France Ministry of Defence, March 11, 2024 - Since adolescence, Captain Bérénice harbored the ambition of becoming a helicopter pilot.
"After my preparatory class at La Flèche, my goal was to join the Air School, but a medical incapacity prevented me from realizing my wish. It was a hard blow, but, optimistic and ambitious, I found another solution to achieve my ultimate goal—flying. After joining the Air and Space Force in 2008 as a flight simulator instructor, I tried my luck again in 2011 and became a flight personnel officer cadet (EOPN).
"After passing the selection tests, I began my training at the Army Light Aviation School (EALAT) in Dax, then at Luc, and finally at the Army Training Center for Helicopter Crews (CIEH) at Orange Air Base 115. In 2015, at the end of my training, I was assigned to Fennec within the 5/67 'Alpilles' squadron at Air Base 115.
"Since 2021, I have been flying over Corsica aboard my Puma. Within the 1/44 Helicopter Squadron (EH) of Solenzara, my daily life is not routine, and that is appreciable.
"Although I complete nearly 200 hours of flight training per year, and the briefing-flight-debriefing trio punctuates my week, I also carry out other missions that I hold dear. As a flight safety officer (FSO), I ensure the proper application of aviation safety rules within the squadron. I also enjoy being the traditions officer of the squadron and helping to keep the EH association alive, a 1901 law association.
"Sporty and serene, as a mother of young twins, I am delighted as soon as I am on board my helicopter. Regularly, I take the time to appreciate how lucky I am to be flying. It's important to remember this. Within the EH, the Puma conducts search and rescue (SAR) missions for people in distress, on land and at sea, as well as medical evacuations (EVASAN).
"I will always remember the storm of August 18, 2022, when I carried out several evacuations of people stranded on their sailboat at sea. Radio communications were almost impossible. On board, we had very little information; it was worthy of an apocalyptic situation. It was the first time in my career that I had made so many rescues in one day—a day full of adrenaline," she recalls.
Soon, I will have the privilege of representing, on a national scale, the Air and Space Force as the keeper of the Olympic flame during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. A great experience that I am preparing to live from May to July.
My last words for a future or young aviator: Motivation and determination are the keys to success. If you want to become a pilot, do it. Go for it! Don't worry about being a woman!"
"After my preparatory class at La Flèche, my goal was to join the Air School, but a medical incapacity prevented me from realizing my wish. It was a hard blow, but, optimistic and ambitious, I found another solution to achieve my ultimate goal—flying. After joining the Air and Space Force in 2008 as a flight simulator instructor, I tried my luck again in 2011 and became a flight personnel officer cadet (EOPN).
"After passing the selection tests, I began my training at the Army Light Aviation School (EALAT) in Dax, then at Luc, and finally at the Army Training Center for Helicopter Crews (CIEH) at Orange Air Base 115. In 2015, at the end of my training, I was assigned to Fennec within the 5/67 'Alpilles' squadron at Air Base 115.
"Since 2021, I have been flying over Corsica aboard my Puma. Within the 1/44 Helicopter Squadron (EH) of Solenzara, my daily life is not routine, and that is appreciable.
"Although I complete nearly 200 hours of flight training per year, and the briefing-flight-debriefing trio punctuates my week, I also carry out other missions that I hold dear. As a flight safety officer (FSO), I ensure the proper application of aviation safety rules within the squadron. I also enjoy being the traditions officer of the squadron and helping to keep the EH association alive, a 1901 law association.
"Sporty and serene, as a mother of young twins, I am delighted as soon as I am on board my helicopter. Regularly, I take the time to appreciate how lucky I am to be flying. It's important to remember this. Within the EH, the Puma conducts search and rescue (SAR) missions for people in distress, on land and at sea, as well as medical evacuations (EVASAN).
"I will always remember the storm of August 18, 2022, when I carried out several evacuations of people stranded on their sailboat at sea. Radio communications were almost impossible. On board, we had very little information; it was worthy of an apocalyptic situation. It was the first time in my career that I had made so many rescues in one day—a day full of adrenaline," she recalls.
Soon, I will have the privilege of representing, on a national scale, the Air and Space Force as the keeper of the Olympic flame during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. A great experience that I am preparing to live from May to July.
My last words for a future or young aviator: Motivation and determination are the keys to success. If you want to become a pilot, do it. Go for it! Don't worry about being a woman!"
Solenzara (BA126) See also |
EH 1/44
Escadron d'Helicopteres 01.044 Armée de l'Air French Air Force Super Puma / Cougar / Caracal in
Armée de l'Air 
