English-language Flying Lessons & Pleasure Flights
Flying at realistic prices

Flying lessons and air-experience flights are provided in conjunction with the Aeroclub de Limoges whose rates are around 40% cheaper than most UK flight schools while offering more-reliable weather and the superior facilities of an international airport.

We offer introductory, conversion and Private Pilot's Licence (PPL) courses provided by our own English lady Flying Instructor who is fully approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) to conduct English-language training in the UK and France.

The resulting JAR (Joint Aviation Requirements) PPL is valid in any JAA (Joint Airworthiness Authority) country which basically covers the whole of Europe.

NearlyHeaven is the perfect place to start or continue your training while also enjoying a nice holiday.

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 the information required so you can enjoy the experience of flying a plane.

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

What does it take to become a pilot?

To enjoy the freedom of the skies you will need to gain a JAR Private Pilots License (PPL).

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

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:
 Air Law
 Meteorology
 Navigation
 Human Performance and limitations
 Flight performance and planning
 Aircraft technical
 Radiotelephony

●

Medical certificate issued by a JAA approved examiner.
This may be issued in the UK, France or any JAA country and must be obtained before your first solo flight

●

Completion of a flying test

Qualified Pilots

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

Aeroclub de Limoges has a variety of planes including Robin DR400-140, DR400-180 and Diamond Star DA40 aircraft for hire and our instructor can accompany you until you feel comfortable flying over France.

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.


Own Plane

Flying to France and need somewhere to stay?

NearlyHeaven will find you accommodation, transport to and from the airport, arrange a place to park your plane and introduce you to other English speaking aviation enthusiasts.
 

NearlyHeaven flying prices (updated January 2008)

Aircraft Type

Hourly rate (euro)

Sterling equivalent
Robin DR400-140

€105.00

£80
Robin DR400-180

€114.60

£88
Diamond Star DA40

€115.80

£89
Mooney M20J

€153.60

£118

Prices shown are for solo hire (wet) and include local taxes
Prices are also inclusive of landing fees at Limoges 
Sterling equivalents are approximate and based on March 2008 exchange rates
 

Annual club membership for 2008 is 75€ (Sterling equivalent = £56)

Annual membership of the Fédération Française Aéronautique (FFA) for 2008 is 61€ (Sterling equivalent = £45)

FFA membership is compulsory for French aero-club members and other pilots based in France but does include €10,000 accident insurance cover and access to various services such as Meteo France.

For trial flights, PPL training or other services, please ask for a quotation based on your requirements

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.

With it's high cruising speed and sophisticated avionics featuring a very effective autopilot, the DA40 is a particularly useful aircraft for venturing into unknown territory.
 

For the first lesson or trial flight, you will be covered by the instructor's insurance and club membership.

Additional lessons require you to join the club.

Normal format is a pre-flight briefing followed by a half hour lesson and a post-flight review.

The initial flight can be longer if you wish and you could just enjoy the scenery if you prefer not to take the controls.
 

Most French airfields have no landing fees and those at larger controlled airports are nominal compared with UK airfields—typically €2-€3 compared with £10-£20 in the UK.

Accommodation is available from NearlyHeaven and, if fully booked, we can assist with making alternative arrangements.

All major car rental firms are represented at the Airport and we can put you in touch with a reliable local taxi service, if required.