English-language Flying Lessons at a JAR Approved Flight School in France to gain a British issued JAR PPL

( no need to speak any French - all training is conducted in English).

Flying lessons and air-experience flights are provided in conjunction with the Aéroclub de Limoges (at Limoges International Airport) whose rates are significantly lower than most UK flight schools—landing fees, where charged, are generally trivial compared with those of UK airfields. Learning to fly in France is truly a low cost option in easy reach of the UK - and the weather's great!

Our local flying environment also provides more-reliable weather together with the superior facilities of an international airport.

We offer introductory, conversion and Private Pilot Licence (PPL) courses provided by Sue Virr who is a British  Qualified Flying Instructor and  Flight &Ground Examiner, fully approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) to conduct English-language training in both the UK and France. 

Night ratings and PPL renewals /revalidations  can be conducted here in France at the Aero club.

All  the training is  conducted in a  relaxed atmosphere , confidence building is a major part of the training, the motto here is that "FLYING SHOULD BE FUN",

Subject to weather conditions, students can fly an average of three hours per day which enables them to complete their  PPL in a short period of time.

We have had several students take their final skill test at 40 hours and had to make up the extra 5 hours for licence issue.

NearlyHeaven is the perfect place to start or continue your training while also enjoying an amazing holiday.(see accommodation & bookings page ).

Ever wondered what it's like to fly?

From Bellegarde International Airport, you can fly over the local hills, valleys, lakes and mountains. Each trip can be a different experience with breathtaking views every time.

You can fly over your house or just see the area from a different perspective.

If you haven't flown before, don't worry.

Before your first flight, we will brief you with all of the information required so that you can enjoy the experience of flying a plane.

We begin the lessons in the Robin DR 400-140 aircraft. These are one of the easiest training aircraft to fly and have great visibility. The quality, reliability and ease of flying the Robin have given it a reputation as 'the Porsche of the skies'.

You gain confidence and valuable experience by training at an International airport, this enables you to feel confident flying to any airport in Europe

What does it take to become a pilot?

To enjoy the freedom of the skies, you will need to gain a JAR (Joint Aviation Requirements) Private Pilot Licence (PPL).

This is an internationally recognized license for flying any single engined plane with a maximum weight of 5700 kg.

The privileges of the licence may be fully exercised on aircraft registered in any JAA (Joint Airworthiness Authority) country which basically covers Europe.

The licence is generally recognised for flying aircraft registered elsewhere though there may be some local restrictions.

The main requirements for gaining the PPL are:

• Completion of an approved JAR PPL course comprising a minimum of 45 hours flying experience including at least 25 hours dual and 10 hours solo
  
• Completion of ground examinations:(The examinations can be conducted with Sue in France)
•  Air Law
  Meteorology
  Navigation
  Human Performance and limitations
  Flight performance and planning
  Aircraft general
  Communication (radiotelephony theory exam)
  
• Medical certificate issued by a JAA approved medical examiner.
  This may be issued in the UK, or any JAA country and must be obtained before your first solo flight.
• Please note that at present the French class 2 medical is considered a national medical and is not recognised by the Britsh CAA.
  
• Completion of a flying 'skill test' ( we use British approved examiners)
  
• Although not part of the PPL, holders of UK-issued PPL licences require a separate Radiotelephony Licence for use in the UK—by concession, pilots under training may use radio in the UK/France without an R/T licence

NB Although we operate primarily in France, all lessons and examinations are conducted in English—there is absolutely no requirement to learn or speak French.

Trial Flights

For trial flights, you will be covered by the instructor's insurance and club membership though follow-up formal lessons will require you to join the club.Your trial flight may be entered in your log book towards your PPL training.

You could just enjoy the scenery, as you wish, but we are happy for you to 'have a go' at flying the aircraft yourself.

 If you wish to photograph your own house from the air just arrive with your camera. 

Normal format is a pre-flight briefing followed by a half hour local flight but we can tailor the flying time and mission to meet your requirements.

Subject to 'weight and balance' considerations, two back-seat passengers may be carried at no extra cost. 

Qualified Pilots

If you need experience after completing your PPL or simply want a friendly co-pilot to accompany you until you are confident with flying in France, help is at hand.

We regularly fly on trips to the most beautful parts of  France and of course we also know all the best restaurants too !

Tailor made trips to Corsica, Spain and Italy can be arranged for you personally

Hour Building ------ Ask for a quote.

The Aéroclub de Limoges has a variety of planes including Robin DR400-140, DR400-180, PA28 for hire.

Despite being an international airport, Limoges is surrounded by unusually quiet airspace with very few restrictions on where you can fly.

Don't be too concerned about the language issue as French Air Traffic Controllers are all required to be fluent in English which is the international language of aviation.

Whether you are a member of the Aéroclub de Limoges or not, Sue is available for the revalidation or renewal of your JAR SEP (Single Engined Piston) PPL licence.

Own Plane

Flying to Limoges and need somewhere to stay?

We are delighted to provide accommodation, if available, for visiting pilots.

In any event, we will be happy to help you out in any way we can—for example, by arranging a place to park your plane or introducing you to other English speaking aviation enthusiasts.

You will also find lots of useful information about flying in France on the Nearlyheaven blog which is specifically targeted at English-speaking pilots.

Nearly Heaven Flying Prices (Updated August 2009)

Aircraft Type	Hourly rate (euro)	Sterling equivalent
Robin DR400-140	€120.00	£103
Robin DR400-180	€132.00	£113
Piper PA28	€138.00	£121
HR200/120	€90.00	£81
Trial Flights (30 mins)	€79.00	£68
Club Membership	€90.00	£77
FFA Membership	€64.00	£55
Prices shown are for solo hire (wet) and include local taxes Prices are also inclusive of landing fees at Limoges Sterling equivalents are approximate but you can check current exchange rates using the  Reuters Currency Converter  on the 'links' section of the sidebar

Public liability insurance is compulsory for French-based pilots and this is provided by most flying clubs through the Fédération Française Aéronautique (FFA).

The fee shown is for basic membership and there are various optional extras such as €10,000 of personal (flying) accident insurance cover and INFO-PILOT magazine.

FFA membership also allows access to various services such as Meteo France—members already holding FFA membership (for example, through another club) will not be required to pay this fee again.

To quote our 'French Fun' feature in the August 2007 edition of 'Today's Pilot', "everywhere in France was within easy reach".

At these prices, the same can be said of Spain, Italy and beyond.