Aeronautics class in Alsace - Episode 10: July 2023 - School trip

At the end of June, the students of the Year 10 ISAS class (Introduction to Aeronautical and Space Sciences) went on a school trip, and what better way to round off a school year rich in aeronautical discoveries than a visit to the Paris-Le Bourget International Aerospace Show (SIAE)?

Everyone had been asked to meet in front of the lycée on the morning of Thursday 22 June; despite the light rain that joined us during the preparations, the trip got off to the best possible start. By a quirk of the calendar, or perhaps a sign of good fortune, the Aeronautical Initiation Certificate results had just come out for the Strasbourg Academy, and we were delighted to learn that every student in our aeronautics class had passed the exam, the great majority with honours: more than half the class earned the "Very Good" distinction. A festive, relaxed atmosphere was guaranteed on the coach that took us straight to our hotel, a stone's throw from the show.

After a free evening to enjoy the calm of the hotel and its all-you-can-eat buffet, which delighted our little group, and a good night's sleep, it was time to begin our aeronautical adventures.

On the programme for this first day: discovering the show and its "l'avion des métiers" area, an exhibition of aviation careers and studies, and to finish the day the famous air show.

The students took their first steps into the show with real enthusiasm; very quickly their eyes lit up and widened, not knowing where to look among so many stands, each more interesting than the last. But it was the Air Force stand that was an instant hit: the Rafales, Mirage 2000 and other NH90 "Caïman" helicopters on show to the curious public leave no one indifferent. The many flight engineers and fighter pilots manning the stand were very approachable and gladly answered our students' precise and searching questions.

After the Air Force, it was time for us to discover the full range of careers in the aviation world and head for the "l'avion des métiers" hangar. It really is a hangar we walked into, since no fewer than two Concordes are parked there, and we strolled beneath their immense wings, between their landing gear and the stands of the various schools preparing people for the many different careers of the aeronautical world. The students were free to move around as they pleased and talk to the professionals or schools of their choice.

After a well-earned lunch break at the excellent bistro with the evocative name "L'Hélice", it was time to attend the highlight of the day: the spectacular air show. Placed as close as possible to the action thanks to our "professional visitor" badge, the students were captivated by this striking display of very varied aircraft: the grace of the Extra 300 aerobatics, the power and manoeuvrability of the "Tigre" combat helicopter, the legendary aura of the 1940 Supermarine Spitfire fighter, and as the climax the deafening power of the Rafales, F35s and F16s and their engines producing more than 15 tonnes of thrust, which make the sky and the ground shake. The highlight of the show: the arrival of the Patrouille de France, which put on a magnificent aerial dance to celebrate its 70 candles.

On the second day, after visiting the stand of FFPLUM, partner of the ISAS class, which was showing the Elektra Trainer among other things, an electric microlight offering an impressive endurance of 2 hours 30 for an identical charging time, we went off to discover the Air and Space Museum: a real dive into the history of aeronautics and space through its 150 aircraft displayed along a chronological route, from the dawn of aviation to the adventurers of space exploration. After an obligatory stop at the show's shop, it was time for us to leave this extraordinary place, our eyes full of stars.

It had long been dark when we arrived in front of the lycée, but I am sure of one thing: the next day, when the sun rises, the students will look at the sky differently.
Jean PINTA
© Text and photos

Read earlier episodes

Episode 1: Opening of the aeronautics class

Episode 2: Discovering the adventurers of aeronautics and space

Episode 3: The ISAS Year 10 class visits an aircraft maintenance company

Episode 4: Aeronautics-themed competition

Episode 5: Justine's first flying experience

Episode 6: Aeronautics course and class inauguration

Episode 7: Open Day and control tower visit

Episode 8: Talk by the President of Aviatik CAP Alsace, an aviation doctor

Episode 9: The BIA exams and the end of the school year at the lycée