Mournkaye wrote:Obviously I'm aware that Basic, Traffic, Deconfliction and Procedural are UK inventions
Well, you're ahead of many Brits Abroad already.
Mournkaye wrote:so... what the devil do you ask (presumably) Lille Approach for on first contact
Requesting "Flight Information" will give you at least the equivalent of a Basic Service - often more. However if you're only going to Le Touquet, Lille won't be interested and will likely pass you direct to the airfield for a join.
Mournkaye wrote:and where do I find out this sort of thing? The French AIP..?
Also
this book is sometimes recommended. I've no personal experience of it.
Mournkaye wrote:And do I need to 'clear customs' somewhere in the UK?
No; no Customs or Immigration requirement outbound (to the EU; at the moment...), 4 hours notice via GAR inbound. You will need to depart France from a Customs field.
Have a look also in my signature block and on the very helpful
Francoflyers website.
PS Congratulations, Ashley.
Easy, innit?