Guy du Merle facts for kids

Guy du Merle was a French aerospace engineer, pilot, and writer. He is best known for being the very first leader of the French Civil Aviation University. This university helps train people who want to work in aviation.

Early Life and Education

Guy du Merle was born in Toulon, France, on January 1, 1908. He was a very smart student. He went to a famous school called École Polytechnique and graduated in 1927. Later, in 1932, he finished his studies at the École nationale supérieure de l'aéronautique et de l'espace. This school teaches about airplanes and space.

A Career in Aviation

After finishing school, Guy du Merle became a military pilot. From 1933 to 1935, he flew over 100 different types of aircraft! This shows he was a very skilled pilot.

Later, from 1940 to 1950, he shared his knowledge. He taught aerospace engineering at the École nationale supérieure de l'aéronautique et de l'espace, the same school he had attended. Aerospace engineering is about designing and building aircraft and spacecraft.

Leading the Aviation University

In 1948, Guy du Merle took on a very important role. He became the first director of the French Civil Aviation University. This university, also known as ENAC, trains pilots, air traffic controllers, and other aviation professionals. He led the university until 1951, helping to set up its foundations.

Legacy

Guy du Merle passed away on June 6, 1993. To honor his contributions to aviation, a roundabout in the city of Toulouse is named after him. This shows how important he was in the history of French aviation.