I agree it is all utterly confusing.
We may have discussed it many times but the value of a discussion remains as good as ever.
For a start, this stuff keeps changing. Not so long ago there was no email option; you had to fax it. Next, not many pilots are always off flying to XYZ and filing GAR forms.
Also there were recent proposals to, apparently, introduce a 2hr exit GAR requirement, apparently as a trade for the elimination of the 12hr exit and return GAR for Ireland etc. Nothing happened on that one as yet.
Haven’t we written about this 167 times here?
I do see where you are coming from. A quick Google search for example will bring up a discussion on the skydemon and onlineGAR forums about how quickly the situation is changing right now. There is a position forming on those forums to just throw one in anyway to be safe. Skydemon want to add a button to the flight plan form to file automatically for you… I think this feature is already there, but it doesn’t automatically appear due to the uncertainty.
So, as I mentioned I see where you are coming from but sometimes things change and it is prudent to check the situation. Last time I was doing international flights (across schengen boundaries) we printed off, hand wrote, and faxed a form to local police, immigration and special branch under some circumstances, for the way out as well as in.
I should have said “no outbound GAR is required for flights to any EU country other than Ireland.”
As long as all persons on board are EU citizens, right?
Yes, you are right. I should have said “no outbound GAR is required for flights to any EU country other than Ireland.”
As long as your first landing is in any country which is both Schengen and EU, you don’t need an “exit GAR”
Why would the need for an exit GAR depend on whether the destination is Schengen?
The UK doesn’t care about Schengen.
One doesn’t need an exit GAR for say Croatia (EU, non Schengen).
The need to fly to a Schengen airport is purely for the benefit of where you are going to. If e.g. you want to fly from Shoreham to St Yan LFLN (no customs/immigration) you need to stop at say Caen or Le Touquet, as the Schengen entry.
Bosco, just to be sure what you mean, if I stop in France I do not need it? But would do if I flew to Germany direct?
No, I just took France as an example. As long as your first landing is in any country which is both Schengen and EU, you don’t need an “exit GAR”. Haven’t we written this about 167 times here? 
Just tell German FIS/ATC you only have Mode C, they will happily accept you. Don’t fly a detour because of that!
It’s actually not much of a detour, just a decent. I just track north of the Zweibrucken TMZ. On your suggestion though I will keep in mind that I can ask for higher if I need to.
Flugleiter can practise his serious look and demand to see your passport.
That’s scary maybe I will stop in France… haha !
No GAR and no customs status required for your departure airfield in UK if bound for France.
Bosco, just to be sure what you mean, if I stop in France I do not need it? But would do if I flew to Germany direct?
Welcome to aircraft ownership There are loads of owners here on EuroGA who will be extremely keen to pass on what they know!
That’s what makes it a good Forum Peter!
No GAR required for a UK departure to the EU if everybody aboard is an EU citizen.
Nice, I will ferry her on my own probably. Then I can sit peacefully and enjoy my moment, and get to know her :)
Just curious – how far north is Northern UK?
North of the Watford Gap… (Jokingly – Are you guys still UK? – I will get my coat)
She is at a private strip near Selby, Yorkshire. So my plan is to fly down to London on a shorter flight on the first day I have her all to myself. Then leave early in the morning for the long leg home, so that I have a full day in case I need margin in working stuff out.
Just curious – how far north is Northern UK?
No GAR required for a UK departure to the EU if everybody aboard is an EU citizen.
A good quick and easy stop in France for Schengen entry is Le Touquet or Calais (on that route, anyway). Nobody bothers to do anything at Le Touquet before they go there (except obviously the flight plan).
Welcome to aircraft ownership There are loads of owners here on EuroGA who will be extremely keen to pass on what they know!
