Now if you think British administration is crap, wait until deal with the unsurpassed champions, namely the French Admin.
If I remember well you will have to talk to "la Mairie" of your place and la "prefecture" to start the proceedings.
May I suggest you contact the FNA "Federation Nationale Aeronautique" an organisation gathering all the pilots, aeroclubs together.
They are bit like AOPA I suppose but with a much greater weight in the dealing with French issues.
Perhaps someone has a link for you ??