Flying in the UK and into Europe: A Chat with Philippe Polman
Plus, the latest aviation news, a carbon monoxide detector review and an exciting destination you can fly to directly.
You can listen to this podcast episode below or find it on your favourite podcast app by searching for "The Pilot’s Logbook”.
Hey there 👋
Welcome to our very first episode of The Pilot’s Logbook - a podcast companion for private pilots in the UK and Europe.
Each episode is packed with practical tips, inspiring chats with pilots and members of our community, gear reviews, and the latest aviation news that is relevant to us, and we’ll reveal exciting destinations you can fly to directly.
In this episode:
We discuss the new CAA safety directive on carbon monoxide detectors and review a great option for your aircraft. You can find the full CAA Safety Directive here.
We share some need-to-know aviation news, including updates on Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport.
We have a fantastic conversation with Philippe Polman, founder of Echelon Air, about flying across the UK and Europe.
We take a trip to a historic airfield in Norfolk and spend a few days living in a forest. You can listen to the full episode on your favourite podcast app by searching for Travel Plans. You can also check the show here.
Flying Into Europe
Our guest on this episode, Philippe Polman, gives us a masterclass in flying into Europe. Philippe is here to share his insights on flying across Europe and the UK and bust the myth that low-hour, single-engine pilots cannot safely navigate European skies.
Philippe's experiences underscore the importance of planning. He offers nuggets of wisdom about preparing for international flying.
But this episode isn't just about how to take your first international flight; it's about enriching your flying experience. We venture beyond the norm, discussing unforgettable aviation destinations in the UK, Switzerland, Italy and France.
Philippe's Flying Destinations
Alps - Lausanne, Locarno, Lake Maggiori
Philippe's company - Echelon Air
Stephen Drury’s YouTube video with Philippe
Carbon Monoxide Detector We Reviewed on the Show
For this episode, we reviewed the Forensics Car Aircraft Carbon Monoxide Detector. You can find the model we reviewed here.
Transair sells a similar model by the same manufacturer.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Or on Spotify
Extras 🎉
If you are a paid subscriber, you can listen to the full conversation with Philippe Polman, which includes many more interesting topics that aren’t on the podcast. Also, you can watch a video of the landing in RAF Great Massingham and join the exclusive chat.
If you want to join, it’s only £6 for the whole year. Most importantly, your support helps us keep The Pilot's Logbook going, bringing you ad-free aviation content every other week.
Landing at RAF Great Massingham
Flying to Norfolk offers stunning aerial views of the English countryside. Landing at Great Massingham Airfield is a unique experience and a reminder of the history embedded in this landscape.
You must obtain prior permission before you head there. The airfield's old runways are still in good shape (considering their age), but be prepared for a lack of navigational aids and the absence of radio services. Please be aware of possible dog walkers and horses on the taxiway that doubles as a bridleway. The landing fee is £10 (January 2025).
The Whole Conversation With Philippe Polman
I had a great time chatting with Philippe – in fact, we talked for over an hour! As a paid subscriber, you can listen to the whole chat below.
Travel Plans
As a subscriber, you also have full access to our Travel Plans Podcast. Part toolkit, part love letter to travel, this is a deep dive into each destination with curated guides, immersive podcasts and live Q&A. The next flight is boarding now!
Please note that if you subscribed to The Pilot’s Logbook within the last 24 hours, please allow me to add your offer to your profile. You’ll get an email once it’s done.
Here’s one of our favourite deep dives - Le Touquet Paris-Plage.
Your Questions Answered
The Pilot’s Logbook Podcast is here to answer any aviation-related questions you may have. For example, would you like us to discuss a specific subject with the CAA? Or perhaps you have a question for a particular Air Traffic Control unit?
I’m excited to hear from you! Feel free to send me a message or comment below.
Our next episode will drop on the 29th of January.
Until then, happy flying! ✈️
Fernando