flying as a guest in the EU

[Matt Herron]

I am planning an RV vaca in the fall probably through southern Germany, Italy and maybe Croatia. What is the best way to find soaring operations that will rent me a two seater with a pilot? is there an equivalent to the SSA's where to fly map?  also what documents do I need to acquire/bring?

[Ian Molesworth]

Most countries will require pre qualification of your licence. Flying EU registered aircraft will require a 'class 2' medical issued by an accepted AME. 

I suggest you contact some of the clubs or national organisations well in advance to ascertain the exact requirements.

Perhaps start with the German Aeroclub at Klippeneck they are used to dealing with visitors from all over ( also a fabulous place to fly ) 

http://www.aeroclub-klippeneck.de/

On Sat, 28 Mar 2026 at 01:14, 'Matt Herron' via RAS_Prime <rasp...@googlegroups.com> wrote:

I am planning an RV vaca in the fall probably through southern Germany, Italy and maybe Croatia. What is the best way to find soaring operations that will rent me a two seater with a pilot? is there an equivalent to the SSA's where to fly map?  also what documents do I need to acquire/bring?

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[Evan McCarthy]

I went to cnvp last year:  https://cnvp.net/en/ 

Evan

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[Jeff Stetson]

Though it's been (too many) years since I've done this, there are a trio of different paths. Easiest is to take a "discovery flight" with a club instructor. Details vary between countries, but I've found most clubs/operations quite accommodating. Second, one can, thanks to ICAO agreements, get one's FAA license validated for use in that country. To do this they'll want to see your FAA issued docs of course, as well as your logbook(s). I did this while living in Switzerland without difficulty, though it involved going to their "FAA" HQ in Bern. Note that all, AFAIK, require a standard medical certificate, not Basic Med or any other lesser "drivers license" type. Most will require a radio operators license as well. Third, but unlikely to encounter, is your FAA license is valid as is if you fly a N numbered USA aircraft. 

Unlikely that flying solo will be allowed regardless, but that's cool. Flying with a local pilot is the best possible tour guide for the area and often leads to non-flying adventures that you wouldn't ever find on your own.

[Richard Schwemmer]

I visited the  UK last August.  I contacted a local club and reserved an introductory flight. Most clubs have something similar. No need for documentation as I flew with an instructor. 

Rick Schwemmer

44 060 Sweet Bush Lane

La Quinta, Ca. 92253
(760) 574-5945

rmsch...@gmail.com

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[Lee Henry]

I flew at St. Auban, France in 2023.  I highly recommend it.  With an instructor, all I needed was my pilot cert.  We flew in a Duo DIscus XL.  If I wanted to fly solo I would have needed a medical and if I remember correctly, it had to be a French Dr.  The rates were great, I think it was supported by the government.  Stay a week, my wife loved the lavender fields.  I went flying all day and she went exploring.

[Nicolas M]

Hi,

We are in France but the same medical requirements apply in all EU.

You will only need a medical certificate for solo flying.

An LAPL is enough, no need for a Class 2

However, I don't think any club will rent you a two seater without minimal training with their instructor

Because, to be able to have a passenger,  because your EU SPL will require to have the passenger privilege added.

This is a small easy exam but it still requires to pass the test.

And you v'have to be briefed about the local terrain and weather anyway, so a few training flights before solo are just safety.

Don't. Forget also that most EU airfields require radio privilege un the local language. On mine ,LFAS, french com is required.

Best is to contact the club first.

If, by any chances you wanted to visit Normandy and do some thermal soaring, feel free to join me, Nico, through our club mail or phone.

See https://www.caenfalaiseplaneurs.fr/en/contact

Note that our place is very RV friendly 😁