Flying abroad in Europe

[AlexDeltaCharlie]

Hello all,

I'm a UK-based PPL student hoping to have my licence by May/June 2012. I'm interested in making the most of the hours building phase before CPL training and as such I would like to make trips abroad as well as within the UK.

I'd be interested in hearing opinions on how much experience flying to UK airfields it would be wise to obtain before venturing across the Channel. Are there any specific extra difficulties with flying abroad, and will the arrival of EASA further complicate matters?

Any advice gratefully received!

[Jan Olieslagers]

Be aware that some countries, especially in the South of Europe, use local language on the radio, which has created problems for certain foreign pilots. In Germany, Holland, Belgium, Scandinavia, Austria, Switzerland, R/T is generally in English, though you might be surprised at some of the local interpretations.

Do not forget that your first a/d on the Continent must have immigration control (second cousin to customs) due to your government's wisdom of staying outside the Schengen club.

Also, as I am sure you will soon learn in more detail, availability of fuel is problematic in certain countries.

[LH2]

Originally Posted by AlexDeltaCharlie

Hello all,
I'd be interested in hearing opinions on how much experience flying to UK airfields it would be wise to obtain before venturing across the Channel.

I would say the less experience the better. Ignorance sometimes is bliss.

Maybe do your first channel crossing with an experienced instructor, or a pilot you trust first, just to give you that extra reassurance.

Are there any specific extra difficulties with flying abroad,

Not really. Each country and region has its own quirkiness but as long as you pay strict attention to what you will have learned on your PPL, esp. re. flight planning, NOTAMs, weather, and consulting the relevant AIPs and whichever other documentation is applicable, you will be allright. Just don't cut any corners, and ask for advice if in doubt.

Local knowledge is a great thing and the natives are more often than not very keen to help. Also, if you know an experienced pilot in these matters, have his phone number handy in case of difficulties, or if you want a second opinion.

and will the arrival of EASA further complicate matters?

No.

Any advice gratefully received!

Hope the above helps. FWIW, I had a grand total of 48 hours when I first ventured abroad.

[bubo]

flying abroad

the biggest issue (once you get into Schengen area) is to select the right airport. not too small not to have fuel, not to big to pay too much and being escorted to the aircraft. A tip for Germany - look for airports with temporary airspace class F - Straubing, Siegerland, Lahr etc. THis is the right size - unless you really want to sleep under the wing and walk for fuel to the nearest petrol stating hoping they sell also AVGAS

[EDMJ]

A tip for Germany - look for airports with temporary airspace class F - Straubing, Siegerland, Lahr etc.

There are plenty of well-equipped airfields in Germany without airspace F, the keyword to look for is "Verkehrslandeplatz" (avoid "Sonderlandeplatz").

Moreover, in my experience R/T in Germany is predominantly in German.

Final tip for Germany: As probably the only country in Europe (in the world?), VFR approach plates are not available on-line. You'll need a Bottlang trip kit.

[BackPacker]

The most difficult bit will probably be the channel crossing. Not just due to the water crossing and its associated dangers, but also since you are now entering (and eventually leaving) the Schengen area. Once within Schengen it's all easy. Just file a flight plan if you cross a FIR boundary and off you go. Just don't forget to close the plan (somehow) if your arrival is at an uncontrolled airport.

In NW Europe there will only be a few airfields that do have normal, paved runways (or grass of decent length/quality) but do not have avgas. As other have said, the ones that don't have avgas will typically the major international ones (e.g. Schiphol) which you will want to avoid because of handing (-charges) and the very small ones that cater to microlights (running on Euro95).

Other than that, yes, there are local quirks but they should all be in the AIP. ELT/Mode S requirements is just one of the many to keep an eye out for. Differences in Transition Altitude is another. Also, each country has different rules for joining/leaving the circuit. Flight Information Services vary in terminology, availability and quality. Airspace structures are different. And so forth.

You'll need a Bottlang trip kit.

Actually Jeppesen discontinued the Bottlang name (and the associated binder hole spacing) quite some time ago. It's now called the Jeppesen VFR Manual, and integrates with the Jeppesen IFR manuals (same paper type, binder hole spacing and so forth.). Easiest is to call Jeppesen direct and order a "trip kit" (set of manuals without the update service) for the countries you wish to visit. Or, as more people do these days, get an iPad or some other sort of tablet/portable computer, get all the AIPs on them (except Germany, which is not available online...) or JeppView, and print off whatever you need.

Aircraft Navigation - Jeppesen VFR Manual

(Oddly enough the name bottlang is still in the URL though.)

[dublinpilot]

Just be consious of weather across the sea. I appreciate that the English Channel isn't very wide, but it's wide enough!

Visibility in particular can appear to be very different across the sea. 8km vis across the land can look ok, but 8km across the water on an overcast grey day is virtually IMC. This is because there is no land, and no distinguishing features to see, and in such low vis, you are unlikely to any surface detail, so it blends into everything else.

[KeesM]

Need fuel in Germany and some surounding countries, have a look here:eddh.de - Kniebrett I know it shows the ones with Mogas but my expirience is when they have Mogas they also have 100LL.

[Katamarino]

Final tip for Germany: As probably the only country in Europe (in the world?), VFR approach plates are not available on-line. You'll need a Bottlang trip kit.

Or just take a Jeppesen VFR/GPS chart, look at the airfield's website/see it on Google Earth before you go, and then just head off. If in doubt, ask the guy on the radio, and pay careful attention to your lookout and airmanship. This has always worked well for me without puring money down Jeppesen's throat for pretty unneccessary materials; you can also phone the airfield before you go to find out about any local quirks!