European license requirements - advice needed

Jun 29, 2026 - 5:06 PM

https://megagrass.com/community/question-and-answer/forums/4133/topics/3597102 COPY
  • Hi all

    Planning some European flying, specifically France. Please could someone explain the FFVL licensing requirements?

    I am BHPA pilot qualified but obviously in true European style there is not a simple way of converting my UK license to a European equivalent.

    Does the FFVL require a practical exam/sign off/training etc (much like the BHPA schemes) or is it a purely bureaucratic exercise?

    Thanks as always for any insights

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  • If you are on vacation, the license from your home country (which is the UK....?) is typically accepted. And yes, the EU has yet to standardize PG licenses, so it may be a bit different for each country you visit.

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  • For peace of mind, having third-party insurance is essential for leisure flying in France. Ensure you get FFVL insurance for any courses. For better decision-making skills when flying and navigating rules, consider supplementing your knowledge with something like a https://americanflyers.com/training/ground-school/commercial-written/ . It really helped fine-tune my weather theory understanding, which is crucial here.

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