Hi all,
After recently receiving an incredibly
inspirational PM from a forum member, I am posting another update. Thank you,
PolomDrastiz, for your truly touching message.
It's been over seven years since my last update and a lot has changed, both privately, professionally and in the wider aviation world.
After moving to Berlin, I visited the local airfield Flugplatz Schönhagen EDAZ and registered with the FTO Flugschule Hans Grade, where I received a friendly welcome. Getting up in the air was relatively straightforward, as at the time, UK CAA licences were still part of EASA. Local radio traffic was primarily German, but English was accepted and spoken fluently by ATS too. The biggest challenge was not understanding RT that wasn’t directed at me. With the help of local immersion – but without language lessons – it took me about a year to reach German level B2 and then another 18 months to reach C1. I never did the RT German proficiency test, nor did I switch RT language. It always helps to understand the local RT, but I preferred to have one less thing to think about when flying. Despite this, learning German helped immensely in integrating and I can only echo the advice of many others who have invested time in learning the language of the country they are moving to, even if it might be possible to “get by” with English.
With all the excitement of moving to a new country, starting a new job (requiring travel almost every week), making new friends and building a new life, plus the cost, journey time and weather-induced cancellations of flying, flying took a back seat. I made it out to EDAZ a few times, but not as much as I’d have liked to. Still, I kept the licence and medical current.
Somewhere towards the end of 2019, the Mensa club set a deadline of end 2020, after which UK nationals would no longer have the automatic right to move and work freely across the EU. I’d spent some incredible years in Berlin, but I fancied trying another EU country further south before the iron curtain came down. COVID hit and everyone was suddenly working from home. It was the perfect time to plan a new chapter in Spain.
I moved as soon as it was feasible to do so, amid flight cancellations, government office closures, restrictions and general difficulty of getting anything done during COVID. With just under three months to sort out accommodation, residency and everything else in between, I just about had time to swap my UK driving licence for an ES one. Sadly, I didn’t manage (or even realise) that a similar process was required to swap a UK-issued PPL for an EASA member state one.
Fortunately, PPRuNe had it covered and a forum member, S-Works (Steve) introduced me to his FTO, Fly in Spain, based in Jerez (LEJR). I booked myself in for an EASA PPL conversion course, provided all documents in advance and paid the reservation. All very efficient and friendly. Upon arrival and during the 4-day course, there were several additional exams/requirements that weren’t previously planned for by the admin team (RT, medical, English proficiency (!), …), that added to the stress, but ultimately, we managed to get it all done. The instructors and examiner/CFO were excellent – huge credit to Meinte, Rick and Steve in particular. The aircraft were in decent condition and when one was grounded, another was available for us to use, so the fleet wasn’t overstretched that week. The airfield and local flying conditions are amazing, with a combination of stunning views, sunshine and controlled airspace to keep you on your toes. I completed the conversion course with fond memories and a slightly bruised bank balance
and am now the proud holder of both UK and EASA licences, as this “conversion” route allows you to retain both.
Since moving to Spain, life has taken a series of incredible turns, including getting married, starting a beautiful family, learning to speak fluent Spanish and launching a business. I haven’t been able to fly as much as I’d have liked, but looking back, I don’t regret a single moment of my journey. I have travelled to incredible places, celebrated huge (and small) moments and feel completely fulfilled. I love flying and will always do so – but I am happy for it not to be the centre of my life.
Next steps in terms of flying are to make use of the EASA licence, especially given the amount of sunshine and work towards becoming a stronger, more competent and more experienced pilot.
Best wishes to all PPRuNe members and readers. Comments, suggestions and questions are always welcome.