This is a bit of a niche topic of interest to owners of factory built (Part 21) LSA aircraft.
The problem
Thanks to a long-standing ECAC agreement, LAA permit aircraft (i.e. amateur built) can be flown in most EASA states – see this LAA document for details.
However, this does not apply to factory-built (Part 21) LSA’s, operated on a UK CAA permit , which pre-Brexit were EASA Permit aircraft.
To fly these outside the UK, you need specific permission from each State. This is one of those unintended consequences of Brexit. The rules and cost for a specific permission vary, but generally you can get a multi-entry permit for the duration of either the insurance or the current UK permit. Here’s how to get a French permit:
Three simple steps
Step 1. Pay the fee here (the URL has changed). On the web page, select “Validation d’un certificat étranger – MTOW < 5,7″. You will need to create an account and reply to the confirmation email to activate the account. Pay 50 euros online. Take a screenshot of the payment page in case the pdf receipt by email gets lost (it can take several hours to arrive ).
Step 2. Download, complete and save form LP6. Google “France form LP6” to find it or download it from here.
Step 3. Send this form by email to dsac-nav-bf@aviation-civile.gouv.fr , with copies of relevant aircraft documentation. They ask for “Airworthiness document issued by the State of registry, along with the associated validity certificate and/or operating limitations”. I sent the UK Permit, CAA form 18B and the CAA Aircraft Datasheet, which proved sufficient, plus the receipt for payment.
The permit arrives in a few working days. It is usually valid until the CAA permit expiry date, but can only be used for a maximum of 90 days cumulative visits in the permit period.
Other countries?
I’ve not checked extensively but I hear that Germany ‘s LBA will also grant access. Reading their documentation, it appears that the Netherlands authorities will not (I haven’t tried). The Isle of Man has an exemption for UK CAA permits – so no paperwork or permission required. It is not entirely clear whether the exemption in the Republic of Ireland for LAA permit aircraft also applies to UK Part 21 permit aircraft – we have asked the question.