Mathieu H. - Trainee Pilot, Air France

MINI PORTRAIT

Originally from the Seine-et-Marne area, I started my engineering studies in Paris. At Centrale Nantes, I followed the aeronautics and industrial engineering specialisations in the second and third year. At the same time, I was heavily involved in associations, particularly through the Junior-Enterprise and in my final year as President of the Atlantic Forum.

YOUR CURRENT POSITION

After graduation, I worked for 6 months as a project management consultant at LGM, on a project for Safran Aircraft Engines. I then had the opportunity to realize my dream, and I am now a trainee airline pilot at Air France. After 7 months of theoretical training, I am currently undergoing 18 months of practical training, in order to operate as a co-pilot on medium-haul flights (France and Europe) from autumn 2020.
 

AND WHAT ABOUT ECO-RESPONSIBILITY ?

It is above all passion that guided my choice towards my current position. The air transport sector is certainly strongly criticised from an ecological point of view, but the best way to limit its impact is from within, particularly thanks to operational procedures developed in this direction. 

WHAT ARE YOUR SHORT- AND MEDIUM- TERM GOALS?

Long haul appeals me so that I can travel around the world, and then promotion to captain. Training others within Air France, in parallel with my activity as a pilot, is also an area that interests me. This in turn would allow me to pass on expertise to other pilots in the company.

WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR TRAINING BEST PREPARED YOU FOR YOUR CURRENT ROLE ?

Adaptability and open-mindedness are two essential attributes for a pilot because no two days are alike (change of crew, destination, etc.). Centrale also allowed me to sharpen my analytical skills, allowing me to have the best possible situational awareness at all times in a cockpit.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE AT CENTRALE NANTES?

What impressed me the most at Centrale was the diversity, especially the diversity of courses: associative, double degree, gap year, international experience, everything is possible as long as it is consistent with your project. It is up to you to create your own customized training path and Centrale will support you to make it happen.

ADVICE FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

You'll have a lot of opportunities throughout your studies at Centrale Nantes and after; grab them and make the most of them, each one will be personally and/or professionally rewarding

CENTRALE NANTES IN THREE WORDS

Diversity - Opportunities - Versatility