But the school has well do not stop there

In the space of une week, France two major aeronautical schools come to celebrate their anniversary: the sixtieth to Enac (National School of civil aviation), the hundredth for Sup'Aéro, today merged with Ensica (higher national school of engineers of constructions aéronautiques) at the higher Institute of Aeronautics and space (Isae). A way to highlight, in their own way, that the time is, more than ever, cooperation between the various actors in the field. In particular to the international.

For the Enac, the process of harmonization of the European sky, currently underway, provides a unique opportunity: the France, the Germany, the Switzerland and the Benelux could turn to a single provider for air navigation - and therefore for the training of controllers. "We are developing training in the European standards and we hope well be part of the institutions which will be retained by the competent authorities," said Marc Houalla, Director. A first group of 15 European and Georgian controllers is training. The workforce should increase subsequently. But the school has well do not stop there. "Most of the air trades are now in the process of standardization, observes Marc Houalla." We offer training appropriate for each of these trades. "Enac wishes for example to position themselves in courses for aviation safety but also, later, train in other trades of the air transport. To do this, the Enac has a maître asset: it is the only one in Europe to train all of these trades.

Side engineers, one of the formations delivers Enac, links to reinforce with the Isae. Two campuses, in Toulouse, located a few metres of the other. A strategy is being created so, as explains Marc Houalla, "valuing the French know-how internationally." First market under: China, with the opening two years ago, site of Tianjin, where Airbus assembles now from A320. An initiative in cooperation with the Isae and the Ensma (higher national school of mechanical and CFATS) of Poitiers. Tianjin hosts approximately 100 students per year, for a six-year curriculum, provided in French, and incorporating a first year preparatory.

Enac hope then duplicate this operation in the Middle East, where a "University of air" could see the day, covering all facets of the profession. "It that French schools together." Together, we would have a significant strike in the international force, provides Marc Houalla. We could compete with the large global institutions in the sector, including in the United States. "Among these, the University of Embry Riddle in Florida, the largest dedicated to aeronautics, with its 15,000 students. Not to mention that Enac is also other markets, such as the India or Libya.

A new dimension

Another element to give a new dimension to Enac: its merger announced with AFIS (operation of aeronautical Training Service), which is 100 to 200 pilots per year. The two institutions now have the same Director... Here again, the approximation could provide new opportunities - in particular in China, where the pilot training needs are enormous.

About the Isae, it aims to create a "world pole" in the field of Aeronautics, each of its two schools retaining its own identity. "We want to increase the visibility and attractiveness of our courses, particularly at the international," said Olivier Fourure, its Director. The school put on its portfolio of specialized masters (fifteen in all) and an ambitious policy research. The Isae also multiplies partnerships: he collaborated with Onera (national Office of aerospace research and studies) and the CNRS, is involved in the thematic network for advanced research "Science and technology for Aeronautics and space" and a role key in the pole of competitiveness "Aerospace Valley". And the Isae hope well be joined by other formations of engineers in the field. If the airline entered a zone of turbulence, the schools in the sector, they do not know the crisis.