Young pilots: Apply for a free trip to France

Young pilots have a unique opportunity: Apply for a chance at a free, two-week trip to France to participate in the Tour Aérien Des Jeunes Pilotes. The tour was created to motivate the next generation of pilots, build camaraderie, and serve as a public outreach event promoting general aviation.

AOPA, the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations, and the Fédération Française Aéronautique (FFA) are teaming up to send an American pilot to the race and will pay for the pilot’s roundtrip airfare to France, airplane rental for the race, fuel, lodging, and basic meals. The American pilot will fly with a flight instructor who speaks French and English.

Tour officials expect around 45 pilots between the ages of 18 and 24 to participate in the event. Each stop in the race will allow participants to meet with the public and share their passion for aviation.

To apply for this opportunity, send a 500-word essay describing your general aviation involvement, flying goals, and your French language experience to AOPA with “TAJP application” in the subject line. Also attach a photo or copy of your pilot certificate and passport (if these items/attachments are missing from the email, your application will not be considered).Pilots must be between the ages of 18 and 24 during the TAJP event and must have a valid passport at time of application and throughout travel dates. Pilots must hold at least a private pilot certificate, have a current flight review, and have basic knowledge of the French language.

The application deadline is Sunday, June 2, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The winner must be available to travel between July 16 and Aug. 5. The TAJP air rally will be held July 19 to Aug. 3. The winner will be contacted no later than June 13.

The FFA represents 41,000 of 45,000 private pilots in France, which they claim has the second-largest private pilot population in the world after the United States. The organization oversees a national network of 600 flying clubs, work it has been doing since the mid-1930s.

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British Airways operate direct flights to the Greek islands of Myconos and Santorini

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The BA A320 carriers will fly to the Cycladic island of Myconos on Tuesday and Saturday while flights to and from Santorini will take place Wednesday and Sunday reports Kathimerini.

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Budget carrier SpiceJet announces yet another airfare sale, seventh in 2014

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The airline is providing tickets at a price as low as Rs 1,899 to Rs 2,299, for one way tickets, for bookings made between April 30 and May 2, and for travel between July 1 and September 30.

While, bookings from Agartala and Bagdogra can be availed at a price as low as Rs 1,899, those from Guwahati and Kolkata can be availed at fares starting from Rs 2,199 and Rs 2,299 respectuvely, said a release from SpiceJet.

"This offer is primarily targeted towards stimulating the market in East India right at the onset of the summer break,” said Neelu Singh, COO, Ezeego1.com.

“Other airlines are likely to introduce similar offers soon, with a limited inventory and we in turn are expecting a surge in online bookings by 30%,” she added.

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