EFLEVA is “The European Federation of Light, Experimental and Vintage Aircraft” and was founded by twelve associations in 2007. The purpose of the Federation is to promote, to support and to represent the interests of its Members at the European level, in respect of all relevant regulatory matters.
EFLEVA Days is the first gathering from the European Federation of Light, Experimental & Vintage Aircraft and intends to bring aircraft builders and restorers together for a unique gathering. Aircraft from all over Europe will fly to Sanicole Airfield in Belgium for a weekend filled with aviation joy. The event will take place from June 30th to July 2nd.
The 3-day fly-in includes a packed itinerary for visitors including food, talks, local flying, BBQ’s and of course social evenings with Belgian beers! Throughout the weekend there will be a wide range of speakers including Roger Hopkinson (President EFLEVA), Raymond Cuypers (well known Belgian restorer of vintage aircraft), Filip Lambert (designer of the Lambert Mission), Johan Teerlinck (Silence Twister builder), Hans Bogaerts (Aeroclub Sanicole) and Bart Verhees (designer of the famous Delta Verhees)
Hotel accommodation is available 2km from the field with a free shuttle being provided. Basic accommodation is available in military housing 1km from the field. Several accommodation and food packages are available, see website for more details – www.efleva-days.eu. Everyone is welcome to this event, not just those flying experimental (permit) or vintage aircraft. The focus is mainly on Experimental and Vintage aircraft, but you can also register with your Cessna, gyrocopter or helicopter. You can even visit by car.
Sanicole Airfield is not an entry airport for Schengen but they have partnered with Oostend Airport (EBOS) for those who are visiting from outside Schengen in order to clear customs. There’s a slot system in place to regulate arrivals, you can book your slot at www.efleva-days.eu. The Belgian Aviation Authority plan to waive all airworthiness fees for aircraft visiting this event. It’s great to see 3 Irish aircraft already registered, hopefully there will be more and Ireland will be well represented at the event.
Belgium is the newest member of EFLEVA and it also has quite strict rules on experimental and vintage aircraft. Its central location in Europe makes it easy to reach and so is a very symbolic reason to organise the first event at Sanicole Airfield in Belgium.
Air to air photo of EI-BCM and EI-GDJ by Brian Meegan. Both of these aircraft are planning to attend this event.
