It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Claude Bechet aka “Syd”, emeritus member of the Academy, on December 27, 2022.
Claude Bechet was a fighter pilot and a engineer at the CEV Flight Test Centre (1960), a civil pilot (1962) and captain at Air France (1967). In 1971, he also became an airline transport pilot instructor and then an inspector and accident investigator (1977-1993). His work as a pilot continued throughout his life through numerous institutions and associations. Il fût secrétaire d’Europilote (1966-1976), représenta la France à l’IFALPA (1967-1976) et fût président de l’APNA (1981-1993). He was also First Vice-President of the association “Les Ailes Brisées” (1985-1992) and Chairman of the Flight Safety Foundation, European Advisory Committee (1995-1998).
He was elected correspondent of the AAE in 1984 and fellow in 1990. He was Secretary General from 2004 to 2007, then President of the Prizes and Medals Commission (2008-2016). He was an active member of Section III. A tribute will be paid to him at the next session.
The religious ceremony will be celebrated on Monday, January 2, 2023, at 3 p.m., in the Saint-Sernin Basilica in Toulouse, Place Saint-Sernin.
Interment will take place on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at 2:30 p.m., at Bagneux cemetery, Saumur. The family thanks you for joining in your intention to this last farewell.
