The Weston trip was direct from Blackpool, and obviously controlled via Dublin. As stated, Dublin asked if I was happy to close the plan before transferring to Weston - I see now that was to save me a call after landing.

I see DFC's point re landing - I think I was asked twice 'are you sure you are happy to close the flight plan?’ because it was pretty bad vis.

What I can gather from the other posts is that if you land at a controlled field the plan should automatically be closed by ATC, but a call to confirm may not be a bad idea. I would be interested to know the exact legal/responsibility situation.

It does highlight that there is so little information in the ppl syllabus regarding flightplans, and that there are many (and I also include many opinions I have been given from outside pprune) - differing opinions regarding both the plans and foreign travel. In fact, I am doing the ATPL's at the moment and there is very little beyond the basic filling in of the form in those.

LF

1:
I took it from that description that you were flying Dublin to Blackpool.

Now it seems you were Blackpool to Weston!

Confused of Popham
:confused:

Sorry, my fault - badly worded. tinternet eh!

First trip BPL - Weston.

Next day, Weston - BPL

My ignorance was concerning Dublin’s insistence about closing the plan (whilst still airborne heading into Weston) and BPL's unconcern about closing it. (when I had landed back in BPL)

Think its all right now though ........

Regards
LF

I've just returned from a 4-day trip around Northern France (Lille, Reims, Calais) No problem entering France at Lille (customs on-site in theory although none to be seen) Tried to give 24 hours notice for customs at Calais - the ATC man said this was not necessary as customs were not interested!!!

Peace of mind
 

I normally fly out of the Channel Islands, Jersey.

I always enter & exit France through a customs airport, so no worries.

You must always file a flight plan because of going from one country to another.

You will get most of the information about customs from an up to date Jeppessen (France).

If you are not too confident and want to go to Western France, why not fly via Jersey? You can fly to within 14 miles of the French Coast but stay within British Rules Airspace.

Once landed at Jersey you will have the support of the Jersey Aeroclub, GENDECs, FLT PLNs, souvenirs, bar/restaurant (and toilets), maintenance (if necessary), VAT free fueling help, met briefing, Notams (The terminal has its own met office and in flight planning there is a MARS terminal), assistance in car hire, help with booking an hotel room
and parking. All this for only £3 per 1/2 ton, including 7 days free parking. This applies to all visiting GA aeroplanes up to 3 tons.
Once there you can have access to Aerads & Jepps, as well as the free advice from instructors and locals about flying over France. They are super friendly.

Don't forget the Channel Islands are outside of the EEC but the French, especially NW, think of them as theirs, so les douanniers are far more relaxed with CI flights. Dinard charges a CI flight as a local one, not international.
Once in France you are in Schengen, so no more worries until you leave Schengen.

Flying to & from Jersey, CI, from the UK you should clear Special Branch in the UK, just to be safe.

I've done all my European flying from Jersey; France, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, Germany, Spain and Italy. Most in a PA28.

If you all have a break coming, why not enter the Jersey Aero Club's International Air Rally 23rd to 25th May. Contact them on:

Jersey Aero Club
States Airport,
St Peter, Jersey.
Channel Islands.

Tel +44 1534 743990

Fax +44 1534 741290

The weekend is full of competitions, fun, several trophies, gala presentation dinner on Saturday and a light lunch on Sunday in Lessay, France. There is even some time to duty free shop! The customs in France are arranged by our friends at the Lessay Aeroclub.

Enjoy the fun of French flying, just keep a good lookout in uncontrolled VFR country, someone has to.

Happy landings.