1. THE ESSENTIALS
France-BIA revolutionizes access to aviation training by offering courses for the Brevet d'Initiation à l'Aéronautique (BIA - Aviation Initiation Certificate) 100% live via videoconference, accessible from anywhere in the world.
Key Highlights
What Sets Us Apart
Professional Teaching
Courses taught by a professional flight instructor (20 years experience) or by young engineers in training at top schools
Zero E-Learning
All courses are conducted live - no pre-recorded modules
Transparent Pricing
€12/hour including free 3-year competition coaching
2. WHO WE ARE
Sandra Bouxirot - Founder and Educational Director
Exceptional Military Background
Sandra Bouxirot is among the first five female pilots in the French Air Force. With 27 years of experience in the French Air and Space Force and civilian aviation, she has trained numerous professional pilots in one of the most demanding environments in the world.
Qualifications
- Professional flight instructor (CPL - Commercial Pilot Licence)
- Holder of CAEA (Certificate of Aptitude for Teaching Aeronautics) issued by the French Ministry of Education
- Human factors trainer
The CAEA is a diploma that validates a level of knowledge and skills necessary for teaching an introduction to scientific and technical culture in aeronautics and space. It is mandatory to supervise BIA teaching according to Article D. 338-44 of the French Education Code.
Current Role
- Educational Director of France-BIA and AeroJeune
- Main instructor for Saturday courses
- Occasional interventions on Sundays and Mondays
The AeroJeune Subsidiary: Engineering Careers
Why AeroJeune? Because careers in aeronautics and space are numerous and not limited to pilots. AeroJeune allows young people to discover engineering paths through teaching by young students at prestigious engineering schools.
Romain Bouxirot
- Centrale Lille Engineering School
- Dual degree EDHEC (GETT - Global Economic Transformation and Technology)
- 4th place worldwide in Financial Times Master in Management ranking
- Passionate about science, space, and history
- Teaches part of Sunday and Monday courses alternately
Loïc Bouxirot
- IMT Nord Europe Engineering School
- Dual degree Imperial College London
- 12th worldwide in data science and AI (QS ranking)
- Passionate about aerodynamics, science, AI, and mechanics
- Teaches part of Sunday and Monday courses alternately
3. OUR UNIQUE EDUCATIONAL MODEL
Zero E-Learning: Humans at the Heart of Training
Fundamental Principle: No pre-recorded modules. All courses are conducted live by an instructor who interacts in real time with students.
Why No E-Learning?
E-learning, even well-designed, leaves students alone in front of their screens. At France-BIA:
- Students are never left alone
- They benefit from continuous personalized support
- Questions receive immediate answers
- Courses are enriched with lived experiences impossible to pre-record
- Human interaction maintains motivation
Educational Organization
Virtual Classes
25-30 students maximum per class
Continuity
A single instructor follows the class all year (maximum two for AeroJeune)
Rhythm
2 hours of instruction per week from September to April
Reviews
Intensive live sessions with analysis of previous years' multiple-choice questions
Professional Instructors, Not Volunteers
Teaching skills are not invented, they are acquired through years of experience.
Many institutions and flying clubs offer the BIA with volunteer enthusiasts or general education teachers. France-BIA guarantees:
Main Training
- Professional flight instructor certified CAEA
- 20 years of experience training professional pilots
- Teaching skills acquired in the ultra-demanding Air Force environment
AeroJeune Subsidiary
- Young engineers in training at top schools
- Complementary vision of technical and scientific careers
- Student-to-future-student experience sharing
Just because someone is a pilot doesn't automatically mean they have teaching skills. Sandra Bouxirot is both a pilot AND a qualified instructor, which makes all the difference.
Educational Resources
During courses:
- Official manuals
- Educational videos
- Exam archives
- Real-life stories and field anecdotes
Free resources in open access (no registration):
- Interactive quizzes based on BIA exams from 2015 to 2025
- Official exam multiple-choice questions
- Commented corrections
4. THE BIA: A STRATEGIC DIPLOMA
What is the BIA?
The Brevet d'Initiation à l'Aéronautique (Aviation Initiation Certificate) is an official diploma from the French Ministry of Education created to introduce young people to aeronautics and aerospace sciences and techniques.
Target Audience
- Students from 9th grade to high school
- Minimum age: 13 years
- No nationality requirement
- No obligation to be enrolled in a French institution
Exam
- Single-choice multiple-choice test
- 5 mandatory modules (20 questions each)
- 1 optional module (aeronautical English)
- Minimum 50 correct answers out of 100
Strategic Advantages of the BIA
For Higher Education
Parcoursup and Career Guidance:
A student capable of following the standard French education program AND a second diploma program in parallel stands out significantly. The BIA proves: ability to do "more", intellectual curiosity, open-mindedness, interest in sciences, time management.
Access to Selective Programs: The BIA has become an almost mandatory prerequisite to enter aeronautical engineering schools, university aerospace programs, and specialized technical programs.
For Competitions and Selections
The BIA is now expected, even required, for:
- Military Competitions: EOPN (Air Force), EOPAN (Navy), ALAT (Army)
- Civilian Training: ENAC, airline cadet programs
Free Coaching Included: France-BIA offers its students free support for 3 years to prepare for these competitions and selections.
To Become a Pilot
- The BIA covers 60% of private pilot license (PPL) theory
- Allows starting to fly as early as 15 years old (LAPL-ABL Basic Authorization)
- Gives access to scholarships to finance flight hours
- Validity: 36 months within flight training, lifetime otherwise
To Understand Sciences
The BIA allows understanding the practical utility of mathematics and physics through practical applications: navigation calculations, aerodynamic principles, applied meteorology, fluid mechanics.
It's an excellent tool against academic dropout, particularly for students with very good abilities but little interest in school, and for high potential individuals.
5. RESULTS AND TESTIMONIALS
Student Testimonials 2024-2025
Amine, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, France
"Hello Sandra, On this day, Thursday, June 19, 2025, I announce that... I PASSED WITH HIGHEST HONORS MY BIA I GOT 19.6 OUT OF 20. I thank you enormously for all the courses and professional video conferences that allowed me to progress in the field of aeronautics. I also reviewed well thanks to your interactive quizzes which are excellent (...). Thank you again, Sandra."
Lina, Muscat, Oman
"At first I wasn't particularly passionate about aeronautics but I just wanted to know more and have an additional diploma for Parcoursup. But now thanks to everything you taught me I realized that I love the field of aeronautics and space and that I hope one day to be able to work in one of these environments! Thank you again for your enriching courses and your enthusiasm in teaching us!"
Victor, Garches, France
"A small message to thank you for this beautiful year where I learned a lot and which allowed me to arrive calmly at the exam this afternoon. Just by reviewing with the past exams I was able to prepare very well, it's really a very useful feature of your site! I remembered all the little memory tricks you taught us!"
Parent Testimonials
Cécilia, Marius's mother
"Without you, he would never have gotten the BIA. Even if it wasn't easy, it remains a formidable feeling of success, wings for the future and acquired knowledge that are priceless for the future on very varied subjects. (...) I look at the sky differently now! Marius is currently interning at the Cazaux base. How many unknown professions! Immense thanks for what you brought us, Sandra's always attentive ear and your involvement in everything around aviation/space."
Fabien D., Louise's father, Linas, France
"I wanted to thank you for your motivation and dynamism in leading these courses. It's not easy for a young person to motivate themselves on Saturday morning to follow a course in front of a computer but Louise did it with enthusiasm every week. If some hesitate about their level, Louise was in 10th grade and thought at the beginning of the year that it would be too complicated for her but, by making the necessary efforts, she was able to follow easily throughout the year."
6. PARTNERSHIPS AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT
Worldwide Accessibility
Principle: Aeronautics and space have no borders. Pilots worldwide possess equivalent diplomas based on a common knowledge base. The BIA constitutes the first step of this basic foundation.
This Year: 23 Countries Represented
- Metropolitan France and overseas territories
- AEFE network (Agency for French Education Abroad)
- Individual students worldwide (Australia, UK, Germany, USA, Belgium, Spane, Singapore, Indonsesia, Canada, Oman, Peru, Portugal, Switzerland, UAE, etc.)
Only Requirement: Quality internet connection and understand French (teaching exclusively in French).
Social Commitment: Aviation for All
Founding Principle: "If I could become a pilot, anyone can!" - Sandra Bouxirot
Too many teenagers and parents think aeronautics is reserved for an elite. France-BIA fights this misconception.
Inclusion Program
France-BIA integrates each year young people from disadvantaged neighborhoods and scholarship recipients who dream of working in aeronautics or aerospace.
Offer:
- Completely free BIA training
- Personalized coaching
- Support towards excellence programs
Procedures: Limited places, application file submission, selection based on motivation and project
Events and Professional Meetings
Regular Meetings Included in Training
5-6 free appointments with various professionals throughout the year: airline pilots, fighter pilots, helicopter pilots, aviation mechanics, air traffic controllers, engineers (civilian and military), space careers.
Notable Event: Women's Day 2025
Exceptional webinar organized in partnership with BecomTech and led by Nakia Traoré.
Exceptional Speakers:
- Claudie Haigneré - First French female astronaut, scientist, former minister
- Brigitte Godard - Astronaut physician
- Chloé Carrière - Aerospace engineer and science communicator (Galactic Chloé)
Objective: Highlight the inspiring journey of French women in aerospace and aeronautics. Build together a more inclusive and equitable world.
7. PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Course Organization
Duration
2 hours of instruction per week
From September to April (approximately 30 weeks)
Total: approximately 50 hours of live instruction
Format
Live courses via videoconference
Virtual classes of 25-30 students maximum
Permanent interaction with instructor
Time Slots
Saturday Sandra Bouxirot
Sunday Loïc or Romain
Monday evening Loïc or Romain
Check france-bia.com for precise schedules
Audience
Enrolled at minimum in 9th grade
Ideally 10th, 11th, 12th grade
Minimum age: 13 years
Recommended maximum age: 21 years
Pricing and Inclusions
Training Cost: €12 per hour of instruction
Approximately €590 for the complete year (50 hours of instruction)
This price includes:
- 2 hours of live instruction per week with professional flight instructor or young engineer
- Intensive reviews before exam with analysis of previous years' multiple-choice questions
- 5-6 free meetings with aeronautics and space professionals
- Free coaching for 3 years for competition preparation (ENAC, EOPN, EOPAN, cadets)
- Support with BIA exam registration procedures
- Access to educational resources (manuals, videos, archives)
Free resources in open access (without enrollment):
- Interactive quizzes based on BIA exams from 2015 to 2025
- Commented archives
- Training multiple-choice questions
Registration
Registration Period: Opens early March
Limited places per time slot - Principle: first registered, first served
Procedure: Online registration via france-bia.com
Required Equipment
- Computer with webcam and microphone (recommended) or tablet
- Stable quality internet connection
- Audio headset recommended
- Quiet space to follow courses
8. CONTACT
Website: www.france-bia.com
Press Contact: Sandra Bouxirot, Director - Via form on website
Resources Available for Press
Visuals
- High-resolution photos of Sandra Bouxirot
- Event and visit photos
- Educational visuals
- France-BIA logos
Testimonials
- Student testimonials (text and video)
- Parent testimonials
- Alumni journeys
Data
- Success statistics
- Student geographical distribution
- Activity evolution
Interviews
- Sandra Bouxirot available for interviews
- Possibility to interview students and parents
- Loïc and Romain Bouxirot available