Association des professionnels navigants de l'aviation facts for kids

The Association des professionnels navigants de l'aviation (APNA) is a French non-profit group. It was started in 1927. APNA brings together people who work in civil aviation, like pilots and flight mechanics. Its goal is to help develop aviation in France. They work with government groups, plane makers, and airlines.

APNA: Helping Aviation Pros

The APNA is a special group for people who work in aviation. It helps pilots, mechanics, and other flight crew members. APNA works to improve aviation in Europe. They work closely with government groups and airlines.

How APNA Started

APNA was created in 1927 by Joseph Sadi-Lecointe. For many years, it was the only group that spoke for aircrew members. They talked with government officials and airlines.

In 1926, people realized that pilots and mechanics needed a formal group. A few people met to discuss this idea. The idea of creating an association to help aviation workers spread quickly.

On December 11, 1926, a group of pilots sent out a message. It was for all known aviation professionals at that time.

First Meeting and Goals

The first big meeting was held on February 9, 1927. During this meeting, leaders were chosen:

• President: Henry Faillant
• Vice-chair: Lucien Coupet
• Vice-chair: Sadi Lecointe
• Treasurer: René Charpentier
• Assistant treasurer: Lucien Bossoutrot
• Secretary: Serge Val
• Assistant secretary: René Douchy

Most of these leaders were professional aviators. Only the President, Henry Faillant, was from industry.

At this meeting, the name APNA was chosen. The group's rules were agreed upon. They also set clear goals for the association.

The main goal was to unite pilots, navigators, and mechanics. They wanted to help them work together. APNA also aimed to help develop national aviation. They worked with public groups, plane makers, and companies. A very important goal was to help pilots who had accidents. They also wanted to support their families.

Later, more goals were added to their rules. These included helping with insurance and pensions. They also worked on professional rules for aviators. They discussed salaries and training.

APNA officially became a group on May 22, 1927. This was done under a French law from 1901.

Early Achievements

APNA worked hard with government groups. Their efforts led to a law on March 30, 1928. This law helped with insurance for aircrew members.

The 1928 law also defined what "aircrew" meant. It said that military and technical aviation staff who regularly fly are part of the aircrew.

President Henry Faillant suggested holding a big meeting for aviation professionals. This meeting was called the International Congress of Professional Aviation.

It took place on June 16, 17, and 18, 1928, in Reims, France. APNA organized it with other aviation clubs.

In December 1928, the FNA (National Federation of Aviators) was formed. APNA joined this group. They worked together to help people who were not covered by insurance. They even created an emergency fund.

In the years that followed, APNA worked with the government. They focused on making flights safer. They also worked to create official rules for pilots.

Famous Members

In 1930, two APNA members became very famous. They were Dieudoné Costes and Maurice Bellonte.

In 1935, the Minister of Air asked APNA to help with an air show. It was held on June 1 and 2 in Villacoublay.

The President of APNA was also part of a special committee. This committee worked on air navigation safety. Dieudonné Costes was the president of this committee.

New Rules and Challenges

A law on March 25, 1936, set the legal rules for civil aviation aircrew. After this, unions became important for representing workers. APNA then created the first union for Aircrew Professionals. This union worked until the war. It helped with contracts and aviation rules. APNA also kept its role as a friendly association. This was a smart decision.

In 1936, a seaplane called La Croix du Sud disappeared. It was off the coast of Dakar. Jean Mermoz and three of his crew members were part of APNA.

Every year, a special event remembers Jean Mermoz. It takes place in Neuilly, where his statue stands.

On February 24, 1939, APNA had another important meeting. They decided to create a school. This school would train people for different aviation jobs. The government even gave money for an official air navigation school.

The school would have strict medical checks. It would train students for aviation certificates. It would also teach "piloting without visibility" (PSV). This means flying only by instruments.

During and After the War

When World War II started on September 3, 1939, APNA's work changed. Their activities became limited. They mainly offered moral and financial support.

On November 27, Henry Guillaumet's plane was shot down. Four crew members on his plane were part of APNA.

After the war, air travel grew a lot. This led to new needs. Other unions were created, and APNA was less active for a while.

In 1952, APNA created a new group. It was called the National Union of Airline Pilots (SNPL). This union specifically helped airline pilots.

APNA has achieved many important things:

• They helped create the 1928 law for the Civil Aviation Provident Fund.
• They spoke for aircrew members before unions existed.
• They helped get a 45% tax break for business expenses.
• They helped create unions and collective wage contracts.
• They wrote the rules for Aircrew Professionals in the 1936 law.
• They helped set up a fund for civilians during wartime.
• They supported the families of fallen comrades.
• They asked for awards and decorations for aviators.
• They created funds to help unemployed or mobilized members.

APNA Leaders

Presidents of APNA

• 1927 – 1930: Henry Faillant
• 1930 – 1939: Joseph Sadi Lecointe
• 1939 – 1944: Michel Detroyat
• 1944 – 1946: Lucien Coupet
• 1946 – 1952: René Le Bail
• 1952 – 1962: Jean Dabry
• 1962 – 1967: A. Goepfert
• 1967 – 1985: (Information not available)
• 1985 – 1994: Claude Bechet
• 1994 – 2005: Xavier Barral
• 2005 – 2011: Claude Guilbert
• 2011 – 2021: Geoffroy Bouvet