Frequently Asked Questions

My tuition in England is going to take ages due to delays; can it be achieved faster without going to the USA?

• Yes, why not learn to fly in France where the weather is better and the flying season lasts virtually all year.

Sounds good, but I can’t speak French?

• I’m far from perfect myself after 9 years over here.  That’s why I teach in my native tongue - English.

What about radio calls?

• Remember Aviation Law, the universal language is English – Alpha, Bravo, Charlie not (Arc, Bastille, Chat)

But I can’t learn to fly in France; I won’t get a UK CAA licence?

• Not true.  I teach the identical syllabus to that taught in UK flying schools.  You can study for the same 6 multiple-choice exams, the radio exam, complete the qualifying cross country exercise and pass your skills and navigation test over here.  That’s because I am a British Flying Instructor, Ground Examiner and Flight Examiner operating in France.
• My training facility, NearlyHeaven, is authorised by both the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the French  Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile (DGAC) to conduct flight training, in English, for the British issued JAR (FCL) Private Pilot’s Licence.

It’s going to cost the earth though surely?

• Well you would assume so but it really isn’t any more expensive than in the UK.  Fuel is cheaper here (less tax), the Aero-club operates on a not for profit basis, and my charges are competitive.
• the weather doesn’t get in the way so no cancellation of steady progress (no repeat lessons because you forgot what you did a fortnight or more ago)

What about all my landing fees, they cost so much in the UK, I bet the French Fees are dearer?

• There are no landing charges at Limoges for ‘home based’ aircraft.  Imagine any amount of landings or touch and goes all free!  That’s got to be the equivalent of a couple of free flying lessons.  Charges at other airfields are generally modest compared with the UK.  The two closest airports which are usually visited cost £5 & £7!

But the exchange rate is rubbish so it will be dearer?

• Since the Greek Crisis the Euro has fallen against the pound.  The worries arose over 18 months ago when it looked like we were heading for 1 euro to 1 pound. Since then we are currently (June 2011) at 1.13 euros to the pound.

OK, its the real UK licence, its cheaper and quicker to achieve, but I still have to get to France and stay there?

• Ryan Air, Easyjet and Flybe all have cheap scheduled flights to Limoges.  You don’t need to hire a car as you can walk from the terminal to the hotel to the club.  Check it out on Google maps you can see the terminal, hotel swimming pool and the aircraft parked on the apron.  The hotel offers a special rate if booked through me.  Past students have done the maths; A typical example is a student who had 8 hours in his logbook.  After a week he had flown an additional 23 hours, including 2 solo hours.  He flew from the UK and stayed in the Hotel and ate out.  His total cost was less than the equivalent cost of lessons alone in NW England.

Who would be teaching me, I’m tired of having to change instructors in the UK?

• Only I can give the one to one training.  That’s because I am the only UK person licensed in France to teach the English syllabus. 

Can I do the NPPL?

• Now that you can use an NPPL in France, I can teach that here too.

Where are you situated in France?

• Training is primarily conducted from Limoges International Airport and is provided in association with the Aero-Club de Limoges. The benefits of training at an International airport are second to none, the circuits are not too busy, and the experience of flying in a professional environment provides a solid base for the students understanding of Radio Telephony and formal circuit procedures. This grounding allows the future pilot to feel comfortable flying into any airport in the world.

What sort of cost is involved?

• Typical cost, for 45 hours of training would be 6300 euros in a modern Robin HR200/120.
• Accommodation costs are additional, but I run my own accommodation which is fairly priced (please contact me) and I can also supply accommodation in a fully equipped mobile home.

How do I find out all the facts before I make my decision?

• I can send full details to you by email

Enquiries

To make an enquiry or contact us about learning to fly in France, please contact Sue on: Tel: 0033 555 481 750 or eMail: info@nearlyheaven.com.