Learning differences in regulations for UK and France

[Anthony Atkielski 985811]

If I'm familiar with U.S. regulations for flight (altitudes, airspaces, ATC phraseology, etc.), how hard is it to learn enough of the differences as compared to the UK or France so that I can try a few flights between these latter countries? Is there an online source somewhere that summarizes all the differences so that I can inform myself properly before attempting a flight? I'm interested in both VFR and IFR differences.

[Mike Sweeney]

Hi Anthony,

 

Some information to start you off with differences between the USA and Europe posted here:

http://forums.vatsim.net/viewtopic.php?t=5304

 

Any specific questions, don't hesitate to ask.

 

Mike Sweeney

EuroCenter VACC {upper-level atc, en route radar services }

http://euc-vacc.org/

[Anthony Atkielski 985811]

I checked the thread, and it looks very complicated. I'll have to think about it. I'm still fuzzy on some points in the U.S.

[John Golin]

Anthony;

 

No-one expects you to know everything a real world pilot knows - this is a bunch of people having fun with a simulation.

 

So don't think you need to know EVERYTHING back to front before daring to venture overseas... you have already exhibited the key trait; you are prepared to look things up and learn.

 

With your attitude I'm sure you will be welcome around the world; if in doubt, simply put a comment in your flightplan that you are new to the region, and the ATC should accomodate you, and will probably also give you some tips and references as you go.

 

Cheers

 

John

[Adam Walker]

its very simple, just phraesology (which i cant spell) that changes. For instance asking for a flight information service not a flight following. We use the QNH of course not the inches of mercury, the TA and TL's change between airfields.

 

www.vatsim-uk.org < try there. There used to be a page for people new to flying in the UK from across the pond etc, will try and see if it stll exists.

[Ruth McTighe 824054]

I think this is what you are looking for

 

The European Quick Primer, by Norbert Vorstädt: http://www.vorstaedt.de/eurprimer.html

 

Ruth

VATGOV7

Vice-President, Communications

[Anthony Atkielski 985811]

Thanks for the pointer. That looks like an excellent summary. Unfortunately, it also confirms for me that flying in Europe isn't worth my time. Maybe someday, when I have a great deal of idle time on my hands.

[Robert Vanderkam]

Well, I knew there were some differences but I didn't know how many and figured it would be fine, so this morning I took a trip from Alicante to Palma, where I'll be holidaying in February. I couldn't find any charts on the web site (just airport p[Mod - Happy Thoughts]enger maps), and had to resort to my GPS for navigation (no FMC/FMS) but the ATC was very patient and helped me through. Thanks to Spain Centre at approx 1000z today!

 

I may not have done it if ATC was busy, but as it was, there were only a few flights in the region so I thought I'd try. Anthony, you can always do what newbies do anywhere - start at a more quiet place and be a beginner again.

[Anthony Atkielski 985811]

I need to perfect my knowledge of U.S. regulations before I start learning a completely different set of rules that changes every 500 miles.

 

In the unlikely event that I actually get a real pilot's license someday, it would probably be a U.S. license, for the above reasons and others, and also just because I prefer to fly over regions that I know well (which means the American Southwest, in my case, since I was born and raised there, even though I live in Europe now).

[Robert Vanderkam]

...regions that I know well (which means the American Southwest, in my case)...

 

You'all come back now, y'hear!

[Anthony Atkielski 985811]

They have a southern accent up to about west Texas, then it disappears, so in the Southwest we don't usually say y'all or you all ("you guys" is common enough, though).