Death of Éric Gérard, Dassault Aviation test pilot from 1991 to 2017
©
Dassault Aviation – DR
We were deeply saddened to learn of Éric Gérard’s death on September 17 in a touring plane accident in Italy.
Éric Gérard was born in Morhange (Moselle) in 1955. After studying science, he joined the French Navy in 1975 as an active reserve officer. From 1976 to 1987, he was a naval fighter pilot with the 17F and 14F squadrons. He took part in several operations in Lebanon.
He then joined the École du personnel navigant d’essais et de réception (EPNER), and became a test pilot at DGA’s Centre d’essais en vol (CEV), then an instructor.
In 1991, he joined Dassault Aviation as a test pilot. He first worked on the development of the modernized Super-Etendard. He was the very first pilot to land on the Charles-de-Gaulle aircraft carrier. He then took part in the development of the Mirage 2000-5 and the Rafale M and C. He was at the forefront of Rafale Marine trials in the United States and on the Foch aircraft carrier. He also contributed to the development of the nEUROn and the Falcon 8X (for which he made the first flight). He also provided aerial presentations of the Mirage 2000, Rafale and Falcon aircraft at numerous air shows and meetings. His spectacular flight demonstrations of the Rafale at Le Bourget, at over 50 years of age, are remembered by all, and reinforced his exceptional reputation among the international test pilot community.
He retired in 2017.
Éric Gérard was a knight of the Légion d’honneur and holder of the médaille de l’Aéronautique.
A force of nature, he was renowned for his strong character, outspokenness, humor and enthusiasm. He left his mark on an entire generation within Dassault Aviation.
To his family and friends, our company extends its deepest sympathy and condolences.
