Hi all.

I have just completed my PPL at 17, and I want to take the family around Europe. I was just wondering if any of you lot knew any good websites where I can get information, or any good books which can help complete the trip.

I can cover the costs (just) so no need to blaber on about that, I just need the travel facts and tips.

Thanks very much,
Ben Alexander-Brown

Ben, have a few more questions before we can answer your posting.

Where do you want to go on your European trip - and when do want to do it??

Your profile says "Yorkshire". The nearest bit of Europe is probably Amsterdam or Rotterdam - straight across the North Sea.

How many people are in your family, how long do you want to go away for (how much luggage will they all be carrying for the night stops [remember, no VFR night flying on the European mainland]), what type of aircraft are you intending to fly, what does it have installed for avionics, what experience do you have "on type"??

All the above makes a difference as to where you can go.....and that would then dictate what web sites to try to find.

My only advice is to buy a Bottlang manual from Jeppesen. They are quite expensive but they cover all the useable GA airports you need and have an ATC section that covers the air-traffic rule you need for all the countries.
Jeppesen also has some good VFR-GPS cards for sale which are handy if you use GPS navigation.
Further more keep an eye on the weather and have fun!!!!

Like to hear the stories......

Have a read of Michael McCafferty's Biplane Adventures - Euro Tour (http://www.triple-m.com/adventures/euro/index.htm). Probably not all that useful to tell the truth, but a great read nonetheless!!

FFF
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Check this out ...

http://www.flyer.co.uk/greece.php

Chris Belton ( see latest issue Pilot ) has covered just about every European country VFR in a Cessna 150 in the last five years. Her articles and those of others in Pilot are a good place for background information. If you contact her I am sure she would be able to help you out.