TIPS FOR FLYING TO FRANCE AS A UK PILOT

✈️ (Or: How to Eat Cheese, Speak Just Enough French, and Log Real Hours)

So, you’ve got your shiny new PPL and dreams of hopping across the Channel to sip espresso in Cannes or chase sunsets over Bordeaux. Flying to France as a UK pilot sounds glamorous — and it is — but it’s not quite “point nose, go!” There are a few things to sort out before you blast off.

Here are some real-world tips from pilots who’ve done it, sometimes the hard way:

Enjoy French Culture

1. Know Your Airspace — and Their Attitude

France has some of the most pilot-friendly airspace in Europe. Class E everywhere, friendly ATC, and they love GA. But that doesn’t mean you should barge into controlled airspace without a word. Study NOTAMs and check SIV sectors — and yes, talk to someone before you cross Paris airspace.

Bonus: Most French controllers are great with English. Just don’t mumble like it’s your first day on radio.

2. File Your Flight Plan (Don’t Forget the Border!)

Crossing an international FIR boundary = mandatory flight plan. Simple as that. Whether you use SkyDemon, Autorouter, or just classic AFPEX, make sure your plans are in and acknowledged.

Oh — and give Customs notice if you’re stopping somewhere that doesn’t have permanent border control. Some smaller French airfields want up to 24 hours' notice.

3. Be Ready for Fuel Drama

You’d think Europe would be all about automation. Nope. At a lot of French GA fields, the fuel pump is a mysterious box that may or may not take your UK card. Call ahead. Sometimes you need a Total card. Sometimes a man with a moustache and clipboard must unlock it for you. There’s no logic — just vibes.

4. Parking & Landing Fees – Welcome to the Lucky Dip

Some airfields are dirt cheap. Others will charge you anything up to 30€ and throw in a croissant. Either way, don’t panic. Fees vary wildly, but they’re rarely outrageous — especially if you’re VFR in a PA28 or similar.

Always ask for the taxe d’atterrissage and handling charges in advance if it matters to your wallet (or your boss’s).

5. Talk the Talk (or Fake It With Confidence)

You don’t need to speak fluent French, but a bit of effort goes a long way. Learn to say your registration and intentions clearly. “Golf Alpha Bravo Charlie, VFR to Le Touquet, request startup” works just fine — especially if you deliver it with grande bravoure.

And yes, always end radio calls with “merci.” It’s the polite thing to do.

Basic French for Pilots

6. Pack Like a Pro

France = wine, cheese, and glorious landscapes. But for flying? Bring:

• A Copy of your License and Medical

• Passport (obviously)

• Always Carry Tech Log in Aircraft with all relevant information for a Ramp Check

• Charger cables (ask me how I know)

• Paper charts just in case the tablet crashes mid-flight

  
  

7. Make It an Adventure

You’re not hour-building just to do circuits. Go explore. France is full of airfields with bistros on site, historic towns within walking distance, and pilots eager to say hello. Plan a 3-day loop — Cannes, Béziers, Limoges, back to La Rochelle. It’s not just flight time. It’s flight experience.

Final Thought

Flying to France isn’t just about the logbook. It’s about stories, scenery, and learning stuff you can’t get from a right-hand circuit at your local field. Be prepared, fly smart — and leave space in your luggage for cheese.

🛩️ Want to do this for real?Check out hour-building.com — we’ve got G-reg and EASA aircraft ready to fly, plus local knowledge to help you go further.

Cheese Board in France