r/flyingeurope

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I have my PPL skill test scheduled for Monday, and I caught myself thinking: "One more flight, and then I finally don't have to plot everything on the map anymore and make a nav log before every flight, and I can just use ForeFlight instead". So, that made me wonder, how often do you still use pure dead reckoning in recreational flying once you got your PPL? Curious to hear what everyone's experiences are.

How much more difficult is it without having an instructor everyday helping us and explaining

I have a Class 1 Combined EASA/UK currently, I had it issued for the first time last September so it’s due to expire next month.

If I’m currently just doing my PPL and only require the Class 2 part, then if I let the Class 1 lapse annually (but less than 5 years since initial issue), is the renewal process the same in say 4 years time as if I kept renewing it within date every year?

Just want to make sure I don’t have to go through the initial again or fully lose my Class 1! But equally don’t want to waste £380 annually if I don’t need to be!

Peaked by going to Duxford last week but looking for recommendations for a good GA child friendly fly in spot in the UK. Looking for something at the arrival airport or close by, but open to options as to what the 'something' actually is.

Ideally hard runway.

Thank you

Hi all,

Due to the sheer volume of immigration posts, and with people ignoring the rules and the PSA, I’ve configured AutoModerator to quarantine these posts when they’re made. Because of how AutoModerator works, I may need to tune it over time, as it operates based on certain keywords.

For those who try to evade auto-moderation: it will be a permanent ban.

For those who post immigration questions without reading the rules or the PSA: your post will be removed.

I rely on your reports to help moderate this subreddit, so please keep reporting any rule-breaking posts you see.

Thanks.

Any advices where in Europe?

Looking to do my CPL, IR, etc there, anyone have any experience with them?

Hey guys, Im 19 doing my Initial Class 1 on the 20th of August. I'm on vacation with some friends of mine and it obviously is a bummer not being able to drink with them. I just wanted to know how chill it is if I have some shots and cocktails with them so close to the exam. I have not yet had any as I wanted to be safe!

Hi everyone,
I deleted my previous post because I realised that I had explained the situation poorly and included more personal details than necessary.
I am currently going through an EASA Class 2 medical in Switzerland. During the medical, I was asked on an official medical form about previous use/abuse of substances.
I answered honestly and disclosed previous recreational substance use.
I want to clarify something about my decision to disclose it, because some of the replies to my previous post were along the lines of “Why did you say anything if it probably would never have come up?”
I understand that perspective, but for me this was a matter of personal integrity.
I want to start my aviation journey honestly. If I eventually continue from a PPL towards professional aviation and possibly a Class 1 medical, I don’t want my career or my professional conduct to be based on a lie I told years earlier on an official medical document.
I would rather be honest now, even if that means dealing with additional medical assessments or potentially having to demonstrate a longer period of abstinence, than knowingly give false information on an official document.
My AME has told me that, because of what I disclosed, I cannot receive the Class 2 certificate immediately and that I will need further specialist assessment before a decision can be made.
Some people have told me that I may potentially have to demonstrate two years of abstinence. I understand that this may depend on the specific medical assessment and circumstances, so I am trying to understand what is actually realistic.
My questions are:
Has anyone here gone through a similar EASA Class 2 situation after honestly disclosing previous substance use?
What normally happens after the AME refers you for a psychiatric/specialist assessment?
Is a two-year period of documented abstinence automatically required, or does it depend on the findings of the assessment?
Is it possible for the medical assessment to conclude that the previous use does not constitute a substance-use disorder/misuse requiring such a period?
Has anyone gone through this process and subsequently received their Class 2?
I’m not looking for advice on how to hide anything or get around the medical requirements. I have already chosen to be honest, and I intend to remain so.
I’m simply trying to understand what the process may look like from here and whether there are realistic outcomes other than being unable to obtain the medical for two years.
Thanks to anyone with first-hand experience, especially pilots, AMEs or people familiar with EASA aeromedical procedures.

I’m based in Hampshire and thinking about trying to do the modular route.

My first step will be to get a Class 1 early next year and go from there. I will have to massively save as I go to pay for it and probably take out a loan.

I’m wondering if anyone knows of any good places to do a PPL?

How much this’ll likely cost? I’m hoping around £75k?

What are the best ways I can save money doing this?

I applied for the BA Speedbird Academy this year and got rejected after getting to the in person assessments. I’ll try again next year but I can’t count on getting in.

Also, I’m 28 so will likely be 33ish when finishing modular training if all goes well. Is that too late?

Thanks, and advice really will be appreciated.

I’m interested in what people are actually doing after finishing their MCC/MCC JOC and before getting an airline assessment.

Are people:
Flying regularly?
Doing extra simulator sessions?
Doing nothing until they get an assessment date?
Moving straight onto APS MCC?
Working on competencies/CRM separately?

I’m particularly interested in people who have had a 6-12 month gap between finishing training and getting an airline opportunity.

What worked for you, and what do you wish you’d done differently?

Hi everyone, I’m from Romania, 18 years old and I’m interested in becoming a fighter pilot. I’m curious about how the process works in Europe, especially if you want to fly for your country’s air force.
What are the usual requirements for applying (age, education, medical/fitness standards, etc.)? How does the selection and flight training work, and how difficult is it to eventually get assigned to a fighter aircraft?
For anyone who has experience with military aviation, especially in Romania or another European/NATO country, I’d really appreciate any insight into what the career path actually looks like.

same debate in every cadet thread: half the people say aptitude tests cant be trained, the other half grinded mental math and memory drills for months and credit exactly that. if you went through easyjet/ryanair/lufthansa selections, what did you do to prep and would you do it again?

Hello all,

I need to give my PPL(A) theory exams. Which database should I study from for the exams ?

I'm giving my exams in hungary.

Hey everyone,

I’m planning my route toward an EASA frozen ATPL in Europe and trying to figure out the most realistic strategy for my financial situation. I currently have €25,000 cash strictly allocated for flight training tuition (living costs, food, and shelter are already covered separately).

I’m looking into various European cadet/airline-partnered programs (such as Wizz Air Pilot Academy, Ryanair Mentored, Air Baltic Pilot Academy, etc.).

My main concern is that full integrated cadet courses usually cost €70,000 to €100,000+, which I cannot afford upfront. However, I know certain programs offer deferred payment models or salary deductions (for example, Wizz Air’s scheme where the airline covers a large portion of the tuition upfront and deducts it from your First Officer salary over several years).

Before I invest time and money into assessment centers, I’d love some insight from current cadets, instructors, or pilots:

Which European cadet programs can actually be started with €25k upfront? Are Wizz Air or other airlines still offering deferred tuition / salary deduction schemes that fit this budget?

How do Ryanair Mentored / partner flight school programs work financially? Do they require full payment (€80k+) in cash/loans during training, or are there financial deferral options?

Is it better to skip cadet applications entirely and go modular? With €25k cash, I could immediately pay for my PPL, medical Class 1, ATPL theory, and a solid chunk of hour building locally without taking on debt—then work to pay for CPL/IR/MEP down the line.

Appreciate any honest advice, experiences with specific European academies, or reality checks!

For me its anything about the ISA temperature lapse rate 😭 I swear I’ve seen it so many times I could probably answer it after being woken up at 3am.