The École de l’Air et de l’Espace: A Comprehensive Overview of the French Air Force Academy

The École de l’Air et de l’Espace (EAE) is a distinguished military academy and grande école specializing in training French Air and Space Force line officers. The academy was established in 1933 by President Albert Lebrun, located at the Salon-de-Provence Air Base in France. Its motto, “Faire Face” (“Overcoming”), mirrors the ethos of the French Air and Space Force. The École de l’Air et de l’Espace offers a range of programs suited for careers like pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, and space operators.

The academy also features a research institute, a space defense academy, and a cyber excellence center. With a pronounced international focus, it participates in global exchange programs. As a member of the Conférence des Grandes Écoles, the Conference of the Directors of French Engineering Schools, and the PEGASUS network, the École de l’Air et de l’Espace is renowned for its contribution to air and space science and technology.

History of the École de l’Air et de l’Espace

The achievements of its alumni mark the history of the École de l’Air et de l’Espace. President Albert Lebrun founded the academy in 1933 to train air force officers. Originally based in Versailles, it moved to Salon-de-Provence. The first graduating class in 1935 included noted figures like Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and Jean Mermoz.

During World War II, the EAE adapted to the war’s challenges. While some students and graduates joined the Free French Forces, others aligned with the Vichy regime. The academy operated in two locations: Vichy France and Allied-controlled North Africa. After France’s liberation in 1944, the EAE reunited and resumed its normal operations.

In 1947, the EAE was awarded the Legion of Honor and the Croix de Guerre for its wartime efforts. Subsequently, the academy expanded its curriculum and fostered international and industrial partnerships. In 1969, it initiated an exchange program with the United States Air Force Academy. Women were first admitted in 1976, constituting about 20% of the student body. In 2008, the École de l’Air et de l’Espace launched specialized master’s courses in air, space law, and air and space project management.

The name change to École de l’Air et de l’Espace in 2020 reflected its expanded focus into the space domain, aligning with the formation of the French Air and Space Force. New additions included a space defense academy, a cyber excellence center, and a drone center.

Admission Process of the École de l’Air et de l’Espace

The admission process for the École de l’Air et de l’Espace (EAE) varies based on the candidate’s profile and nationality, offering multiple pathways to join the academy:

• French students who have completed scientific preparatory classes (CPGE) can take the Centrale-Supélec entrance exam to enroll in the EAE’s engineering program.
• Students from the École Polytechnique can join the EAE in their third year of the engineering program.
• French or German students interested in studying in both countries can apply for the Franco-German exchange program (EFENA), which allows them to study at the German Air Force Academy and at one of the two Bundeswehr universities.
• Foreign students can apply through French military representations in their country, after obtaining approval from their authorities. Depending on their educational level, they may join the academy in the first or second year of the engineering program.
• Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in science or engineering can apply for the master’s degrees in air and space law or air and space project management, open to contract officers and civilian students.

For more information, prospective students are encouraged to visit the EAE’s official website or contact the admission office.

Training Duration at the École de l’Air et de l’Espace

The training duration at the EAE varies based on the program and the candidate’s profile. The primary program for line officers is a comprehensive five-year course, divided into three phases:

• A two-year preparatory class, providing foundational scientific and technical knowledge.
• A three-year engineering cycle, focusing on specialized areas of study.
• A one-year professional cycle, dedicated to practical and operational training.

The master’s degree programs in air and space law, and in air and space project management, each have a duration of two years. The EAE also offers short-term courses for reserve and foreign officers, lasting from several weeks to a few months. Additionally, the academy provides customized continuing education for air and space professionals, tailored to meet each individual or organization’s specific needs and objectives.

Interested individuals can visit the EAE’s official website or contact the admission office for detailed information.

Curriculum and Training of the École de l’Air et de l’Espace

The École de l’Air et de l’Espace offers a comprehensive curriculum covering academic, aeronautical, and space elements. Its five-year line officer program includes a preparatory class, an engineering cycle, and professional training in various air and space force branches.

Master’s degrees in air and space law and project management are available for officers and civilian students. These programs focus on legal and managerial aspects of the air and space domain, with opportunities like the Jeanne d’Arc mission.

The academy also provides short-term courses for reserve and foreign officers, along with continuing education. The École de l’Air et de l’Espace is part of the Conférence des Grandes Écoles and maintains numerous global academic and industrial partnerships.

Research and Innovation of the École de l’Air et de l’Espace

The EAE is a learning institution and a center for research and innovation. Its research institute, ISAE (Institut Supérieur de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace), focuses on the sustainable development of air and space. ISAE consists of three research groups: AERO, INFO, and ESPACE, each exploring different facets of air and space systems.

As part of the “Aerospace Valley” cluster, ISAE collaborates with various institutions. It is recognized as EA 4694 and connected with the Institut Polytechnique de Paris and Institut Mines-Télécom. ISAE’s research, which addresses military and civilian issues, is in partnership with the “Pôle Pegase” cluster to foster industrial applications in air and space security, mobility, environment, and education.

International and Industrial Partnerships of the École de l’Air et de l’Espace

The École de l’Air et de l’Espace (EAE) actively cultivates a robust international presence, engaging in exchange programs with air force academies and universities globally. The academy strengthens scientific and pedagogical cooperation with various academic networks and institutions and continuously supports its graduates through alumni networks and associations.

The EAE boasts exchange programs with over 30 Air Force academies and universities across Europe, America, Asia, and Africa. These programs enrich the academic and cultural experiences of EAE students and faculty, fostering their international and intercultural competencies. Key exchange programs include:

• The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), the EAE’s oldest and most prestigious exchange program initiated in 1969. Annually, around 10 students from each academy participate in a semester-long exchange, involving military and aeronautical training such as flight and survival training, and leadership development¹.
• The King Hussein Air College (KHAC), the EAE’s most recent and ambitious exchange program started in 2019. Each year, about 20 students from each institution study for a year at the partner academy, earning pilot wings upon completing the flight training program².
• The Franco-German exchange program (EFENA), a unique initiative allowing EAE students to study in both France and Germany, earning dual degrees from the EAE and one of the Bundeswehr’s two universities. This four-year program focuses on engineering and operational aspects of the air and space domain³.

The EAE is also a member of several academic networks and institutions, enhancing its scientific and pedagogical cooperation. Notably:

• The Conférence des Grandes Écoles (CGE), a national association of France’s most prestigious engineering and management schools, upholding education standards and quality⁴.
• The Conference of the Directors of French Engineering Schools (CDEFI), which advocates for and promotes French engineering schools, enhancing collaboration and innovation.
• The PEGASUS network, a European consortium of leading aerospace engineering schools and universities, facilitating mobility and recognition.

Furthermore, the EAE nurtures its graduates through networks and associations providing career guidance, opportunities, and lifelong solidarity. Major alumni associations include:

• The Amicale des Anciens Élèves de l’École de l’Air et de l’Espace (AAEEAE), established in 1937, is the EAE’s largest alumni association, organizing various events and activities.
• The Association des Ingénieurs de l’École de l’Air et de l’Espace (AIEAE), founded in 1978, is the professional association for EAE engineers, offering career counseling, networking, and mentoring.
• The Association des Diplômés du Mastère Spécialisé de l’École de l’Air et de l’Espace (ADMS-EAE), formed in 2009, connects master’s degree graduates, promoting the EAE’s master’s degree programs.

Heritage and Traditions of the École de l’Air et de l’Espace

The École de l’Air et de l’Espace is a repository of values and traditions, fostering a unique identity and spirit among its air and space officers. The academy’s vibrant jargon, rooted in aeronautical slang and air force history, includes terms like “La B.A.” (Base Aérienne), “Pios” (Pionniers), and “Anciens” (Alumni).

Key rituals and ceremonies at the academy include the welcoming ceremony for new cadets, involving the “godfathers” – the academy’s senior students who mentor the newcomers. The ceremony culminates in singing the “Chant des Pios,” the EAE’s anthem.

The graduation ceremony, another significant tradition, takes place on July 14, France’s national day. Students receive their officer’s swords and diplomas in a ceremony attended by state and air and space force dignitaries. It also honors alumni who died in service and celebrates the air and space officers’ achievements and values.

The EAE emphasizes camaraderie and solidarity, with clubs and associations promoting cultural, artistic, sporting, and humanitarian activities. Notable is the Patrouille de l’École de l’Air (PEA), an aerobatic team performing at various events. The “Amicale des Anciens Élèves de l’École de l’Air et de l’Espace” connects graduates, supporting them throughout their careers and lives.

Conclusion

The École de l’Air et de l’Espace is an esteemed institution that shapes future officers of the French Air and Space Force and advances air and space science and technology. With a rich history, comprehensive curriculum, vibrant culture, and dynamic research institute, the EAE stands out. Its commitment to international collaboration is evident in its numerous exchange programs and support for graduates through alumni networks and associations. The École de l’Air et de l’Espace is more than a school; it is a lifestyle, a community of shared values, and a source of pride for the French Air and Space Force and the nation.