Belgium and France are in easy reach for those of us based in SE England. There are a few extra formalities – flight plans, GAR form, PPR, Customs notification – so check out our Cross-channel page . If it’s your first time overseas, get a briefing from someone who knows the ropes, or take an instructor along for the first time.
Calais is the nearest destination. Calais airport’s fortunes seem to wax and wane. Right now they only have an air-ground RT service. This means – amongst other things – that a little bit of aviation French will help with situational awareness and you will need to close your flight plan on arrival, by phone. Landing fees are very reasonable and Calais still has GNSS instrument approaches (coordinated by Lille Approach). The “Au vol au vent” restaurant is open again, under new management. The alternative for food is to walk into the town of Marck, where there are a couple of bistro’s. You can also top up on food supplies at a large Carrefour.
Le Touquet
Oostende
Midden Zeeland