Tribute to Jean-Claude Wanner, Pioneer of Aviation Safety and Founding Member of the Academy
The Air and Space Academy (AAE) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Mr. Jean-Claude Wanner on August 24, 2026, at the age of 95.
A General Engineer of Armaments and a graduate of the École Polytechnique and the École nationale supérieure de l’aéronautique (SupAéro), Jean-Claude Wanner devoted his life to advancing French aeronautics and the philosophy of flight safety.
A Career Dedicated to Flight Testing and Innovation
As a military pilot and test flight engineer at the Flight Test Center (CEV), he distinguished himself as early as the 1950s during particularly demanding test campaigns. He is notably remembered for his exploratory flights on the Vautour twin-jet prototype, during which he demonstrated both great composure and absolute technical mastery.
A key figure in major national programs, he subsequently played a leading role in the technical and safety studies for the Concorde program within the Aeronautics Technical Service (STAé). A leading theorist in risk management, he defined numerous principles of aviation safety that are now widely accepted, aptly noting that “ensuring safety means committing to reasonably limiting risk, not eliminating it.”
An Unwavering Commitment to the Academy and the Transmission of Knowledge
As a founding member of the Académie de l’Air et de l’Espace, Jean-Claude Wanner left a profound mark on the institution. His rigorous approach, analytical expertise, and broad perspective have informed countless studies, reports, and reflections over the decades.
Deeply committed to the transmission of knowledge, he was also an influential professor for generations of engineers (notably at ISAE-SUPAERO), who remember him for his brilliant teaching and his rare intellectual rigor.
The president, the executive board, all members of the Académie de l’Air et de l’Espace, and the permanent staff extend their most sincere condolences to his family, loved ones, and all those who knew him throughout his illustrious career.
A tribute will be paid to him at a forthcoming session.
