Cécile HELLOUIN DE MENIBUS : And today we are joined by Nicolas Pinhas, General Manager of Hexagone Aviation School. Hello, thank you for being live with us on Sud Radio.

Nicolas PINHAS : Hello, and thank you for having Hexagone on air.

Cécile HELLOUIN DE MENIBUS : You're welcome. So, you are a training center for aspiring professional pilots, both professional and private, or just one or the other?

Nicolas PINHAS : Exactly, we are a training center for both private and professional pilots, but our core business primarily focuses on professional training.

Cécile HELLOUIN DE MENIBUS : So, it appears there's a pilot shortage in Europe today; 54,000 pilots in Europe, what is that attributed to?

Nicolas PINHAS : Indeed, 54,000 pilots will be needed in Europe by 2030. This is due to two factors: firstly, the replacement of pilots currently nearing retirement, considering the age demographic, and secondly, an additional 20,000 pilots will be required to support growth, as Boeing and Airbus annually forecast a 4% increase in air traffic per year until 2040.

Cécile HELLOUIN DE MENIBUS : Understood. Ah, yes, indeed. So, regarding the proportion of men and women today, I imagine it tends to... Is the balance still heavily male-dominated, or are we seeing more and more female pilots?

Nicolas PINHAS : Yes, indeed, the balance remains predominantly male. However, this is a reality that the industry, particularly training schools, is aware of. There is no reason why women should not pursue pilot training. It is not a physically demanding profession, and we are directing our communication to convince women that they have every opportunity and are welcome in this career.

Cécile HELLOUIN DE MENIBUS : So today, a minimum set of aptitudes is required. What are the fundamental prerequisites to begin pilot courses and potentially pursue it as a profession?

Nicolas PINHAS : First and foremost, we must demystify the medical requirements. These were relaxed by the European Union approximately ten years ago. It is now possible to be a pilot and wear corrective lenses. Subsequently, regarding the academic and cultural background, to commence training at Hexagone, we conduct an entrance assessment for mathematics, physics, and English competencies, and we identify with candidates where they require reinforcement. Then, prior to beginning the airline pilot training itself, there are reinforcement sessions for mathematics and physics.

Cécile HELLOUIN DE MENIBUS : Understood. Does that mean that those who begin training with you today will be qualified in how much time?

Nicolas PINHAS : Indeed, our ambition at Hexagone is to offer an "Ab Initio" training program that enables individuals with no prior flying experience to become airline pilots, ready for employment in the job market, within two years, provided they attend the school full-time.

Cécile HELLOUIN DE MENIBUS : Ah, yes, that's it.

Nicolas PINHAS : Of course, but at Hexagone, our objective is to adapt to all pilot profiles, including students who have completed their baccalaureate or one or two years of higher education, as well as professionals undergoing career changes. We individualize the training programs.

Cécile HELLOUIN DE MENIBUS : And up to what age, it's important to mention, up to what age can one pursue this profession for a career change? What is the age limit?

Nicolas PINHAS : There is no limit, apart from, of course, retirement age. Currently, we observe successful career transitions for individuals up to 40-45 years old, with no difficulty in the job market, and for employers, this still allows sufficient time to retain their personnel.

Cécile HELLOUIN DE MENIBUS : Thank you very much, Nicolas Pinhas, for being with us, General Manager of... Hexagone Aviation School. Go inquire; perhaps there's a place for you, and this profession is meant for you.