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Testimony of Jean-Michel Biel, head of programme “MS Safety Management in Aviation”

Jean-Michel Biel

Head of programme "MS Safety Management in Aviation"

Testimonial Category :

Education

Date :

13 Apr 2026

Testimony of Jean-Michel Biel

Presentation

Jean-Michel Biel graduated from ENAC with an engineering degree in Computer Science and Air Traffic Management.

He has gained significant experience in air navigation systems engineering, with a strong focus on Safety, working mainly on projects for the DSNA, the French ANSP.

Since late 2023, he has been the course director for “Safety Management in Aviation” Advanced Master, whilst also teaching Systems Engineering and Project Management at ENAC.

Why is Safety Management considered a critical competency for aviation professionals worldwide?

Aviation safety has always been a key concern and a top priority for all stakeholders in the air transport system, which is both particularly critical and rapidly evolving.

Late 2013, ICAO released the first edition of Annex 19 which is dedicated to Safety Management. This annex centralised and consolidated provisions that were previously scattered across various annexes but also introduced new provisions, including increasingly binding statuses of the Safety Management System (SMS) and the State Safety Programme (SSP).

Whether driven by regulatory pressure or out of their own initiative, professionals in the aviation sector have therefore had to further develop and formalise Safety Management within their organisations, including at State level.

It was at that time that the decision to set up the MSSMA course at ENAC was taken.

What makes your Safety Management programme unique compared to other aviation safety programmes internationally?

Our training programme covers both the cross-functional skills required of a Safety Manager (risk analysis and management, leadership, project management, audits, etc.) and an understanding of the various types of Air Transport System operators (ANSP, MRO, Aerodromes, Air Operators, ATO, Manufacturers) with a strong focus on Safety Management for each one.

Safety management at State level and, more broadly, within international or supranational bodies is also addressed in depth.

We are firmly convinced that Aviation Safety cannot be addressed solely at the level of the individual operator, but must be considered within the context of the overall Aviation System, which requires a clear global understanding of this system and the detailed safety concerns of each stakeholder. I think this feature is unique to our programme.

What career opportunities and roles can graduates expect after completing this programme?

Depending on their background before joining the programme and their aspirations, graduates can apply for positions such as Safety Managers, SMS Managers or Safety Officers but also to Safety-related roles within state bodies or regulatory authorities.

Why should an international student choose this program to advance their career in aviation safety?

Multiculturalism and, more generally, the diversity of backgrounds is not seen as a constraint on our part; on the contrary, this is an asset for all students, enriching interactions between students and with teaching staff.

This course offered by ENAC can help fast-track your career or support you in specialising, retraining or settling into a new role in the field of security management, within an internationally renowned institution.

More, Toulouse is one of the world’s aviation capitals, which enables us to organise educational visits that offer significant added value for students.

My career plan is to continue working in the energy sector, while using and developing my skills in data science and AI to help this sector participate in the ecological transition of our societies.

Testimony of Sami Boukezzoula, student in the “Ingénieur généraliste” programme

Sami Boukezzoula

Student in the "Ingénieur généraliste" programme

Testimonial Category :

Education

Date :

08 Jul 2025

Testimony of Sami Boukezzoula

What is your background?

I graduated from the Lycée Édouard Belin in Vesoul in 2019 with a Bac Scientifique, specialising in engineering sciences. It was also at this school that I passed my BIA (Brevet d’Initiation Aéronautique) in 2017, where I was top of the Bertrand Piccard class in the Besançon academy. I then entered the MPSI at the Lycée Victor Hugo in Besançon, before moving on to the MP at the same school. I was ranked 205ᵉ in the Mines Ponts competitive entrance exam in 2021, which enabled me to enter SUPAERO, which was my first choice!

Why did you choose ISAE-SUPAERO? What do you think are the school's strengths?

Originally, I was passionate about aerospace and SUPAERO was a reference in this field, with alumni as inspiring as the astronaut Thomas Pesquet (and now Sophie Adenot), so it was a dream for me to join such a school.

What’s more, as I had been sensitive to environmental and climate issues long before I started at SUPAERO, my ambition was to work either on decarbonising the aviation sector or on developing Earth observation missions to characterise and monitor global warming and its consequences.

Coming to SUPAERO made me fully aware of the scale of the environmental crisis and its consequences, particularly for the aerospace sector. More generally, the school is making a commendable effort to train its students in the issues facing the world today and tomorrow (particularly environmental issues) so that they are able to integrate their complexity into their careers.

SUPAERO’s generalist approach and the possibility for each student to choose the courses that best meet their expectations are a definite advantage, guaranteeing personalised training: the horizon of possibilities is limitless when you join SUPAERO! And there’s no shortage of student life: dozens of clubs (technical, sports, cultural, etc.), lots of events throughout the year and Toulouse, the perfect city for students 😊

Can you tell us about your academic mobility? How was it a rewarding experience, both personally and academically?

I spent a semester at EPFL in Lausanne, Switzerland. I was able to choose the courses I wanted, in energy, climate and fluid mechanics, most of which were taught in English. It was the university’s academic excellence, its international outlook and its unrivalled setting on the shores of Lake Geneva with its breathtaking views of the Alps that made me decide to go.

I really appreciated the living environment, the teaching methods and the quality of the teaching, even though it required more work than at SUPAERO. Last but not least, this semester gave me the opportunity to discover Switzerland, a country with a rich variety of landscapes, cheeses and chocolate!

What areas and subjects have you chosen for 3A? Why did you make this choice?

My gap year was decisive in my choice of direction in 3A. I was able to do two placements: the first at CNES in data processing and research; the second in project management at VALECO, an SME developing wind and solar projects. This gave me a clearer picture of my interests and a more concrete idea of where I wanted to start my career.

So I chose to enter the ETE-Energy and SDS fields. ETE because I believe that environmental issues, and in particular those of the energy transition, are a priority if all sectors, and in particular the aerospace sector, are to have a place in a world faced with the consequences of global warming. SDD because I believe that the relevant use of data, possibly using artificial intelligence tools, can inform strategic decision-making, in order to serve the ecological transition, among other things.

What are your career plans?

I’m going to do my SFE at EDF in Grenoble in the General Technical Division. My role will be to carry out a statistical analysis of frequency anomalies on French island electricity networks (Corsica, French overseas departments and territories, etc.) and to propose artificial intelligence methods for automatically detecting or even predicting these anomalies. This work will enable electricity network managers to improve their predictive maintenance methods, to help them make investment decisions to improve these networks and also to prepare European electricity systems for the introduction of an increasing proportion of renewable energies.

My career plan is to continue working in the energy sector, while using and developing my skills in data science and AI to help this sector participate in the ecological transition of our societies.

A word about life in Toulouse and more particularly on campus?

Toulouse is an ideal location for students, with a wide range of activities available in the city (bars, restaurants, cinemas, museums, etc.) or nearby (the Pyrenees are just one hour away, the Mediterranean one and a half hours and the Atlantic two hours).

The SUPAERO campus is on a human scale and has a number of high-quality facilities, including a rugby pitch (this is the land of the oval ball!), a swimming pool, two gymnasiums, the student centre (with its foyer!) and the Aérothèque Marie Marvingt (where it was great to work and relax in the rest rooms with a good board game or puzzle). Finally, SUPAERO wouldn’t be SUPAERO without its rich and diverse student life, to which the half-day on Thursday afternoons is entirely dedicated.

Personally, I’ve been particularly involved in OSE, the institute’s social outreach association, by volunteering for weekly tutoring sessions for secondary school students in difficulty, as well as for popular science and career guidance events. And for the first two years, I was involved in two technical clubs: the Cubesat club (through the TOLOSAT student nanosatellite project) and the S-cube (through the PERSEUS nanofuselage project in collaboration with CNES).

If you had any words for students taking the CCMP?

First of all, congratulations on your eligibility: it’s an important first step that you’ve just taken. Stay calm, composed and focused, and with just one more effort to make during the orals, you’ll have a great life ahead of you! Good luck in the final stretch 😉

Testimony of Lucie Goethals, student in the “Ingénieur généraliste” programme

Lucie Goethals

Student in the "Ingénieur généraliste" programme

Testimonial Category :

Education

Date :

08 Jul 2025

Testimony of Lucie Goethals

What is your background?

After taking a scientific baccalauréat with a major in mathematics at the Lycée Notre-Dame in Chartres, I did two years of scientific preparatory classes at the Lycée Stanislas in Paris: MPSI in the 1st year, PSI in the 2nd year, before joining ISAE-SUPAERO through the Mines-Ponts competitive entrance exam.

Why did you choose ISAE-SUPAERO? What do you see as the school's strengths?

Although I wasn’t a great enthusiast, the space sector still appealed to me! I was particularly attracted by the idea of keeping generalist teaching while working on concrete examples and application exercises in a specific field.

I hadn’t really thought about joining this school and trying my hand in this field until I found out about ISAE-SUPAERO in my preparatory classes. But after two years of preparatory classes and rather theoretical courses, I found it particularly motivating to be able to project scientific knowledge into concrete applications, particularly in this field with high environmental stakes.

The teaching in the first and second years remains broad and general, but the way it is applied and the way it is approached in class makes it all the more captivating. I particularly liked the courses in fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, with the study of aerodynamic profiles as an example. Then there are the courses specific to ISAE-SUPAERO, aerospace and aeronautics, such as celestial mechanics and flight mechanics, which open up the field even more.

Finally, these years at ISAE-SUPAERO, enriched by my gap year, have enabled me to find my way. I’m going into a slightly different field: energy and hydrology. However, I still have a strong Earth observation component that I find particularly stimulating, and in which I have developed skills and a particular interest thanks to my time at the school.

The school has a number of assets that have helped to make the last four years very rewarding, both academically and personally: first of all, the small class size, with around 200 students in the first year. Secondly, its location in the south of France, in Toulouse. The school is also ideally located in Toulouse itself. Finally, it has a particularly rich community and sports life, with many clubs open to all, without selection.

The gap year, which is strongly encouraged, provides a great opportunity for openness. Personally, it helped me to find my way thanks to two placements in two different fields: one in research abroad, the other in a large company.

Can you tell us about your academic mobility? How was it a rewarding experience, both personally and academically?

I had the opportunity to do an academic placement at Luleå University of Technology, in the north of Sweden, at the gateway to Swedish Lapland. I took courses in fluid mechanics, CFD and non-linear physics. But above all, I met some unforgettable people, improved my fluency in English, discovered Swedish culture, Nordic activities such as ice skating, saunas and cross-country skiing, and had a whole host of other unforgettable experiences. I have some excellent memories.

What areas and subjects have you chosen for 3A? Why did you make this choice?

In my final year, I took the EO (Earth Observation) stream as well as the ETE (Energy, Transport and Environment) stream, with a focus on energy and networks. I wanted to focus the end of my studies on environmental applications. This choice of specialisation came about naturally after my research placement in hydrology, focusing on the SWOT satellite mission.

What are your career plans?

I’m off to do my end-of-studies placement at EDF, working on hydrological forecasting for hydroelectric dam management. This placement is in line with my studies and my specialisms of the last few years, as I’ll be working on meteorological models and Earth observation data in the energy sector. If this placement confirms my interest in Earth observation and hydrology, I’d like to continue in this direction.

A word about life in Toulouse and more particularly on campus?

The community life and atmosphere at the engineering school have helped me to open up socially and have given me a lot on a personal level. This spring of 2025 marks the end of my student years for me and I’m already nostalgic about the last 4 years spent alongside my class.

I’ll particularly remember my experiences as a member of the school’s student sports association, and as a member of RAID ISAE, a club that organises an annual sporting RAID open to all, in an idyllic location in the Occitanie region.

If you had any words for students taking the CCMP?

Don’t underestimate yourself during these competitive exams and be confident in yourself and your abilities. Finally, going on to engineering school, and to ISAE-SUPAERO, opens up an infinite range of possibilities. The hardest part will certainly be choosing from among all the options available to you!

Testimony of Matthieu Guilhem, student in the “Ingénieur généraliste” programme

Matthieu Guilhem

Student in the "Ingénieur généraliste" programme

Testimonial Category :

Education

Date :

25 Jun 2025

Testimony of Matthieu Guilhem

What is your background?

I did a Bac S with an Engineering Sciences option at the Lycée Gustave Eiffel in Bordeaux. I did a PTSI/PT preparatory course at the same school.

Why did you choose ISAE-SUPAERO? What do you see as the school's strengths?

I’ve always been very interested in space, and the school has a great deal of expertise in this field, as demonstrated by the French astronauts who are alumni. I also appreciate the wide range of disciplines and the truly generalist teaching that is offered. Another guiding principle behind my choice was my desire to stay in the south-west of France for my studies. It’s a great place to live, I grew up there and I’m particularly fond of it.

Can you tell us about your academic mobility? How was it a rewarding experience, both personally and academically?

Firstly, I did my compulsory 1A work placement in Tanzania for a 2-month humanitarian internship. I didn’t want to ‘waste’ this month doing a job that didn’t interest me and didn’t contribute anything either personally or to others. On the other hand, with friends from the year, we went to do manual work in schools, which for us had a strong and concrete meaning for those in need.

I spent a semester on exchange in Singapore at the National University of Singapore (NUS). I took a wide variety of courses to explore my different interests: future energy, medical technology, astrophysics and marine biology. I chose this part of the world because I wanted to discover a new way of life and a culture I knew nothing about. It was also an opportunity to study at a prestigious university where academic excellence is recognised abroad. I love to travel and Singapore is a central location for visiting many countries in South-East Asia.

In the second part of my gap year, I did a second academic exchange at UNIS Svalbard in the Spitsbergen archipelago. For 6 months I studied the aurora borealis, a relatively unknown phenomenon that tells us a lot about the behaviour of our sun and its interaction with the earth. I also wanted to give time to another passion in my life: mountain sports, in particular ski touring.

At the end of this experience of life in the far north, a far cry from anything I’d known before, I worked for Ponant as an Arctic expedition guide for 2 months.

These different experiences allowed me to explore several academic disciplines in detail that I didn’t know about, such as bio-engineering, astrophysics and energy. In the end, this helped me decide on my final year specialisation. Personally, I’ve been able to travel on my own, get out of my comfort zone and confront a variety of difficulties. I’ve also been able to fulfil dreams and desires that might otherwise have led to frustration in my future working life. I’m honestly very happy to have spent this year for myself, it’s by no means a free year to do nothing – quite the opposite, it’s a year in which you grow more than ever and which allows you to approach the final year of study with peace of mind.

What areas and subjects have you chosen for 3A? Why did you make this choice?

For my final year, I chose the Earth Observation and Science of the Universe pathway (OTSU-SU) and the Design and Operation of Space Systems pathway (COS-TS). With the different courses that I took during my gap year, I chose to continue in what I’ve been passionate about for a long time, i.e. space. These two courses are the most space-oriented at Supaéro.

What is your career plan? SFE?

I’d like to work in the design and innovation of current space systems such as propulsion on launchers, satellites or interplanetary manned missions. I aspire to manage teams and projects. I’m going to do my end-of-study placement in Kourou at the Guiana Space Centre. I’m working with CNES on a study of the risk of in-flight lightning strikes on launchers.

A word about life in Toulouse and more particularly on campus?

As I said earlier, the south-west is a region that I love to live in. The weather is good all year round. Overall: The people are friendly. The location is great, about 1 hours from the Pyrenees (by car or train) and about 2/3 hours from the sea or ocean.

The campus has good transport links, despite the fact that it’s in the south, and the Canal du Midi is a very convenient major route. There is also a new metro line that will soon be operational. The campus is large, with a large number of sports facilities (rugby pitch, tennis court, basketball pool, etc.) and a student centre with premises for artistic and technical clubs. As a general rule, community involvement is very much encouraged, and all students can join a wide variety of clubs, or several clubs if they wish, from the first year onwards. The whole campus is available to students so that they can enjoy it at their own pace and according to their own desires.

If you had any words for students taking the CCMP?

Have confidence in yourself and dare to dream!

Testimony of Clémentine Lelarge, student in the “Ingénieur généraliste” programme

Clémentine Lelarge

Student in the "Ingénieur généraliste" programme

Testimonial Category :

Education

Date :

25 Jun 2025

Testimony of Clémentine Lelarge

What is your background?

I began my career as a PCSI and then PSI preparatory student at the Lycée Les Lazaristes in Lyon, before taking the CCMP competitive entrance exam and joining ISAE-SUPAERO. In 1A, I followed the school’s core curriculum, while doing a one-month work placement as an HR assistant in a bookshop. I was also very involved in community life, joining a number of clubs, including volleyball, the European Aerostudent Games (EAG), SUPAEROWING, and OSE ISAE-SUPAERO, an initiative aimed at raising awareness of science among secondary school pupils, particularly girls from priority education areas.

In 2A, I followed the school’s core curriculum and opted for a semester at SUPAERO (S4), where the courses were less science-focused and more oriented towards business, management, biology and law. I did a three-month research placement at the Centre de Biologie Intégrative in Toulouse, where I worked on mathematical and computer modelling of biological processes to combat neurodegenerative diseases. As far as clubs are concerned, I continued my involvement in OSE ISAE-SUPAERO and was elected President of SUPAEROWING, as well as taking on the role of General Secretary of the school’s Gala.

For my 3A, I opted for a double degree in entrepreneurship with the X-HEC Entrepreneurs Masters. I spent my first year at École Polytechnique, where I specialised in the science of environmental challenges, while taking the X entrepreneurship certificate. I also did a six-month placement with Biomemory, an innovative start-up specialising in data storage on DNA molecules to decarbonise data centres.

Finally, in 4A, my second year of the double degree took me to HEC Paris. It was a year focused on business creation, where I had the opportunity to work on some very concrete projects. I was also lucky enough to go on exchange to Singapore Management University and do a six-month placement with Shift4Good, a venture capital fund focused on decarbonising mobility.

Why did you choose ISAE-SUPAERO? In your opinion, what are the strengths of the school and its training?

ISAE-SUPAERO is first and foremost a school on a human scale, which means that you really get to know everyone and enjoy a very family atmosphere. The scientific subjects are of a high standard, and the core curriculum offers a solid education that is not necessarily available in all engineering schools. The school also stands out for its rich community life. Not only can you take part in classic sports such as volleyball, but you can also obtain a parachuting licence, go skiing in the Pyrenees or organise events such as rowing regattas. The clubs are a real school for leadership and project management, and the skills I acquired in these associations are of great value in my current professional life.

What’s more, the location in Toulouse is ideal, just 15 minutes by bike from the city centre, with a very pleasant climate. The possibility of doing double degrees, in both science and business, is another major advantage of the school, as is the recognition of diplomas internationally, such as the X-HEC Entrepreneurs master’s degree. Above all, ISAE-SUPAERO remains a school of excellence in the fields of aeronautics and aviation, with a network of passionate and extremely competent alumni.

I chose ISAE-SUPAERO because the school made me aware of the challenges of climate change and the importance of technological innovation in meeting them. My time at ISAE gave me a solid scientific base and opportunities to get involved in impact projects, particularly through entrepreneurship. The school is a real crossroads of passionate people, people ready to revolutionise the world for the better.

What is your current position? What does it involve?

I’ve just finished my end-of-studies placement at Shift4Good as a VC Analyst. After this experience, I decided to move away from the financing sector because I felt that it lacked a direct link with the reality on the ground. So I’m joining a high-impact deeptech start-up, where I’ll be taking on the role of Chief of Staff. This position will enable me to work directly with management to help the company grow both operationally and financially, particularly by raising funds. It’s a versatile, very hands-on role, and I’ll have the opportunity to work alongside the C-levels (CEO, etc.), which is an excellent opportunity to learn about leadership responsibilities.

If you had any words for students taking the CCMP?

My advice would be not to focus solely on the ranking or the professional opportunities. It’s essential to think about your quality of life and the experience you’re going to have during these three years. These are great years, during which you’ll develop human skills and have unforgettable experiences. Choose a school where you feel at home and where you can develop both personally and professionally. And above all, don’t forget that all roads lead to Rome if you’re motivated and ready to invest yourself!

Testimony of Jeanne Jault, student in the “Ingénieur généraliste” programme

Jeanne Jault

Student in the "Ingénieur généraliste" programme

Testimonial Category :

Education

Date :

25 Jun 2025

Testimony of Jeanne Jault

What is your background?

I passed my baccalauréat in science with a maths major in 2019 at Lycée Stendhal in Grenoble. I then went to preparatory school at Lycée du Parc in Lyon in the PCSI stream, then PC and PC* in 5/2.

Why did you choose ISAE-SUPAERO? What do you think are the school's strengths?

I chose ISAE-SUPAERO because it’s a reputable general engineering school, with an aerospace component that interested me in particular for fluid mechanics and space mechanics.

I was also aware that a lot of double degrees were possible, particularly with Sciences Po.

I already knew that I wanted to make the ecological and social transition the core of my future career, and that it was possible to choose the ‘Energy, Transport, Environment’ specialisation in my final year. As well as all these educational aspects, I’d had lots of positive feedback about Toulouse and campus life!

One of the school’s strong points is its specialisation for people with a particular interest in aeronautics and aerospace, while remaining a general engineering school, which means that people who are simply curious about these fields can flourish here. Other important assets are its student life, its geographical location and the working environment on campus.

Can you tell us about your double degree with Science Po? Why did you make this choice?

I’m currently doing a double-diploma with Sciences Po Paris between the second and third years of the engineering course at Supaero. I’m doing a Masters in European Affairs with a specialisation in ‘Energy, Environment, Sustainability’. I chose to do this because it’s a great opportunity to look at energy and environmental issues from a public policy perspective. I learnt a lot about the economics and regulation of energy, how policies for the ecological transition are made and how environmental issues are taken into account at several levels. I now know that I would like to participate in the ecological and social transition by working on energy markets or in Earth observation to monitor changes in our environment.

I did my semester abroad at the Technische Universität Berlin. There I was able to take courses in space mechanics, meteorology, water management, adaptation to climate change and the circular economy with an engineering approach. It was a great experience to develop these subjects that interest me with a slightly different teaching approach. I was able to enjoy Berlin, its culture and the people I met – it’s a very pleasant city, especially in summer. I was able to discover other German cities as well as Prague and Copenhagen. It was a very enriching experience that reinforced my professional choices and plans.

What areas and subjects have you chosen for 3A? Why or why not?

I chose the ‘Earth Observation’ field because I discovered during my studies at Supaero, my semester abroad in Berlin and at Sciences Po that Earth observation satellite data are essential for monitoring changes in our environment and thinking about solutions (for example, for monitoring land artificialisation, flooding or water resources). I chose the ‘Energy, Transport, Environment’ field because I’m very interested in energy issues, particularly energy markets, which I studied at Sciences Po, and because I’d like to contribute to protecting the environment.

What are your career plans?

I haven’t yet defined a precise career plan. One possibility would be to work in the public administration for the ecological transition (different departments of the ministry or state agencies), or in the energy markets. I’m also very interested in working as an Earth observation engineer and on scientific space missions. I think that the dual engineering profile of Supaero and Sciences Po is just the thing for working on these issues!

A word about life in Toulouse and more particularly on campus?

Life in Toulouse is really very pleasant. I feel like I’ve seen a lot of sunshine, the campus is well located on the banks of the canal and you can take advantage of all the sports facilities! I’ve been able to enjoy the Pyrenees with the school’s mountaineering club, as well as rowing on the Garonne, cycling and running around Toulouse. It’s a great place for outdoor activities! I’ve also been able to get involved in various clubs on the subjects that are most important to me: Supaero For Earth (a student club that raises awareness of environmental issues), the school’s social outreach programme, and the student office’s solidarity and ecology section.

What if you had a word for students taking the CCMP?

Be confident, and take care of yourself during this period!

Testimony of Fabien Delcan, student in the “Ingénieur généraliste” programme

Fabien Delcan

Student in the "Ingénieur généraliste" programme

Testimonial Category :

Education

Date :

25 Jun 2025

Testimony of Fabin Delcan

What is your background?

I first went to a state secondary school in Pau, Saint-John Perse, before entering the MPSI-MP preparatory school at Camille Jullian, a small preparatory school with only one MP and one PC. There weren’t many people admitted to the grandes Mines, but I had some excellent teachers and some very good friends!

Why did you choose ISAE-SUPAERO? What do you think are the school's strengths?

Like many of us, ISAE-SUPAERO was my goal even before I started preparatory school. As the son of an air traffic controller and private pilot, I was quickly immersed in the world of aviation. In my little prep school, I hung in there and gave everything I had to get into my dream school.

Like many people at ISAE-SUPAERO, I was also admitted to higher-ranked schools, but I made this choice for several reasons:

Apart from Polytechnique, almost all the grandes écoles are the same in the world of work. The key is to differentiate yourself.
I wanted to do mechanics and physics in particular, and I got what I wanted! I was particularly interested in aviation and space, and it’s the best school in France in this field.
I was president of the rocket club and a member of OSE, as well as rowing, baseball and poker.
The many academic opportunities, in France and abroad.
Going to the same school as Thomas Pesquet is quite something, isn’t it?

Can you tell us about your double degree with X-HEC? Why did you make this choice?

After just over a year at ISAE-Supaero, I decided to be more than an engineer. I chaired the Institute’s large rocket construction club (+120 people) and got a taste for project management and steering.

The double degree takes place over two years:

A first year at École Polytechnique in 3A, where you can choose any subject (PA for friends) and take an entrepreneurial certificate. You also do a 3A internship like the Xs, usually in a start-up.
Then you go on to the MSc X-HEC Entrepreneur, a very practical master’s programme, with little theory and lots of guidance to help you launch a business. The classes are made up of one third engineers, one third business profiles and one third from other backgrounds, which encourages the formation of multidisciplinary teams.

I wasn’t born an entrepreneur, but I want to work in a dynamic environment, without fixed positions or rigid hierarchies. This double degree is the best option for me: it allows me to quickly gain experience in technical and business management while taking on a fascinating challenge: designing, managing a growing team, finding a market and convincing investors!

What areas and subjects have you chosen for 3A? Why or why not?

As part of my double degree, I did my 3A at École Polytechnique. I chose the Mechanical PA, coupled with an entrepreneurial certificate. I wanted to acquire a solid grounding in mechanics so that I could design autonomous systems such as drones. Mechanics is a bit of a catch-all area in engineering. I already had some knowledge of software and automatic control, which I wanted to complement with a mastery of tools and methods in fluid and structural mechanics, to better understand the challenges of design and prototyping. As for the entrepreneur certificate, it was a natural choice to gain experience before my final year in entrepreneurship.

What are your career plans?

I’m not completely sure about my future yet, but what motivates me is the start-up environment, its dynamism and its challenges. I hope to be able to found or join a very technical start-up, probably in the field of drones. But it all depends on the people I meet next year: a start-up is above all a human adventure and a close-knit team!

A word about life in Toulouse and more particularly on campus?

Toulouse is great fun! Most of us stay on our super campus, including at weekends, which means we can organise lots of community projects and events.

I know that the community aspect is often overlooked when choosing a preparatory school, but on a day-to-day basis it has a real impact. Getting involved in an association means making new contacts and developing personally and professionally. At ISAE-SUPAERO, there are significantly more associations per student than on the Plateau de Saclay, with many technical and aeronautical associations run by real enthusiasts.

If you had any words for students taking the CCMP?

Whether this is a huge challenge for you or a formality, bear in mind that the questions are often very theoretical: Take the time to go into the subjects in depth!

Testimony of Matthieu LP, student (class of 2025) of the IEM Advanced Master®

Matthieu LP

Testimony of Matthieu LP, student (class of 2025) of the IEM Advanced Master®

Testimonial Category :

Education

Date :

11 Jun 2025

Testimony of Matthieu LP

IEM Advanced Master® student (class of 2025)

Identity card

Last name: LP
First name : Matthieu

Age: 40

City and country of origin: Montauban, France
Year of your Advanced Master®: 2024-2025
Name of Advanced Master®: IEM – Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Management

His career before ISAE-SUPAERO

What was your academic background before joining ISAE-SUPAERO?

I studied at the University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, where I obtained a bachelor’s degree in physics and chemistry in 2006, followed by a master’s degree in ‘Materials, technology and components’ in 2008, in partnership with the CEA and the University of Paris-Saclay. This multidisciplinary training gave me a solid grounding in engineering sciences applied to industry and innovative technologies.

Did you already have professional experience before the Advanced Master®?

Yes. I wanted to join the army and I passed an officer’s competitive examination to join the French Army. I did a year’s training at the École spéciale militaire in Saint-Cyr, followed by a year at the École du génie in Angers.

I was posted to the 17th Parachute Engineer Regiment^(17e RGP) in Montauban, where I served for 4 years as an engineer combat section leader (rank of lieutenant).

I then joined the initial training centre for non-commissioned members of the 11th parachute brigade, as assistant officer, then unit commander (rank of captain), training more than 300 recruits a year. I was again transferred to the 17th RGP where I held various positions at the regimental headquarters (rank of commander): deputy to the head of operations, head of the administrative and budget section, then head of the training office.

Why did you choose ISAE-SUPAERO for your Advanced Master®?

In 2023, I passed the internal competitive examination for the Army’s technical diploma, which led to me being posted to the Centre d’Enseignement Militaire Supérieur Terre (CEMS-T) for high-level training within the Enseignement Militaire Supérieur Scientifique et Technique (EMSST). As part of this, I chose to do the IEM Advanced Master® at ISAE-SUPAERO to learn about project management, innovation and emerging technologies, directly related to my future job in the army’s technical section, in charge of armament programmes.

How did you hear about our Advanced Master® programme?

Army officers are regularly enrolled at ISAE-SUPAERO via the EMSST (MS APM, SPAPS and IEVEx in particular).

His career at ISAE-SUPAERO

What specific skills or knowledge have you come to acquire in this programme?

The Advanced Master® enabled me to acquire a complete vision of entrepreneurship: from identifying the problem to turning a solution into reality, through ideation, field surveys, prototyping and the strategy for bringing a product to market. I was also able to deepen my understanding of business innovation and familiarise myself with the latest technologies (AI, hydrogen, 3D printing, etc.). The courses in project management, management, marketing, finance and communication will be invaluable to me in interacting with the defence industry in my future role.

What subjects, projects, challenges or experiences have particularly impressed you during your training?

The most memorable project was undoubtedly the PIE Project, the common thread running through the AM. In teams of 3 or 4 students, we followed the entire entrepreneurial process: Identifying a problem, Field surveys, Ideation, Definition of a business model, Marketing strategy, Prototyping, etc. This applied project synthesises all the skills acquired during the AM programme. We also had the opportunity to take it further as part of our work placement, when we joined ISAE-SUPAERO’s InnovSpace to incubate our start-up. An academic project that became a reality!

In your opinion, what are the main advantages of the programme that you have followed?

The strengths of this Master’s programme are numerous: lecturers from the biggest industrial groups (Airbus, Thales, Safran, CEA, etc.), a wealth of content covering innovation, finance, strategy, technology, entrepreneurship – intrapreneurship and cutting-edge technical resources (InnovSpace, Aérothèque). All this in a demanding and stimulating academic environment, with personalised coaching sessions with experts in the development of our PIE project. Academic excellence and a wide variety of courses are key features of this AM.

How would you describe student life at ISAE-SUPAERO?

The campus is pleasant and well served (bus, bike, car). It offers excellent sports facilities (swimming pool, weight room) and a dynamic student life, punctuated by numerous events (conferences, activities, etc.). The career centre also offers a wide range of events for students.

His career plan

What are your career plans?

As a career officer, I am continuing my commitment to the army’s technical section, which is responsible for armaments programmes, working with the DGA and DTIB manufacturers.

How will your Advanced Master® prepare you to achieve these goals?

The programme enabled me to acquire a solid understanding of the industrial and entrepreneurial world and its project management, innovation and decision-making logics. This will be a real asset when it comes to communicating effectively with our industrial partners on future projects.

His advice

What would you say to a future student who is hesitating about joining an ISAE-SUPAERO Advanced Master®?

Joining an Advanced Master® at ISAE-SUPAERO is much more than acquiring new skills: It is living a rich, stimulating and concrete human and intellectual experience. Whether you come from the professional world or are a student, you will find here a demanding training programme, but also a real springboard for developing your career. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone: You’ll grow from it.

Any advice for a successful Advanced Master® at ISAE-SUPAERO?

Give it your all, don’t be afraid to try, to fail, and then bounce back! It’s through experimentation that you learn the most, especially about yourself. It’s a great way of discovering so many things, and maybe even discovering that you have the soul of an entrepreneur!

“This programme was a bridge between my operational military culture and the world of technological innovation and business.

If you had to sum up your experience in one word, three adjectives or one sentence?

A particularly rewarding experience, from a technical, professional and human point of view.

Testimony of Yannick Lepage, student (class of 2025) of the AMS E&M Advanced Master®

Yannick Lepage

Student (class of 2025) of the AMS E&M Advanced Master®

Testimonial Category :

Education

Date :

10 Jun 2025

Testimony of Yannick Lepage

AMS E&M Advanced Master® student (class of 2025)

Identity card

Last name: Lepage
First name : Yannick

Age: 51

City and country of origin: Rennes, France
Year of your Advanced Master®: 2024-2025
Name of Advanced Master® attended: AMS E&M (Aeronautical Maintenance and Support: Engineering & Management)

His career before ISAE-SUPAERO

What was your academic background before joining ISAE-SUPAERO?

I graduated from ENSICA in 1998. ENSICA has since merged with SUPAERO to form ISAE-SUPAERO.

Did you already have professional experience before the Advanced Master®?

I began my professional career in pre-project studies at ONERA, then in system validation at MBDA, before working for over 20 years in the automotive industry at PSA Peugeot Citroën. This enabled me to develop skills in a variety of areas, including project management, software development, after-sales and purchasing.

Why did you choose ISAE-SUPAERO for your Advanced Master®?

Looking for new challenges, I wanted to return to the aeronautical sector. First of all, I wanted to update my technical skills in this field. There were several options open to me. Rather than go for certification, I decided to take a Advanced Master® in Aeronautics. It was also a personal challenge to prove to myself that even after 50, you can still learn and get a post-master’s degree. Being an alumnus of ISAE, ISAE-SUPAERO was the obvious choice.

How did you hear about our Advanced Master® programme?

Via the ISAE-SUPAERO website.

His career at ISAE-SUPAERO

What specific skills or knowledge have you come to acquire in this MS?

When I was a student, I chose modules focusing on propulsion and fluid mechanics.

I came here to ‘relearn’ the technical side of what an aircraft is, and in my experience maintenance is an excellent way of getting a global view of aeronautics and its ecosystem.

What subjects, projects, challenges or experiences have particularly impressed you during your training?

First of all, this master’s degree enabled me to cover the entire aircraft perimeter (architecture, structure, systems and engines, avionics, etc.) and refresh the technical skills I had acquired previously.

Subsequently, it was the subjects that I hadn’t developed much when I was doing my initial training that really stood out for me. I’m thinking of airworthiness certification, the RAMS process and predictive maintenance with an introduction to Big Data.

The course was also very rewarding from a personal point of view. I particularly enjoyed this inter-generational and multi-cultural class. I rubbed shoulders with people from a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds, from both civilian and military backgrounds.

In your opinion, what are the main advantages of the AM that you have followed?

Academic excellence and contributions from industry professionals.

His career plan

What are your career plans?

There are a wide variety of jobs in the aerospace industry (production, logistics, quality, R&D, purchasing, projects, support). I’ve had the opportunity to do some of these jobs in the automotive industry. I’d like to move into project or purchasing management.

This could be with an aircraft manufacturer, an aeronautical equipment supplier or an MRO.

How will your Advanced Master® prepare you to achieve these goals?

The automotive and aerospace industries are similar in terms of their organisation and processes (lean management, agile loops, etc.). It is not uncommon to come across people working in one environment with professional experience in the other.

The gaps inherent in the aeronautical business (certification, RAMS, customer services, etc.) are developed in this Advanced Master®. It gives you a 360° view of the aeronautical world.

This reinforces my confidence in the success of my professional project.

Have you completed a work placement or assignment as part of your AM?

Yes, I’m currently doing a work placement at ATR – aerostructure on the treatment of in-service corrosion.

His advice

What would you say to a future student who is hesitating about joining an ISAE-SUPAERO Advanced Master®?

ISAE-SUPAERO’s Advanced Master® enable students to acquire or deepen their knowledge of aeronautics and are supported by professionals working in major aeronautical companies. They are recognised in France and abroad.

Any advice for a successful Advanced Master® at ISAE-SUPAERO?

The Advanced Master® gives you the opportunity to delve deeper into subjects from a professional and intellectual standpoint.

The programme is dense and very diverse, and you have to memorise a lot of concepts. But I think you have to look beyond the grades. It’s not an end in itself, but a measure of what you’ve learned. The most important thing is to try to develop a spirit of analysis with regard to technical subjects: To take a step back and try to understand the choice of a design or the reasons for a methodology taught and why not challenge the speakers.

Approaching courses with this mindset is a guarantee of success.

"You never stop learning".

If you had to sum up your experience in one word, three adjectives or one sentence?

Open-mindedness from a personal point of view and intellectual curiosity.

Testimony of Jorys Collard Casanova, student (class of 2025) of the TAS AERO FTE Advanced Master®

Jorys Collard Casanova

Student (class of 2025) of the TAS AERO FTE Advanced Master®

Testimonial Category :

Education

Date :

02 Jun 2025

Testimony of Jorys Collard Casanova

Advanced Master® TAS AERO FTE student (class of 2025)

Identity card

Last name: Collard Casanova
First name : Jorys

Age: 24

Hometown and country: Ajaccio, France
Year of your Advanced Master®: 2024-2025
Name of Advanced Master® completed: TAS AERO FTE

His career before ISAE-SUPAERO

What was your academic background before joining ISAE-SUPAERO?

I did an engineering degree at ISAE-ENSMA specialising in aeronautical structures after completing a CPGE in Ajaccio.

Did you already have professional experience before the Advanced Master®?

I only did a placement at Safran Helicopter Engines in experimental vibration behaviour in engine testing.

Why did you choose ISAE-SUPAERO for your Advanced Master®?

ISAE SUPAERO is the only school able to offer training in flight testing.

How did you hear about our Advanced Master® programme?

During the ISAE group’s mobility week, I attended courses at ISAE-SUPAERO and came across a brochure listing all the AM. I had a basic interest in flight testing, so I became interested in the TAS AERO FTE course and consolidated this interest by getting the opinion of a former student of the course who also happened to be from ISAE-ENSMA.

His career at ISAE-SUPAERO

What specific skills or knowledge have you come to acquire in this AM?

I’ve already had a lot of experience in the technical side of aeronautics, and I’ve already done a work placement in testing, so I came here to learn about flight testing first and foremost, as well as the skills associated with it, such as planning flight tests, analysing them and carrying them out.

What subjects, projects, challenges or experiences have particularly impressed you during your training?

All the flights offered during the TAS AERO FTE training course were outstanding. On one hand, thanks to the discussions with the pilots (Stéphane and Étienne, whom I salute and thank), their support was touching and we really created a bond with them, as they shared their experience and expertise with us. This made us realise that although the operational and technical worlds are different on paper, their link lies in the discipline of flight testing. On the other hand, this link also allows us to really understand what we’re learning, which is extremely gratifying.

In your opinion, what are the main advantages of the AM that you have followed?

The main assets of the TAS AERO FTE course are the quality of the lessons given, the teachers are very attentive and won’t hesitate to give private lessons in their spare time if they need to. I’d like to pay special tribute to Mr Éric Poquillon for this, even though we may have taken up too much of his free time… (Sorry)

His career plan

What are your career plans?

My goal is to become an airline pilot. For me, being an aeronautical engineer is just a back-up plan that would allow me to work in a field that I love if ever the pilot profession closes its doors to me.

How will your Advanced Master® prepare you to achieve these goals?

This Advanced Master® gives me the key knowledge and skills to better understand the systems I’ll be working with as a pilot. On the other hand, it allows me to move into an area that interests me as an engineer, which is flight testing and operations.

Have you completed a work placement or assignment as part of your AM?

Yes, I did a 6-month internship at ATR in the pilot training centre. During this work placement, I wrote a manual of ATR recommendations for pilot training aimed at training organisations. This manual is in line with the new CBTA (Competency based training assessment) and EBT (Evidence based Training) training standards, in order to comply with ICAO and EASA regulations. This course is fascinating because I get to talk to pilots every day, whether it’s the instructors with their wealth of experience or the trainee pilots taking their type rating, who help me to be more intelligent.

His advice

What would you say to a future student who is hesitating about joining an ISAE-SUPAERO Advanced Master®?

If you are hesitating for financial reasons, it is always possible to work after your degree and join the course a few years later. Nothing is limiting. If you’re unsure about what you’re going to learn, you can always ask someone who has done the Advanced Master® on LinkedIn or elsewhere.

Any advice for a successful Advanced Master® at ISAE-SUPAERO?

Teamwork is essential and there’s no point in going it alone.

” One day the sky will be free, with me in my ATR, holding my stick free.

In all seriousness: the path to our own sky is through the pleasure of our own hell.

If you had to sum up your experience in one word, three adjectives or one sentence?

Understanding is a reward on a mountain to climb.

Testimony of Jean-Michel Biel, head of programme “MS Safety Management in Aviation”

Testimony of Jean-Michel Biel

Presentation

Why is Safety Management considered a critical competency for aviation professionals worldwide?

What makes your Safety Management programme unique compared to other aviation safety programmes internationally?

What career opportunities and roles can graduates expect after completing this programme?

Why should an international student choose this program to advance their career in aviation safety?

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IEM Advanced Master® student (class of 2025)

Identity card

His career before ISAE-SUPAERO

What was your academic background before joining ISAE-SUPAERO?

Did you already have professional experience before the Advanced Master®?

Why did you choose ISAE-SUPAERO for your Advanced Master®?

How did you hear about our Advanced Master® programme?

His career at ISAE-SUPAERO

What specific skills or knowledge have you come to acquire in this programme?

What subjects, projects, challenges or experiences have particularly impressed you during your training?

In your opinion, what are the main advantages of the programme that you have followed?

How would you describe student life at ISAE-SUPAERO?

His career plan