Jean Boulet (aviator)

Jean Boulet
Born	Template:Birth date Brunoy, France
Died	February 13, 2011(2011-02-13) (aged 90) Aix-en-Provence, France
Occupation(s)	Aviator, test pilot
Known for	Pioneering rotorcraft flight testing, world altitude record in helicopter autorotation

Jean Boulet (born 16 November 1920 in Brunoy, passed away 13 February 2011 in Aix-en-Provence) was a distinguished French aviator renowned for his pioneering contributions to rotorcraft flight testing. He was honored with the Aeronautical Medal in 1957 and, in 1983, became one of the founding members of the French National Air and Space Academy. He lived to the age of 90.

Early life

Originating from the Paris region, Boulet completed his studies at the Ecole Polytechnique in 1940. By 1947, he had joined SNCASE, an organization that later transformed into Sud Aviation and eventually became part of the helicopter division within Aérospatiale.

Career

Boulet received military pilot training in the United States while serving with the French Air Force, and was among the earliest international pilots to operate helicopters under the United States Air Force. He emerged as a prominent expert in rotorcraft flight evaluation.

Aviation records

He established several world records involving rotorcraft, including achievements in distance, altitude, and velocity. A highlight occurred on 21 June 1972 when he piloted an Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama to an altitude record that remains unbeaten. During his descent, an engine flameout caused by severe cold conditions forced him to perform the highest recorded full autorotation landing without engine power—a world record in itself. This accomplishment showcased remarkable piloting expertise and greatly enhanced understanding of helicopter performance at extreme elevations.

Publications

• L'Histoire de L'hélicoptère, Racontée Par Ses Pionniers, 1907-1956 (Editions France-Empire, 1982)
• History Of The Helicopter: As Told By Its Pioneers, 1907-1956, translated by Claude Dawson (Editions France-Empire, 1984)