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 JAR (FCL) Private Pilot’s Licence.
To be clear, the training syllabus is identical to that followed by UK clubs and the JAR licence carries equal privileges in all JAA (Join Airworthiness Authority) countries, which essentially covers Europe.
The main difference is that flying is cheaper here, the weather is more reliable, and the facilities available to private flyers are generally superior to those in the UK.
The aircraft are in top class condition and we have full time mechanics on site.
I give one to one training and generally each student you would fly about three hours per day with me. I am a great believer that my students should be relaxed and confident during their flight training, this enables them to forge ahead with their training.
Given the weather conditions and the wonderful unrestricted airspace in this part of France a PPL can be completed in approximately four weeks.
Training is primarily conducted from Limoges International Airport (Bellegarde) 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 busy , 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.
The training would be conducted in a modern Robin DR 400/140 and there are also various higher-performance aircraft available.
The annual club membership is 153 euros which also covers membership of the Fédération Française Aéronautique who provide the legally-required ‘Public Liability’ insurance cover.
There are no landing charges at Limoges for ‘ home based’ aircraft and charges at other airfields are generally modest compared with the UK.
All ground examinations can be taken with me here in France. It is advantageous if you have studied the ground subjects prior to arrival ( a PPL training pack from Flightstore or other aviation stockists)
It is advisable to have a current JAR medical prior to arriving in France. see link below for list of doctors in your area.
http://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?catid=49&pagetype=65&appid=21
I also offer self-catering accommodation about 20 minutes drive from Limoges Airport,
See web site www.nearlyheaven.com
Further information is available on the Nearlyheaven website/NH blog.
If you would like to discuss the various options, do give me a call—evening is best on good flying days.
Telephone (France) 0033 555481750
Telephone (Skypein) 0207 193 8229 (Calls via Skype at UK rates)
Mobile 0033 689713603
Skype ID nearlyheaven (free pc-to-pc calls)
email info@nearlyheaven.com (preferred contact method)