Private Pilot Expedition to Georgia
Departing Luxembourg — 29 August to 12 September 2026
4,000+ NM across Europe — a pilot-led expedition to the edge of the Caucasus
This expedition coincides with the opening of the Ambassadori Aviation Village in the Kakheti region of Georgia — a new destination for private aviation at Europe's eastern frontier.
For experienced private pilots flying ULM and GA aircraft across Europe
“Apply to join the expedition”
A bridge between Europe and the Caucasus
The Luxembourg–Georgia Private Pilot Expedition 2026 is a non-commercial international aviation expedition organised by private pilots for private pilots — under the patronage of the Honorary Consulate of Georgia in Luxembourg and with the support of the general aviation community, including AOPA organisations.
More than a flight
Beyond aviation itself, the expedition has a strong cultural, educational and friendship-oriented character. Its objective is to promote direct people-to-people exchanges between European countries, Türkiye and Georgia through general aviation, cultural discovery and intercultural dialogue.
A community of pilots
The expedition brings together private pilots from different European countries who share a passion for aviation, travel, history and international friendship. Participants will discover local cultures, regional gastronomy, historical sites and aviation communities along the route — while promoting responsible and well-prepared international general aviation.
- Strengthening cultural ties between European pilots, Türkiye and Georgia
- Promoting mutual understanding through aviation tourism
- Highlighting the historical role of Türkiye and Georgia as bridges between Europe and Asia
- Encouraging exchanges between local airfields, aviation enthusiasts and regional communities
- Showcasing the hospitality, culture and landscapes of the countries visited
- Promoting safe, educational and responsible long-distance private aviation
Türkiye — a central stage
Türkiye represents a central and symbolic stage of the expedition, both geographically and culturally — connecting Europe with the Caucasus and serving as an important meeting point between aviation traditions, cultures and peoples.
Georgia — the final destination
Georgia constitutes the final cultural destination, symbolising the connection between Europe and the Caucasus. The expedition also reflects the growing ties between Georgia and the wider European community following Georgia's recognition as a candidate country for EU membership.
The expedition is not a commercial air transport operation, charter activity or competitive event. It is a cultural and aviation friendship initiative carried out exclusively by private individuals operating their own aircraft under private flight rules.
A community-driven initiative,
facilitated via PrivatePilot.lu
At a glance
- Organised through PrivatePilot.lu
- Initiated and coordinated by Peter Sodermans
- Private, non-commercial initiative
- Built to facilitate coordination between participating crews and authorities
About Peter
Peter Sodermans is a Luxembourg-based private pilot and was President of AOPA Luxembourg from 2018–2026. He is nowadays also Honorary Consul of Georgia in Luxembourg and actively promotes aviation links between Europe and Georgia.
Coordination, not commerce
Two things genuinely tax an expedition like this: permits to enter non-EASA countries and fuel availability for a group of aircraft. Collecting the right information in one structured place — rather than over scattered emails — lets us deal with both properly.
Authority paperwork, once
Pilot, aircraft, insurance and passport data flow straight into the document packs filed with Turkish and Georgian CAAs — no chasing crews for the same details twice.
Fuel volumes, in one view
Per-leg fuel uplift estimates from every crew aggregate into a single picture of what's needed, where, and in which type — so suppliers and on-airfield deliveries can actually be arranged.
Accommodation coordinated
Room counts roll up per night stop. Hotels with pre-arranged blocks get accurate numbers; booking links for the others land in your inbox once you're registered.
Your data stays yours
Stored on an EU-based server with encrypted transport. Shared only with the authorities and partners that strictly need it, with your registration consent. No marketing, no trackers, no third parties.
This platform is a facilitation tool. Each pilot remains in command of their own flight, planning, and decisions — what changes is the amount of administrative friction you have to push through to participate.
Lead aircraft — Blackwing F-JKYS
Peter Sodermans flies a 2024-built Swedish Blackwing 600 — a high-performance carbon-fibre ULM equipped with full glass cockpit avionics, autopilot, and a ballistic recovery system.
Registered as 08QY and operating under the call sign F-JKYS, the aircraft is designed for fast, long-range touring across Europe. Max cruise sits at 157 knots, dropping to around 138 knots in economy mode. With a fuel capacity of approximately 140 litres, its practical range is around 1,200 nautical miles depending on conditions.
The expedition brings together a wide variety of aircraft, with different speeds, ranges and performance characteristics. SkyDemon is a key navigation partner for the route, with their maps being continuously updated and extended to support each leg. Peter personally flies VFR; some participating pilots may operate IFR depending on their aircraft and qualifications.
The expedition is open to General Aviation and ULM aircraft of similar performance and equipment level — pilots flying across multiple countries with on-board navigation tools and experience operating into both controlled airspace and grass strips.
SkyDemon is supporting the Private Pilot Expedition to Georgia 2026 as an official supporting partner.
For the duration of the expedition, participating crews will receive access to a dedicated expedition SkyDemon licence, allowing pilots to prepare and fly the route using one of Europe’s leading flight planning and navigation platforms.
From route preparation and NOTAM briefings to in-flight navigation and post-flight analysis, SkyDemon will support crews throughout this unique journey from Luxembourg to the Caucasus.
SafeSky is supporting the Private Pilot Expedition to Georgia 2026 as an official supporting partner.
SafeSky is a traffic-awareness application designed for pilots, providing an additional picture of nearby air traffic to help crews maintain better situational awareness. It is an additional situational-awareness layer alongside visual lookout, ATC services and certified traffic equipment — not a replacement.
For our expedition, SafeSky has arranged one month of complimentary SafeSky Premium access for every participating crew, and has created a dedicated Georgia 2026 Live Map for host airfields and ground teams — so those welcoming us can follow the group in real time as aircraft approach and arrive, with monitored zones around each participating airfield.
With 26 aircraft of different cruising speeds spreading naturally along each leg, SafeSky gives the group an added layer of awareness while every crew continues to fly completely independently.
A 15-day pilot-led expedition
across Europe and the Caucasus
A community-driven, facilitated expedition combining coordinated logistics with full crew autonomy. Each crew remains fully responsible for its aircraft, routing, and operational decisions. Rather than a guided tour, this is a shared journey — pilots navigate independently while benefiting from collective preparation, local support, and a structured framework that enables access to regions and infrastructure rarely experienced in general aviation.
Across Europe
29 Aug – 12 Sep 2026
From Central Europe to the Caucasus — returning via the Mediterranean
Ambassadori Aviation Village — Europe's eastern frontier
4,000+ NM across Europe
in 15 days
A structured, pilot-led expedition with full crew autonomy. Pilots navigate independently while benefiting from shared planning, fuel and customs coordination, local support and realistic VFR buffer days.
Scenic routing across Europe's most diverse landscapes — from Central Europe to the Black Sea, the Caucasus and the Mediterranean.
Indicative route only — exact routing, stops and timing may vary depending on crew, aircraft and weather conditions.
The kind of expedition you will still remember decades from now.
Great friends. Great adventures.
Day by day
from Luxembourg to Kakheti and back
- 28 AugToday
Farewell dinner in Luxembourg
Pilots departing from Luxembourg gather for a farewell dinner on the eve of the journey.
- 29–30 Aug
Positioning phase — Luxembourg to Hungary
The expedition begins at Luxembourg Airport with a symbolic departure. Crews position toward Hungary at their own rhythm. All crews regroup at Jakabszállás (LHJK) where accommodation is arranged at the airfield.
- 31 Aug
Hungary to Istanbul via Primorsko
The first major transition. The recommended routing crosses Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria with a Schengen-exit + refuel stop at Primorsko (LBPR), where AVGAS and MOGAS are both available and the border police have already given preliminary approval for the group arrival. Entry into Turkey is then organised via Çorlu (LTBU), followed by a short leg to Istanbul Atatürk for a two-night stay — a rare opportunity for light aircraft to operate into a major international hub.
- 1 Sep
Istanbul buffer day
A full day in Istanbul as a weather buffer and consolidation phase. Participants may explore the city where Europe and Asia meet. Pilots exchange experiences, refine fuel strategies, and align expectations for the Black Sea crossing.
- 2 Sep
Istanbul to Batumi — Crossing the Black Sea Frontier
The true start of the expedition phase. The recommended routing follows Turkey's northern shores along the Black Sea. A key logistical highlight is the fuel stop at Engiz (LTFI), where dedicated AVGAS and MOGAS delivery is being arranged — a good example of the expedition-style logistics required to bring a diverse fleet of general aviation aircraft across Europe.
Arrival in Batumi marks our entry into Georgia and the point where the journey takes on a broader diplomatic and institutional dimension.
- 3 Sep
Batumi to Kakheti — The Eastern Frontier Flight
After the morning programme in Batumi, including a visit to the ambitious Ambassadori Island project, the expedition turns east across Georgia towards Kakheti for what promises to be one of its most symbolic flights.
In September 2026, a new airfield at Ambassadori Kachreti will open in Georgia's eastern region of Kakheti. Our Luxembourg-to-Georgia expedition is expected to have the distinction of being the first international aviation delegation to land there.
This will be far more than another landing on our route. It will mark the beginning of a new chapter for general aviation in the region. Our pilots will be making a piece of aviation history, connecting Luxembourg and Western Europe with an emerging aviation destination at Europe's eastern frontier.
It is precisely the kind of moment this expedition was created for: using general aviation to open new routes, build new friendships and connect places that rarely meet through private aviation.
- 4 Sep
Kakheti — Bodbe & Sighnaghi Excursion, Optional Flying
For participants who booked it, an excursion to Bodbe Monastery and the fortified hill town of Sighnaghi, with lunch at a local family and a masterclass of Georgian bread and churchkhela. Full details in Briefing Note 24.
For participants who didn't book an excursion, the day is entirely free. Enjoy Ambassadori Aviation Village, discover the surrounding Kakheti wine region, or take advantage of the day for some optional local flying over the vineyards and foothills of the Caucasus.
All paths lead back to Ambassadori by the evening — the following day is the Official Opening, and it's a big one.
- 5 Sep
Official Opening, Air Show & Gala Dinner at Ambassadori Aviation Village
The centrepiece of the expedition. The official opening of Ambassadori Aviation Village — an important step in the development of general aviation in this part of Georgia, and a reflection of the country's ambition to strengthen its position as a bridge between Europe and Asia.
17:00–18:00 — Welcome Reception 18:00–18:40 — Official Opening Ceremony 18:40–19:00 — Air Show 19:30 — Open-air Gala Dinner by the Academy building
Dress code: Semi-Formal.
Multiple senior members of the Georgian Government and top ministers are expected to participate, together with other official guests. Ambassador Vakhtang (Vato) Makharoblishvili, Ambassador of Georgia to the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and head of the Mission of Georgia to the European Union, will also be present. During the speeches, online translation will be provided for the participants.
The cultural programme during the gala dinner will feature the State Academic Ensemble "Abkhazia", Nato Metonidze, Liza Bagrationi and a Georgian music ensemble — one of the memorable evenings of the expedition.
- 6 Sep
Tbilisi city tour (optional), or your own day
An optional half-day city tour of Tbilisi, organised in coordination with the Georgian National Tourism Administration. Transport by bus from Ambassadori Kachreti to Tbilisi and back; guides are provided free of charge, participants only cover transport and any optional meals. Full details in Briefing Note 24.
The day is kept flexible for anyone who prefers other activities — exploring Kakheti, some local flying, or simply relaxing at Ambassadori after the ceremony evening.
Participants who booked the Tusheti helicopter excursion for this date will spend the day in the remote highland region of Tusheti.
- 7 Sep
À la carte — pick one option
A day of participant-driven options departing from Kachreti. Pick one:
• Self-fly to Mestia and visit Ushguli — the highest permanently-inhabited village in Europe, in the heart of Svaneti.
• Self-fly to Kutaisi — Prometheus Cave (1.8 km subterranean, boat tour on the Kumi river) and Okatse Canyon (a 780-metre wooden walkway suspended over the canyon floor).
• Jeep tour to Vashlovani National Park — Georgia's arid desert oasis, Pantishara Gorge (Georgia's Grand Canyon), panoramic Alazani Valley views, rare wildlife and drought-resistant flora.
• Jeep tour to David Gareja Monastery and the Rainbow Mountains — mineral-rich sedimentary rock painted in bright coloured stripes, plus a stunning salt lake in the Udabno semi-desert.
• Tusheti helicopter excursion — full-day helicopter adventure to the remote highland region of Tusheti (available 6 or 7 September).
All options are documented in Briefing Note 24 with per-vehicle prices, timings and booking flow through Ambassadori Travel.
- 8 Sep
Return — Georgia to Samsun
The return phase begins. Crews depart Kakheti and reposition via Batumi (UGSB) for Georgia exit formalities, then re-enter Turkey at Rize-Artvin (LTFO) for customs, before continuing along the Black Sea coast to Samsun Çarşamba (LTFH) for the night. Group dinner on arrival.
- 9 Sep
Samsun to Izmir-Selçuk / Efes
Morning departure from Samsun, with a fuel stop at Uşak Airpark (LTFI) crossing Anatolia inland — drier air, wide valleys, and a continental landscape. Crews continue to Izmir-Selçuk / Efes (LTFB) for the night, near Ephesus, one of the most significant cities of the Roman world.
- 10 Sep
Turkey to Italy via Greece
Morning short hop from LTFB to Izmir / Adnan Menderes / International (LTBJ) for Turkey exit customs. Same day, crews re-enter Schengen at Ioannina (LGIO) in Greece for entry customs and refuelling, then continue to Southern Italy and SibariFly (LINV) for a two-night stay. Accommodation at Maritim Resort Catania on the Calabrian coast.
- 11 Sep
Mediterranean rest day at SibariFly
A full day without flying at Maritim Resort Catania — weather buffer, recovery, and time to enjoy the Calabrian coast before the final group day.
- 12 Sep
Calabria to Aix-les-Milles — final group day
Crews depart for Aix-les-Milles (LFMA) in southern France via a Corsica refuel stop. GA crews refuel at LFKB Bastia (AVGAS and JetA1 at the pump); ULM crews divert to LFKO Propriano in southern Corsica. A farewell dinner at Aix-les-Milles marks the closing moment of the expedition.
- 13 Sep
Return home (post-expedition)
The final leg back to Luxembourg — or onward to each participant's home base. A simple, low-key dispersal: no formal ceremony, just the quiet satisfaction of having completed a unique journey.
Programme draft — subject to refinement. Activities in Georgia are organised in coordination with the Civil Aviation Agency of Georgia and the Ambassadori Aviation Village team.
Ambassadori Aviation Village
Kakheti, Georgia — Europe's eastern frontier
Arrival at the Ambassadori Aviation Village marks the easternmost point of the expedition — a symbolic and geographical milestone for European general aviation.
The Village is set within the structured vineyards and rolling terrain of Kakheti, Georgia's wine region. From here, crews use the Ambassadori Aviation Village as their base for three free days to explore Georgia — on the ground or in the air, with optional flights to Mestia, Ambrolauri, or Kutaisi.
On 5 September, participants will be officially welcomed by a Georgian Minister and aviation authorities at Ambassadori Aviation Village. The day will also mark the official opening of the Ambassadori Aviation Village, reflecting Georgia's broader vision of strengthening its role as a bridge between Europe and the Caucasus, while supporting the development of general aviation, tourism, and regional connectivity in line with the country's European ambitions.
The official programme will be followed by a traditional Georgian Supra, offering participants the opportunity to experience Georgia's renowned hospitality, culture, and cuisine in a unique setting.
Hotels along the route
Reasonably priced but fine hotels on the way to Georgia. With the information collected on the platform — room counts, single vs. double, arrival dates — I'm facilitating the process so registered crews arrive to rooms that are already coordinated.
Aero Hotel LHJK — Jakabszállás
Park your aircraft on the grass directly in front of the hotel. Wellness facility access and breakfast are included. Secure your room through this platform's room reservation feature.
- ·Single: ~€39 + €1.50 tourist tax / night
- ·Double: ~€73 + €3 tourist tax / night
Istanbul, Turkey
Negotiated rate at the airport hotel — perfectly located for getting into central Istanbul. Reserve through the platform's room reservation feature.
- ·~€30 per person, breakfast included
Batumi, Georgia
First night in Georgia at Hotel Monarch in Batumi's old town. A booking link will be shared with registered crews in advance.
Kakheti, Georgia
Our main destination. The expedition has its own block at the five-star Ambassadori, with access to all hotel facilities and several room types. Pilots indicate via this platform how many nights they will stay; a booking link with the negotiated rate is then provided to registered crews. A comfortable place to relax, close to your aircraft.
🎟️ Book optional excursions (Ambassadori Travel) →Samsun, Turkey
First night of the return phase at the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Samsun. A booking link will be provided to registered crews.
Izmir-Selçuk / Efes, Turkey
Second night of the return, near Ephesus. A booking link will be provided to registered crews.
Sibari, Italy
A two-night stop on the Calabrian coast at Maritim Resort Catania (Villapiana, CS). A booking link with the group rate is provided to registered crews. The platform's room reservation collects how many rooms you need for both nights.
Aix-en-Provence area, France
Final group night near LFMA Aix-les-Milles for the farewell dinner. Pilots pick and book their own room at one of three suggested hotels in the centre of Aix — Hotel des Augustins, Hotel Saint Christophe, or Ibis Style. All three are close to each other so the group can gather for the farewell dinner.
How room reservations work. On the crew dashboard you indicate how many singles, doubles or triples you need at each overnight stop. Those totals feed into the bookings I make on your behalf where pre-arranged, and into the booking links I send out for the rest. Individual reservation responsibility stays with each crew — this platform coordinates the volumes.
Optional excursions with Ambassadori Travel
during your Kakheti stayAmbassadori Travel (Elene) is offering optional day-tour packages during your Kakheti stay. Please book only through the form below to secure the expedition rate — booking directly via the Ambassadori website skips the discount.
- •4 Sep — Bodbe / Sighnaghi day-tour (bus)
- •5 Sep — Official ceremony day; no separate excursion
- •6 Sep — Tbilisi city tour (optional; ~4 h, run by the Georgian National Tourism Administration)
- •7 Sep — pick one option:
- ·Self-fly to Mestia with visit to Ushguli
- ·Self-fly to Kutaisi with visit to Prometheus Cave & Okatse Canyon
- ·Jeep tour to Vashlovani National Park
- ·Jeep tour to David Gareja Monastery
- •6 or 7 Sep — Tusheti helicopter tour (full day from Kachreti; helicopter to Tusheti, horseback ride, wood-fired sauna, Tushetian lunch)
Prices in the brochure are per vehicle, not per person. Each 4×4 takes up to 5 passengers; the Bodbe / Sighnaghi bus fits ~50; the Tusheti helicopter takes up to 6. Per-person cost depends on how many pilots book each tour — Elene splits the total by final headcount so everyone on the same tour pays the same rate.
Documents & Requirements
Requirements vary by aircraft category (General Aviation vs ULM) and country. The platform adapts to show only what applies to your crew.
Turkey
Via AOPA Türkiye + ACM service company — documents required in English
- Pilot licence (PPL / ULM / other)
- Medical certificate (if applicable)
- Insurance certificate (Turkish format)
- Aircraft registration certificate
- Airworthiness certificate (+ ARC if applicable; N-reg: LogBook entry)
- Noise certificate (ULM / N-reg can declare none)
- Power of Attorney — AOPA Türkiye
- Power of Attorney — ACM
- Declaration of non-commercial operation
- AOPA membership (any valid European AOPA card accepted)
Georgia
Coordinated via Honorary Consulate of Georgia in Luxembourg — local language accepted, English preferred
- Pilot licence (PPL / ULM / other)
- Medical certificate (if applicable)
- Insurance certificate (covering Georgia, EU limits)
- Aircraft registration certificate
- Airworthiness certificate (+ ARC if applicable)
- Noise certificate (ULM / N-reg can declare none)
- Power of Attorney — Honorary Consulate of Georgia in Luxembourg
- General Aviation declaration letter
- Permit request to fly in Georgia
Flexible system: Document requirements adapt to your aircraft category. You upload once; the admin team tracks completion and flags anything missing.
A facilitation tool, not a tour operator
This platform is a facilitation tool for participating pilots. Each crew remains fully responsible for:
- ✓Flight planning
- ✓Safety decisions
- ✓Regulatory compliance
Nothing on this site constitutes flight operation guidance, authorisation, or commercial service. The expedition is a community-driven, non-commercial initiative — participation is at each crew's own discretion and responsibility.
What happens after you apply
A clear action plan from the moment your registration is received, right through to the day of departure.
Confirmation or waiting list
Depending on the number of crews already registered, you will either receive an access code to fill in all the detailed information required for your participation — or be informed of your place on the waiting list, and kept up to date if and when your participation can be confirmed.
Pre-briefing on each leg (~June)
You will receive a pre-briefing covering the different legs of the expedition, including what is being coordinated on your behalf (customs and CAA formalities), logistics (fuel, hotel options) and key practical matters that relate to flight preparation for each leg.
Your own flight preparation
With this information you can start your own flight preparation up to the day of departure. Flight planning, weather, go/no-go and all in-flight decisions remain under your sole responsibility.
Web briefing prior to departure
A web briefing is likely to be organised in the weeks before departure. As needed, additional information will be shared via privatepilot.lu up to the day of departure.
What we coordinate on your behalf: customs entries and exits, CAA formalities in Turkey and Georgia, fuel availability at key stops, and hotel options at night stops — so you can focus on your own flight preparation and enjoy the journey.
Future expeditions — join the waitlist
The 2026 Georgia expedition is full. Register your interest and Peter will reach out personally when the next expedition opens.