Francoflyers was launched by Sue Virr, an English-language Flying Instructor with the Aéro-club de Limoges whose growing population of English-speaking members either live locally or fly-in from the UK.

Sue also provides English-Language pilot training at various other French airfields including St Junien and Périgueux.

Francoflyers pilots have started listening to the sound clips on Bristol Airfield.co.uk's website. We asked Francoflyers why they are using these sound clips:

"English is the international language of aviation and all major Air Traffic Control units will offer a service in English as well as their native language.

With effect from 5th March 2008, there is an ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) requirement for all pilots to have a minimum standard of English-language proficiency.

As is the way of these things, each participating country will implement the change at their own pace and the French have only enforced the rule for professional pilots in the first instance.

However, the new rule has created a lot of interest among French Private Pilots who seem keen to brush-up their language skills well-before they are obliged to.

Although Francoflyers is primarily targeted at English-speaking people flying in France, we are happy to promote good relations by supporting our French friends.

The French pilots could, of course, listen to French ATC units whose English is impeccable though not spoken with the 'pace' of native English speakers.

The recordings on the Bristol Airfield web site are ideal for our purpose."

September 20th 2008 - Back to Hompeage