Events

Events are a great way to meet other private pilots interested in instrument flying. Regardless of your experience or membership status, whether you own an aircraft or not, or even if you are not a pilot, you are welcome to join. By flying with other experienced pilots you have the ability to meet new people and learn new skills and ways to safely fly IFR. We hope to see you at an event soon.

Ireland Fly-Out 31 March to 2 April 2023

weston

PPL/IR Europe, in partnership with Private Flyer, is starting our schedule for 2023 with a fly-out to the beautiful city of Dublin for the Private Flyer event at Weston (EIWT) on Saturday 1st April. Fly-in on Friday 31st March and join us for dinner and overnight stay at the idyllic Lucan Spa hotel, just a short walk / taxi ride from Weston airport. Attend the event on the Saturday (free to PPL/IR Europe members and friends), stay for dinner on the Saturday evening at the Deadman's Inn and return home on Sunday 2nd April. Alternatively fly in and out on Saturday 1st April to enjoy this wonderful show as well as meet up with fellow PPL/IR Europe pilots and members.

All tickets are fully cancellable and refundable 7 days before. If you have to cancel closer to the time, we will endeavour to refund where able.

In the unlikely event that we decide to cancel the event due to poor weather, a full refund will be given.

All times are GMT / UTC.

Friday 31st March

  • For those people wishing to arrive on the Friday, fly to Weston Airport (EIWT) and a short (15 mins walk  / 5 mins taxi/Uber) to the Lucan Spa Hotel.
  • Please book Pilot Pack ticket for airport landing on a first come, first served basis. Once confirmed I shall provide details for PPR / booking in.
  • Please book your hotel (Single, Double, Twin) for the Friday night at the Lucan Spa Hotel.
  • If you would also like to join us for dinner at 7pm, then please book Friday night dinner at the Lucan Spa Hotel.

 

Saturday 1st April

  • The Private Flyer Ireland show at Weston airport is open from 10am to 5pm with interesting seminar topics, including by members of PPL/IR Europe.
  • Tickets are free to PPL/IR Europe members and friends, please ensure you book a 'Private Flyer Ireland' ticket (zero cost).
  • If flying in on the Saturday please book Pilot Pack ticket for airport landing on a first come, first served basis. Once confirmed I shall provide details for PPR / booking in.
  • If staying over please book your hotel (Single, Double, Twin) for the Saturday night at the Lucan Spa Hotel.
  • If you would also like to join us for dinner at 6.30pm, then please book Saturday night dinner at the Deadman's Inn.

 

Sunday 2nd April

  • For those people staying over, feel free to finish your stay with a day trip to any of Ireland's wonderful airports, play golf nearby, or simply have breakfast and say goodbye until our next fly-out.

 

Book Tickets

To book tickets please see here.

 

PPL/IR Europe at Aero Friedrichshafen (EDNY) 19-22nd April 2023

PPL/IR Europe are planning to visit the leading show for General Aviation on 19-22nd April at Aero Friedrichshafen (EDNY).

You are very welcome to come join us!

More details on the event can be found here:

https://www.aero-expo.com/

 

If you are planning to attend please let the Events Manager know. We look forward to seeing you there!

PAFRA Over-Nighter Chartres France 28-30th April 2023

PAFRA Over-Nighter [LFOR]

ChaAn invitation to ALL pilots & friends, including PPL/IR Europe members, to Chartres, France Over-Nighter with Pilots and Friends of Rochester Airport (PAFRA).

Following the popularity and success of previous Over-Nighter’s to Abbeville, Cherbourg Maupertus and Bruges, Peter is planning another one, this time to Chartes Metropole [LFOR].

Please see the attached for details.

 

PAFRA Overnighter Chartres Apr-2023 (38 downloads)

 

PPL/IR Europe at Private Flyer Event in Wycombe Air Park (EGTB) 19-20th May 2023

PPL/IR Europe are planning to visit the Private Flyer event on 19-20th May at Wycombe Air Park (EGTB).

You are very welcome to join us!

More details on the event can be found here:

https://www.privateflyershow.com/uk/

Private Flyer Event have kindly provided complimentary fly-in slots to PPL/IR Europe members. To find out more please click here.

If you are planning to attend please let the Events Manager know.

PPL/IR Europe at Private Flyer Event in Leeds East (EGCM) 7-8th July 2023

EGCM

PPL/IR Europe are planning to visit the Private Flyer event on 7-8th July at Leeds East Airport (EGCM).

You are very welcome to join us!

More details on the event can be found here:

https://www.privateflyershow.com/uk/leeds/

Private Flyer Event have kindly provided complimentary fly-in slots to PPL/IR Europe members. To find out more please click here.

If you are planning to attend please let the Events Manager know.

Previous Events - Recordings

In this section we find details of previous events that were recorded.

Avoiding delays with clever use of IFR and VFR Flying Thu 17th November 2022 (1830UTC)

We concluded our 2022 events programme, with another virtual get-together.

Achim Hasenmueller and Timothy Nathan shared some useful insights into avoiding delays through IFR and VFR flying.

Topics covered:

  • Understanding slots for controlled airspace and slot mitigation scenarios
  • Picking good 'Pick-up Points'
  • Options for high performance aircraft
  • Combining VFR+IFR to avoid delays

Piston engine management for the aircraft owner - Tue 8th March 2022 (1830UTC)

aircraft engine

We continued our 2022 events programme, with another virtual get-together.

Jim, who has extensive experience in both aircraft ownership and aircraft maintenance, provided some insights and tips. Please note it is for piston engines.

 

Topics covered:

  • So you want to own an aircraft... engine overhauls, propellor overhauls and more
  • Lean of peak
  • Finding a good engineering company
  • Keeping your aircraft and engine in tip-top condition come rain, snow or shine

An update on European regulation for IFR flying - Thu 24th February 2022 (1830UTC)

European Parliament

We continued our 2022 events programme, with another virtual get-together. This time Julian provided the latest regulation updates and news on IFR flying across Europe.

 

 

Topics covered:

  • The latest news on UK pilots flying across Europe post Brexit
  • The latest news on Continental pilots flying across UK post Brexit
  • Latest news and updates on ratings, GPS Navigation and more.

Tips and tricks on Flight Tooling for IFR Flying - held on Wed 19th January 2022

Flight Tools

We started our 2022 events programme, with a virtual get-together on flight tooling.

The presentation was given by Paul Ruskin and Craig Warmington.

 

Topics covered:

  • Insights and tips flying IFR using SkyDemon and benefits over other products
  • A personal workflow for using Foreflight for IFR flight planning and flying
  • A personal workflow for using Garmin Pilot for IFR flight planning and flying

Scottish Highlands Fly-Out 12-14th August 2022

Inverness

We still have plenty of summer left and so this is an opportunity for another fly-out. This time across Scotland, UK.

Graham Mountford, Chair Elect, is kindly leading us on a wonderful trip around Scotland.

Feel free to come for one day (Saturday, or Sunday) or make a weekend of it.

 

All tickets are fully cancellable and refundable 10 days before. Hotel bookings are fully cancellable and refundable 11:59pm local hotel time on 11 August 2022 (1 day before arrival).

In the unlikely event that we decide to cancel the event due to poor weather, a full refund will be given.

All times are local (UTC+1).

Friday 12th August

  • For those people wishing to arrive on the Friday, fly to Inverness airport (EGPE) and a short (3-8 mins) walk to the Courtyard Marriott Hotel
  • Please book General Admission ticket (fully refundable) to reserve your slot
  • Please book Pilot Pack ticket for airport landing - limited to 12 aircraft, first come, first served (all fees go towards your landing and parking). Once confirmed I shall provide details for PPR / booking in. Please note this amount paid (for a Pilot Pack) will be deducted from your actual landing and parking fee.
  • Please book Rate 1 Hotel for two nights' accommodation at the four star Courtyard Marriott Hotel

 

Saturday 13th August

  • Flying option - make the most of the long hours of sunshine (12th August sunrise is 05:35 and sunset is 21:05)
  • Please note that all routes and stops are provisional and subject to conditions and permissions on the day. Anyone joining this fly-out will receive direct updates on any proposed changes. The following day will also be covered in the bar the evening before.
    • If flying in on the Saturday arrive at Inverness (EGPE) no later than 8.30am, or meet us at one of the destinations below.
    • 9.00am depart to fly North to Orkneys, up the coast to John O'Groats, over Scapa Flow, and out to the small islands to the east, optional touch and go on Westray and papa westray (shortest scheduled route) for capable aircraft (520m strips), continue around the Orkney Island and land at Kirkwall (EGPA) for tea and biscuits in the terminal. Estimate 1:20 flying and 1 hour break.
    • 11.30am depart Kirkwall to fly along the north coast of Scotland and across to Stornoway, do not land but fly down the outer Hebrides – spectacular landscape, and over Barra, to see the beach airport, optional landing there for those who want and if tide permits, otherwise onto Tiree (EGPU) to land for lunch at a nice local restaurant about 20 minutes walk from airport. About 1 hour 40 to Barra, extra 15mins to Tiree. Allow 3 hours for lunch and walk.
    • 4.30pm fly from Tiree to Mull and up the west coast to Skye then across the mountains back to Inverness (EGPE). Approx. 50 minutes, arriving back at Inverness about 5.30pm.
  • Non-Flying Option (if weather awful or people want alternate)
    • Drive to Cawdor Castle for visit, with tea and cake at castle.
    • Contine to Speyside and drive along the Spey to Macalan distillery for distillery tour and lunch.
    • Drive over the moors back towards Forress and along back to Inverness
  • If not booked for Friday, please book General Admission ticket (fully refundable) to reserve your slot.
  • Please book Pilot Pack ticket for airport landing - limited to 12 aircraft, first come, first served (all fees go towards your landing and parking). Once confirmed I shall provide details for PPR / booking in. Please note this amount paid (for a Pilot Pack) will be deducted from your actual landing and parking fee.
  • If not booked for Friday, please book Rate 2 Hotel for one nights' accommodation at the four star Courtyard Marriott Hotel

 

Sunday 14th August

  • If flying in on the Sunday only arrive at Inverness (EGPE) no later than 9.00am, or meet us at one of the destinations below.
  • Please note that all routes and stops are provisional and subject to conditions and permissions on the day. Anyone joining this fly-out will receive direct updates on any proposed changes. The following day will also be covered in the bar the evening before.
  • 9.30am fly down the great Glen over Loch Ness ad past Ben Nevis to Oban (EGEO) for a tea stop.  (30 minute flight, 1 hour stop)
  • 10.30am continue down to Cambeltown and touch and go on former shuttle emergency landing strip and continue to Islay (EGPI)) and land to visit Bowmore Distillery and have lunch.  (30 minute flight, 3 hour stop)
  • By 3.00pm depart back to home airfields.
  • If not booked for Friday/Saturday, please book General Admission ticket (fully refundable) to reserve your slot.
  • If not booked for Friday/Saturday, please book Pilot Pack ticket for airport landing - limited to 12 aircraft, first come, first served (all fees go towards your landing and parking).

 

TRAVELLING TO THE UK

 

INVERNESS AIRPORT NOTES

  • Inverness Airport Operations require a full PPR in advance of attending. I will provide full details for anyone who has purchased a Pilot Pack for this event.
  • Airport opening times are Friday/Saturday/Sunday AD Closures: 0700-0735, 1800-1845. Times in UTC.
  • Unfortunately, they are unable to offer any discounts from their published prices.
  • Highland Aviation can provide AVGAS on the Friday and Saturday. Jet A1 is also available but through Airport Operations.

 

Book Tickets

To book tickets please see here.

 

Notification of PPL/IR Europe AGM 10th October 2022 (1730UTC)

This is formal notification of the Annual General Meeting of PPL/IR Europe, to be held via Zoom, on Monday 10th October 2022.

  • 17.30 UTC
  • 18.30 BST
  • 19.30 CEST

 

Register in advance for the Zoom link for this meeting here.

Minutes of the previous AGM, held on 15th September 2021, and the latest set of Annual Accounts, are available to members on the Annual Accounts Page.

Overnight in Bruges, 3rd September 2022 **NEW**

Peter is kindly organising another “Over-Nighter” to Bruges via Ostend [EBOS]

A reminder of the concept: Between the Monthly One-Day Fly-outs arranged by PAFRA, and the whole Week Tour that Peter organises each summer, there is clearly a place in our Flying Calendar for an “Over-Nighter” i.e. 24 hours away with a One-night stay somewhere. A place where we can relax together in a convenient nearby hotel; have a meal; (+ drink without the worry about having to fly again too soon!); an evening where we can share ‘hangar talk’ etc.; and/or just ‘Chill out’. Likewise, although an outline programme is proposed, everyone is entirely free to use their time as they wish.

This is an invitation to ALL pilots & friends — not limited to those based at Rochester or Lydd.

Please see the attached for details.

PAFRA Overnighter Bruges Sep-2022 (122 downloads)

 

PAFRA Summer Fly-Out across France 19-24th July 2022

Carcassonne, Andorra & Pau

PAFRA 21st Anniversary Fly-out [LFMK, LESU, LFBP]

As before, the trip is arranged in easy stages so pilots/planes can join for whatever period they like. There is no obligation to do the whole trip. Likewise, although an outline programme is proposed, everyone is entirely free to use their time as they wish.

The trip, as always, is not restricted to pilots/planes from Rochester/Lydd, but is open to all, including members of PPL/IR Europe.

Please see the attached for details.

PAFRA Summer Trip 2022 (385 downloads)

 

PPL/IR Europe Annual Conference 11th June 2022 **SOLD OUT**

Ostend

All tickets are now sold out.

The event this year will be held in Ostend Airport (EBOS), Belgium on Saturday 11th June 2022 and is a fantastic opportunity to get back to flying, as well as a chance to see friends old and new.

 

The whole event is designed to achieve three things:

  1. To give us a fantastic excuse to fly somewhere, abroad for many.
  2. To refresh skills and knowledge to keep us safe and capable pilots.
  3. With time to move around, in smaller groups, for socialising and simply catching up - it has been a while!

Friday 10th June

  • Friday afternoon / evening arrivals for anyone wishing to join pre-evening dinner and drinks.

Saturday 11th June

  • Lunch, teas, coffees and soft drinks are included in the price and an opportunity to spend time with fellow pilots.
  • 09.00 Registration opens at Runway 2608
  • 10.45 We take our seat
  • 11.00 Chair’s Welcome
  • 11.15 Interactive IFR Simulation, “What would you do….” a chance to test your IFR skills
  • 12.45 Lunch and Networking
  • 13.45 Breakouts Session One, plus time to chat and grab a drink (choose 1 of the 6 available below)
  • The Basic Instrument Rating
  • Advanced Engine Management (Piston)
  • IR Skills Test - and more importantly for the IR renewal and revalidation
  • Weather Planning - on the ground and in the air
  • Flight Tooling - Foreflight IFR Masterclass
  • Flight Tooling - Garmin Pilot IFR Masterclass
  • Flight Tooling - SkyDemon IFR Masterclass
  • 14.45 Breakouts Session Two, plus time to chat and grab a drink (choose 1 of the 6 available above)
  • 15.45 Breakouts Session Three, plus time to chat and grab a drink (choose 1 of the 6 available above)
  • 16.30 Closing remarks and Q&A
  • 17.00 Close
  • Have a safe journey home, having rekindled old friendships, made new friends and refreshed your skills.

Sunday 12th June

  • For anyone staying over I will coordinate the shuttle bus back to the airport on the Sunday morning.
  • Have a safe journey home, having rekindled old friendships, made new friends and refreshed your skills.

 

COVID-19

  • COVID-19 has changed the way we live and fly. Please see the Belgium site for the latest information. For double vaccinated visitors it is very easy to satisfy COVID needs.
  • In the unlikely event that PPL/IR Europe need to cancel the event all money taken will be reimbursed. Should you need to cancel, we will make every attempt to refund the full amount but please note if you cancel after the 27th May, any non-recoverable expenses incurred by PPL/IR Europe, will be deducted from the refund.

Book Tickets

All tickets are now sold out.

Avionics Seminar in Salzburg on 13th November 2021 hosted by COPA

As many members will be aware, the Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) runs a range of training events through its Cirrus Pilot Proficiency Program (CPPP). COPA is running a one-day seminar on avionics in Salzburg on Saturday 13 November 2021 and have invited PPL/IR Europe members to participate.

While run by COPA, the workshop will cover other types like Cessna, Mooney, Piper or Diamond / TBM etc.

websitecontentbanner

Details of the event (in German) are below, together with a link for registration:

CPPP LOWS Salzburg Avionics Workshop

This time the workshop is presented in German language only. If it is a success, COPA may provide it next year in English. Indeed, the PPL/IR Europe Board is exploring opportunities for working with other like-minded pilot organisations in Europe so I'm delighted to announce this as the first product of the initiative.

Michael Hochenrieder, who hosted us so well for a social weekend in 2017, is part of the CPPP team and should be able to address any questions you might have.

FAA Aircraft Registration 2021 hosted by PPL/IR Europe on 22nd July 2021 (1700UTC)

FAA Aircraft Registration

These events have proven to be hugely popular in the past. This Zoom webinar focuses on a 2021 update on FAA Registered Aircraft.

The presentation will be given by Faith Chmura, Director of Southern Aircraft Consultancy. The event is at 1700 UTC. Topics covered:

  • Why register a European based aircraft in the U.S?
  • The aircraft registration and deregistration process.
  • Registration pricing, fees, and administration.

 

Online registration is required and the link to the registration page is here.

For more details on the event, and how to register, please click the link below.

FAA Aircraft Registration 2021 (229 downloads)