Flying abroad with a PPL

KennyG18

Hello,
I am going to begin flying lessons and hope to get my PPL in the future. My question is, when I get my license can I fly to other countries within the EU, into a private airport? If so what permission do I need etc and I'm sure there must be regulation of some sort.

Thanks!

smurfjed

If you wish you can fly around the world Each airport has its own rules regarding using them, they range from an easy radio call as you get there, so requesting permission in advance, or a requirement to have handling or slots.

martinsvi

generally what you first need is to file a flight plan. You don't need a flight plan for local flights in Ireland, but you do need them if you plan to go to NI, over water or if you're about to cross a border or use a controlled airspace. Filing a flight plan is really easy and you can do it online via IAA website.

Second thing you might need is a General Aviation Report (GAR), if you're going to UK. Again, this can be done online and it pretty much is a customs/immigration thing.

When you leave from Ireland to any other country you need to land at an airport that has customs/immigration facility. You need to go through passport control just as anyone else. If the airfield you intend to use does not have this facility, you need to phone up local customs and police office to see if they can arrange to send someone to meet and clear you at that given airfield. Once you've cleared the immigration/customs, you can then travel within that country without worrying much about this.

It gets better when you land in Schengen zone countries (mainland EU), as then you can hop around different countries by only just filing a flight plan, you don't need to clear the immigration from there on.

Last thing - as smurfjed already said, each airport have their own entry procedures, from my experience - just call the tower on the phone and have a chat with them, state your intentions and ask for any hazards or local procedures that you might not be aware of. Guys in the tower appreciate you let them know you're coming.

That's it really. You don't have to worry much about it as most likely you will be doing your first foreign trip with someone who has done this before. That's what I would recommend anyway. Join a decent club where folks look out for each other and you will never be lost

outsidein98

You're getting a little ahead of yourself there. but it's not a silly question. However a lot of this will be dealt with during training and you'll get experience of planning flights within Ireland. Most airfields request prior permission but in practice you soon learn that it isn't always required. Even with larger regional airports. Often a radio call while inbound is sufficient.

In places like France this is common too. Most airfield have websites. So it's never been easier.