From Eindhoven to England: An Unforgettable PPL Training Flight Across the Channel

1 May 2024 | PPL Training trip | VFR

On 1 May 2024, I took a special training flight with a PPL student from the flying club in a Bristell BR23. This one-day trip took us from Eindhoven to England and back — with stopovers in France and Belgium. The goal wasn’t just to gain international flying experience, but also to practice various navigation techniques. And we certainly achieved that.

Written by Olivier van Dijk, Flight Instructor & Safety Pilot
PPL trainingsvlucht
Enroute from EHEH to LFAC

Stop 1: Calais (LFAC) — A Customs Surprise

We departed in the morning from Eindhoven (EHEH) and headed for Calais (LFAC) to complete our customs formalities before crossing into the UK. Despite notifying them in advance, no customs officers were present on arrival — it turned out to be a national holiday in France. There was only a note on the door with a phone number.

After a call, we were told they would come, but no estimated time was given. Eventually, someone arrived about 30 minutes later, checked our passports, and we were good to go. Situations like this offer great learning moments for students: not everything goes according to plan, and flexibility is key in aviation.

Tip:

  • Make sure you inform Calais airport about your customs request on time. Before they used a PDF that you needed to fill out, now they have a handy digital form on their website: https://calais.aeroport.fr/en/customs/

Stop 2: Goodwood (EGHR) — Crossing the Channel

From Calais, we flew across the Channel to Goodwood, a beautiful grass airfield with three runways arranged in a classic triangle pattern. On the way, we encountered some low cloud over the water, but with good weather info, we knew it would clear up on the UK side — a perfect opportunity to teach the student how to manage changing conditions in-flight.

Goodwood is a former military base turned lively GA airfield with modern facilities, a warm welcome, and an excellent restaurant. Upon arrival, we were checked again, this time by British border police. Everything went smoothly and professionally.

Tip:

  • Make sure you report the flight to the British Border Police on time. This must be 2 hours before arrival. You can easily do this using the GAR website.
  • A lot of British airports can facilitate customs. Have a look at the complete list of airports on the GAR website. So choose a fun destination right away instead of making a stop at an airport with not much to do or see!
  • During the crossing of the channel in a SEP, you are out of gliding distance for quite some time, so don't forget about the life vests! If you can, take a life raft to increase your chances of survival in that worst case scenario. Also, mention your life vest and life raft info on the flight plan!
Crossing the channel from LFAC to EGHR
Op final in EGHR

Stop 3: Ostend (EBOS) — Customs before returning home

After a delightful lunch and a fuel stop (AVGAS was surprisingly affordable), we departed for Ostend (EBOS). This is a larger airport with professional handling and on-site customs. Border checks were once again straightforward.

The final leg of the day brought us back to Eindhoven. The weather cooperated all day, allowing us to fly safely and comfortably — a rare bonus for a day covering four countries.

Tip:

  • Oostend airport does not allow aircraft that fly on AVGAS 100LL as of April 30, 2025 (NOTAM EBBRYNYN A1458/25)!!! 
  • Make sure you inform the airport about your customs request on time. All General Aviation flights go through the NSAC handling company. On the website of the airport you can find all information about customs.

Navigation in Practice: Four Legs, Four Techniques

What made this flight especially valuable for the student was the varied use of navigation tools:

  • EHEH–LFAC: Navigation with paper chart

  • LFAC–EGHR: Navigation via VOR beacons

  • EGHR–EBOS: Navigation using Garmin G3X

  • EBOS–EHEH: Navigation with SkyDemon

This gave the student broad experience with different types of navigation — useful not only for the exam but for real-world flying as well. The trip also pushed him outside his comfort zone, with international radio calls, customs procedures, and in-flight weather decision-making.

*All rights reserved regarding the information given in this blog. The pilot is always responsible to make sure all regulations are adhered to.

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Interested in Your Own Training Adventure or Accompanied Flight?

Are you currently a licensed pilot and want to make an international trip with an instructor or safety pilot by your side? Whether for training, experience, or pure adventure: I’d love to help you plan and fly a custom trip. From flight preparation to execution — including handling paperwork, customs, and logistics.

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