Patrouille de France facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Patrouille de France |
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Patrouille de France
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| Active | Active since 1931: Patrouille d'Étampes Patrouille de l'École de l'Air Patrouille de France (official demonstration) 14 September 1931 – Present |
| Country |  France |
| Branch | French Air and Space Force |
| Role | Aerobatic flight display team |
| Size | 10 Alpha Jet out of which 8 in flight (total size 41) |
| Base | Base Aérienne 701 Salon-de-Provence, Bouches-du-Rhône, France |
| Nickname(s) | La PAF |
| Colors | Blue, white and red |
| Equipment | Alpha Jet |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
1st Commandant of the Patrouille in 1953 Général de corps aérien Pierre Delachenal |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Trainer | 1953–1954 Republic F-84 1954–1957 Dassault Ouragan 1957–1964 Dassault Mystère IV 1964–1981 Fouga Magister 1981–present Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet |
The Patrouille de France (PAF) is a famous aerobatic team. They are the official flight demonstration unit of the French Air and Space Force. This team is known for its amazing precision flying.
Their main job is to represent the French Air and Space Force. They also act as ambassadors for French aviation around the world. The team is based at Salon-de-Provence Air Base in France. It is one of the oldest aerobatic teams, active since 1931. Many people consider it one of the best in the world.
The team has 9 pilots and 35 mechanics. They spend their time training in winter. In summer, they perform exciting aerial displays.
The Patrouille de France usually starts the Bastille Day military parade in Paris. They fly 9 Alpha Jets in formation. Their show lasts about twenty minutes. They perform amazing formation changes and crossovers. A jet pilot from the French Air Force team narrates the show. This person is also the public relations officer. Every move is filmed by a photo and video expert. Another pilot is often there to help with communications. This ensures flight safety.
Contents
History of the Patrouille de France
How it Started
The first air show by a patrol happened in 1931. It took place at Étampes-Mondésir Airport. Instructors from the Piloting Perfection School performed it. They used Morane-Saulnier MS.230 planes. The formation had three aircraft.
From 1932 to 1939, Captain Pierre Fleurquin led the Patrouille d'Étampes. The team became very successful and famous. It was chosen to represent France at international events. In 1935, the Patrouille d'Étampes started using MS.225 planes. By 1936, they could fly with five aircraft. In 1937, the unit moved to Salon-de-Provence. It was then called the Patrouille de l'École de l'Air. The Second World War stopped their activities.
The Patrouille de France is Born
In 1947, the French Air Minister created a special display squadron. This unit was led by Captain Pierre. He was a former pilot from the Patrouille d'Étampes. They flew twelve Stampe SV-4 planes. Because these shows were so popular, other similar groups started in the French Air and Space Force.
In 1952, Commander Pierre Delachenal formed a squadron of four Republic F-84G planes. They were based at Reims-Champagne. During an air show in Algeria on May 17, 1952, a journalist named Jacques Nœtinger was amazed. He officially named the team "Patrouille de France." The French Air Force headquarters confirmed this name on September 14, 1953.
New Developments
For the next ten years, different squadrons of the French Air Force continued the Patrouille de France's traditions. They helped the team become famous worldwide. However, in 1964, due to budget cuts, the Patrouille of Dassault Mystère IV planes was stopped. But the Minister of the Armies did not want the Patrouille de France name to disappear. So, a few months later, they decided to use the Patrouille de l'École de l'Air.
The six Fouga Magister planes from Salon-de-Provence Air Base became the main French aerobatic team for sixteen years. Their last show with nine Fouga Magister planes was on September 16, 1980. In 1981, the Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet became the new plane for the Patrouille de France. They started with 7 aircraft. This number increased to 8 in 1982. A historic flight happened in 1986 over New York City.
On November 25, 2009, for the first time ever, a woman led an aerobatic team. Commander Virginie Guyot became the leader of the Patrouille de France.
During the 2020 Summer Olympics closing ceremony, the Patrouille de France flew over Paris. They passed the Eiffel Tower. This was when Tokyo passed the Olympics to Paris for the 2024 Games.
The Patrouille performed for their 70th anniversary. This was at the Kleine Brogel Air Base in Belgium in 2023.
Pilots of the Patrouille
Three new pilots join the Patrouille each year. These new pilots are chosen from volunteer fighter pilots in the French Air Force. They must be qualified as patrol chiefs. They also need at least 1500 hours of flying time on jet aircraft to apply.
The current pilots choose the three future pilots for the Patrouille.
The 2009–2010 season was special. It was the first time a female pilot joined the team: Commander Virginie Guyot.
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The radio call sign for the Patrouille is Athos. Here are the roles:
- The Leader
- Athos 1 is the leader for one year. This pilot is the most important and cannot be replaced. The leader decides with the team what figures and formations they will perform.
- The Interiors
- These are Athos 2 and Athos 3. They are in their first year with the Patrouille. They fly next to the leader during flight shows.
- The Scavenger
- Athos 4 flies behind the leader. This pilot will become the leader the following year.
- The Solos
- Athos 5 (solo leader) and Athos 6 (second solo) perform crossings and special moves. These happen during the "synchronization" part of the show.
- The Exteriors
- Athos 7 and Athos 8 fly furthest from the leader. Their positions require great focus and anticipation. This helps them keep the formation tight.
- The Replacement
- Athos 9 is the most experienced pilot. They have been an "interior," second solo, and solo leader in previous years. Athos 9 must be able to replace any other pilot. However, they cannot replace the "leader."
Mechanics of the Patrouille
The Patrouille de France is truly a team effort.
There are 32 mechanics who prepare, maintain, and repair the 12 Alpha Jet planes. They work under the chief of technical services. Mechanics are also chosen by the other mechanics from the French Air and Space Force. They are all volunteers. They often work late to make sure the planes are ready for the next day's mission. There are two main teams of mechanics.
- The Troubleshooting Team
- This team fixes planes that need special tools or are grounded. They also make sure planned operations run smoothly. This team stays at the main air base. They provide support when the Patrouille returns from a show.
- The Field/Meeting Team
- The field mechanic chooses the pilot they will work with. This mechanic travels with their pilot to all air shows during the season. They also fly in the back seat during transit flights. They wear a special uniform. They make sure everything is ready for each flight departure and return. The trust between the mechanic and pilot is complete.
- The Transall Accompaniment
- A Transall C-160 transport plane travels with the Patrouille de France for every trip. This plane provides important logistical support. It carries about ten tons of equipment. It also transports the staff needed for the mission. The Transall can fly back to the main base from anywhere if needed.
The Transall plane and its crew come from the transport squadrons of the French Air and Space Force.
Formations and Displays
The Patrouille de France changes its flight program every year. This program, called a "series," is decided by the leader and all team members.
The program must be approved by a flight security commission. Then, the Chief of Staff of the French Air Force gives final approval in the spring.
The year's show is split into two parts:
- The "ruban": Eight Alpha Jets fly in a very tight formation and change shapes.
- The "synchro": The Patrouille splits into two groups. They perform figures with 2, 4, or 6 aircraft. The timing of these moves must be perfect. This keeps the audience engaged and prevents two figures from happening at the same time.
The most famous figure the Patrouille performs is the heart. This is a special formation cut by an arrow made by the two solo pilots.
The pilots fly very close to each other, only 2 or 3 meters apart. Their speeds range from 300 to 800 kilometers per hour.
The basic formation of the Patrouille de France is the "Diamant" (Diamond). However, they have many other formations. Their full list includes at least 20 different formations.
Aircraft Used
Over the years, the Patrouille de France has used several types of aircraft:
- Republic F-84 G Thunderjet (1953–1954)
- Dassault Ouragan (1954–1957)
- Dassault Mystère IV (1957–1964)
- Fouga Magister (1964–1981)
- Dassault-Breguet/Dornier Alpha Jet (since 1981)
Each aircraft is painted blue, white, and red. The gun area is replaced with a smoke generator. Searchlights are added to the nose of the plane. The original viewfinder is removed to give pilots better visibility.
Accidents and Safety
Like all high-performance flying, the Patrouille de France has faced accidents during its history. These incidents are a reminder of the risks involved in precision aerobatics.
- 1935: An accident resulted in the death of Chief Warrant Officer Carlier.
- 1967: A Fouga Magister crashed near a grandstand, and the pilot was killed.
- 1980: Two Fouga planes collided during a synchronized maneuver, and both pilots died.
- 1981: An Alpha Jet crashed, and the pilot was killed.
- 1982: An Athos 8 plane crashed during a rehearsal, and the pilot died.
- 1983: Two aircraft collided mid-air during a practice. One pilot was killed, while the other survived.
- 1987: The two solo pilots' planes collided during a show. Neither pilot was injured.
- 1991: The two solo pilots' planes collided again. One pilot was killed, and the other was injured after ejecting.
- 1992: A solo Alpha Jet crashed during a training flight. The pilot was killed.
- 1993: An Alpha Jet solo plane crashed during a training flight in Italy. Both pilots ejected and were injured.
- 2002: An Alpha Jet crashed while returning to base after a training mission. The pilot was killed.
- 2010: A solo Alpha Jet crashed during a training mission. The pilot ejected just before impact and survived with fractures. He returned to flying in 2011.
- 2019: An Alpha Jet went off the runway at Perpignan Airport. The pilot ejected safely.
These events highlight the bravery and skill required by the pilots and the importance of safety in such demanding flights.
Famous Supporters (Patrons)
The Patrouille de France has met many famous people. Some have even become official "Patrons" or "Godfathers/Godmothers" of the team.
- In 1988, the first Patron was Alain Delon, a famous actor. He visited the base and even flew in a Patrouille de France plane. His support helped bring attention to the French Air Force.
- In 1990, Michel Drucker, a journalist who loves aviation, became a Patron. He also flew with the team. He helped show the public what happens behind the scenes with the French Air Force.
- In 1991, Jean-Claude Killy, an Olympic ski champion, became a Patron. The Patrouille de France performed at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, which Killy helped organize.
- In 1993, for the PAF's 40th anniversary, Albert II, Prince of Monaco became the Patron.
- In 2001, Judo champion David Douillet became a Patron. He even flew in a Transall transport aircraft with the door open, watching the Patrouille de France.
- In 2010, Carla Bruni, the wife of then-President Nicolas Sarkozy, became the first female Patron.
- In 2012, rugby player Thierry Dusautoir became the Patron for that year.
- In 2014, for the French Air Force's 80th anniversary, two astronauts became Patrons: Jean-Loup Chrétien and Patrick Baudry. They both flew with the team that year.
These famous Patrons help share the excitement and importance of the Patrouille de France with a wider audience.
See also
In Spanish: Patrouille de France para niños
- Major (France)
- Chief of Staff of the French Air Force
- List of French Air and Space Force aircraft squadrons
- List of Escadres of the French Air Force
- Escadrille Lafayette
