider-first air school but welcomes pilots from all walks of life. The club is in Saint Max and offers spectacular gliding experiences over vast green fields. The club provides access to clear blue skies and thrilling and highly advanced glider experiences. While the club offers basic amenities, if you are looking to spend a lot of time on networking opportunities, we recommend that you meet up with the students and crew in the nearby town for the best experience.
Aéroclub de Sarrebourg
Aéroclub de Sarrebourg is known for both powered flight and gliding and is a great spot for diverse aviation experiences. The club offers a relaxing and friendly atmosphere along with a very vibrant community of veteran and novice pilots. The airfield is also frequented for its helicopter training services and we think that pilots of various calibre will fit right into the nurturing environment of this club.
Please make sure that you book in advance and call the aeroclub for any specific changes in their policies for visitors. While the club may not offer customs clearance, you can easily access the club by first landing at any established airport around the region.
Checking Off the Basics
The Grand Est is located within 1000 km of Sherburn making it a relatively long-distance flight. This is why UK pilots must keep a few important points in mind.
Here is how you can plan a trip to The Grand Est from Sherburn:
Forward Planning
Flying can be risky; however, the aviation industry is regularly touted as one of the best and safest forms of travel around the world – and this is only due to the immense level of scrutiny and rules that are put in place to make the industry as safe as possible.
Procedures and documentation further add to the safety and accountability of flights. One such document that does this is a flight plan.
Flight plans contain information about every little detail regarding the flight. This can include information about the terrain, weather predictions, restricted airspace, budgeting, flight routes, alternative routes, special documentation requirements for flying outside of the UK, and much more.
The flight plan also includes important details about the fuel calculations and the total number of stops a pilot will need to take during their journey.
So, if you want to make the most out of your trip, then we highly recommend that you spend adequate time planning so that you don’t have to worry about anything during your flight to the Grand Est.
Newer pilots are required to consult their flight plan with their instructor or experienced pilots. Keep in mind that aviation is built on shared experiences and the best way to quickly progress in this field is to always seek the advice of experienced pilots.
Using Club Resources
Most aero clubs, including Sherburn, offer a lot of useful resources to all its members and pilots. These resources can be used to not only plan the perfect trip but also perfect your flight plan so that you don’t have to face any problems during your flight.
Tools like a Meteorological Aerodrome Report (METAR) are widely available and used by pilots to obtain accurate weather conditions which can immensely help pilots make more informed decisions when it comes to picking a date for their flight and the required bookings for landing and lodging.
Book Ahead
When flying outside of the UK, pilots need to never leave anything to chance! Aeroclubs, especially the ones located inside established airports, have very busy airspaces during different times of the day. Aero clubs located within airports not only get to see visitors on a daily basis, but they also have to manage their inflow with the overall airspace provided to them by the airport. This means that you will always need to make prior bookings and confirm your spot at the destinations that you want to visit.
It is also important to note that many aero clubs can have specific policies for visiting pilots. Some aero clubs have restricted airspaces or a noise mitigation policy that needs to be followed by every visiting pilot. The best way to learn more about these policies is to call the Aero Club or check out their resources for visiting pilots on their website.
Additionally, pilots looking to spend more time at one destination will need to account for lodging services as well. This means that you will have to call in advance and book your accommodations accordingly.
As mentioned above, your duration must clearly be specified in your flight plan, and you will have to submit your flight plan through the right channels for approval. Make sure you double-check everything to avoid delays or problems in your journey.
Represent UK Pilots
As soon as you leave UK airspace, you will have to conduct yourself highly professionally, even more so than you usually do since you will be a visitor in French airspace and will represent your club and its ethos.
Pilots are a different breed and are held to a higher standard. So, when you travel to any of the clubs mentioned in this guide, it is important that you be courteous. We also recommend that you learn the local etiquette and policies to quickly connect with the pilot community.
Make sure that you discuss your flight plan with veteran pilots and flight instructors who have made similar trips. They can help you highlight everything that you need to look out for or keep in mind to make your trip truly memorable.
The Best Time to Visit The Grand Est
Travelling to Grand Est for its beauty is enough of a reason to plan your flight, but if you are looking for more value out of your trip, we recommend that you visit the region during the peak season.
The Grand Est is known for its variety of fun air events like the Grand Est Air Show and the Grand Est Mondial Air Ballons, which is a 10-day event! These shows take place during the May – July period and are perfect for pilots looking for a fun escape with friends.
These air events attract a lot of pilots from around the region and are the perfect time for visiting pilots to meet and learn from other legends in the region. If you have the certifications, then you may also be able to participate in these events and try your hand at aerobatics in French airspace.
To learn more about when these events take place, we recommend that keep an eye on online resources or call the top aero clubs (listed below) to figure out the right time for your visit. The Grand Est is an incredibly picturesque location to fly to but if you want more and get your money’s worth, then plan your travel dates smartly!
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.
