First To Fly The Puma, Gazelle, SE3000, And Other Helicopters

ANN has learned that Eurocopter test pilot Jean Boulet passed away earlier this week at the age of 90. In a statement released to the media, the company paid tribute to Boulet's "legendary piloting skills and passion for flying established the Group's place in the history of rotorcraft."

 
Jean Boulet Eurocopter Photo

First hired in 1947 by the SNCASE, which would later become Sud Aviation and then the Helicopter division of the Aerospatiale Group, Jean Boulet was considered a pioneer in the history of rotorcraft flight testing. Some of his career highlights include the first flights of the SE3000, the SE3101, the Alouette, Frelon, Puma, Gazelle families and the Lama. Jean Boulet would set 17 world records during his career, including the record for the highest altitude. At the controls of a Lama, Jean Boulet reached an altitude of 12,442 meters (40,820 feet) on June 21, 1972. His record still stands today.

Jean Boulet received the prestigious "X Supaéro" engineering degree from the French aeronautics institute in Toulouse, and chalked up more than 9,000 flight hours during the course of his career—including over 8,000 in helicopters. He was well known for his love of flying and "derring-do," but was also widely respected for his modesty and unassuming nature.

FMI: www.eurocopter.com