Académie de l'air et de l'espace facts for kids
The Académie de l'air et de l'espace (which means "Air and Space Academy" in French), or AAE for short, is France's national academy for everything about air and space. It was started in 1983 in Toulouse by André Turcat. The main goal of the AAE is to help grow amazing scientific, technical, and cultural work in the world of air and space. They want to share knowledge and be a central place for activities.
Its members come from all parts of the aerospace world. This includes pilots, astronauts, scientists, engineers, doctors, and even artists. They all work together to reach these important goals. The current president of the AAE is Gerard Brachet.
Contents
History of the Academy
How the Idea Started
The idea for an air academy began way back in 1954. A man named Colonel Edmond Petit was a leader in the French Air Force. He wrote many articles asking for such an academy. He thought it should be a place for French writings about flying. He also believed it was the right place to develop the History of aviation.
The Academy Comes to Life
This big idea finally came true in 1983. It was thanks to André Turcat, a famous test pilot for the Concorde airplane. His strong reputation in French aviation helped make the academy happen. The city of Toulouse also gave a lot of support. This allowed the academy to be built at the old Jolimont observatory.
On November 21, 1983, thirty-five founding members met. This was 100 years after the first human flight. The academy was set up as a non-profit group. In 1987, it became a public utility. Its main goals are to encourage great work in air and space. It also aims to share knowledge and be a hub for these activities.
What the Academy Does
Global Connections
The academy organizes many international meetings and discussions. It also holds exhibitions to show off new ideas. They give out awards and medals to people who have made important contributions. The AAE regularly publishes "The Letter of the Academy." This letter comes out every two or three months. It shares information on important aviation topics. Bigger projects become books or papers published by the academy.
Who Can Join
The Air and Space Academy has 60 French members. It also has 30 foreign members from other countries. There are also honorary members. These are often pioneers in aviation and space. Correspondents help keep the academy connected to the aerospace world. Members can become honorary at age 75. They can also ask to become honorary. They can still help with the academy's work if they wish.
Different Focus Areas
Members can join different groups based on what they specialize in. There are five main areas:
- Understanding air and space scientifically.
- Using science and technology in air and space.
- Human activities and presence in air and space.
- Rules, laws, society, and money in air and space.
- The history, stories, and art of air and space.
Special committees can also be formed. These committees work on current issues. A regular or honorary member can ask for a committee to be set up. In 2007, the academy officially changed its name to "Air and Space Academy."
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Académie de l’air et de l’espace
