Planning your first trip abroad can be a little daunting with all the official proceedures needed. Those who've done it already will know that the whole process is actually not that difficult and after you've made you first trip you'll wonder what all the worry was about. Below are some details which should be helpful for the first timer and should be a useful source of reference for the seasoned veteran too. You will find links to all the required documents and sites etc. at the bottom of this page. Of course all this information is offered in good faith and without any guarantees. As usual it is the responsibility of the pilot in command to ensure the accuracy of all the information before use.
1, For all flights abroad you will need to file a flight plan. In the past this was usually done by filling in a handwritten form and getting someone in the tower to fax it for you. In some places this can still be done but the latest and prefered method is to file on-line through the AFPEX system. To do this you will need to set up an account which is free. The process is fairly simple after you've done it once, and you can save your flight plans on the system for future use. A helpline for the system is available on 01489 612792 and there are on-line help facilities too. See the links below. If you file the return flight at the same time you will save having to do it whilst you're abroad.
2, You also need to fill in and send a UK customs Gendec or GAR form. All flights notified for Customs & Immigration purposes should be emailed to ncu@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk Please put GAR, Registration and Airfield into the title of the email. It is not neccessary to notify outbound flights from the UK but you must notify your return and this must be done at least 4 hours in advance. For trips to the Channel Islands however, both inbound and outbound flights should be notified at least 12 hours in advance. In Kent, send the same Gendec to allports@kent.pnn.police.uk marked for the attention of the Port Co-Ordinator. If flying from/to Rochester would you also please email a copy to tower@rochesterairport.co.uk for their information.
3, You will probably need to notify customs at your destination, for Calais and LeTouquet there are links are available below. Details required are; Departure and Arrival Airfield and times (UTC), Aircraft Registration, Type and Owner, Pilots Name Address and passport number, and the same details for all passengers. Please do this at least 2 hours before departure.
4, Make sure you have your destination airfield plate and information. French airfield info can be found here: French Airfield Plates. Select your required airfield from drop down or enter ICAO of airfield. Then click on VIC (for VFR), IAC (for IFR) or Arr/Dep
5, Check the weather. A Link for weather in France is below.
6, Make sure you have your Licences, Passports, and Medical certificate. You also need to have the Aircraft Airworthiness and Registration documents, Radio Licence, Insurance Certificate and Interception procedures which should all be in the aircraft folder. Please check before departure as without these you may grounded abroad in the event of a ramp check. On arrival at your foreign destination don't forget to close your flight plan, the ATC operator may do this for you, or in France you can call 0810 437 837 (“0810 IFR VFR”) Don't forget you will also need a PLB for all flights to and in France, please check what the situation is for elsewhere, and of course you will want lifejackets for the channel crossing. Please note we now have available a PLB and 4 lifejackets for use of hirers. If you need these for your trip please contact us in advance of your flight and they will be left in the aircraft for you. There will be an additional charge for these items of £5 per lifejacket and £20 for the PLB. Finally don't forget that Central European Time in the summer is GMT+2 hours and winter is GMT+1 hour.
...............................................................................Bon-Voyage!