History
Narrative Summary
The French Air Ministry (Ministère de l’Air) was first established in 1928. Within a fews years it appears that a dedicated flying unit had been set up to transport ministry officials around the country. At least one of its aircraft was involved in a fatal accident. This unit was in operation well before the SCTA (Government Aviation Unit), which did not appear until 1937, and so cannot be confused with it. Immediately after WW2 the Ministère de l’Air, Direction Technique et Industrie also operated several aircraft. In 1947 the Ministère de l’Air was merged into the Ministère des Armees which later became the Ministere de la Defense. The flying unit was still active in the 1950s.
Key Dates
| 14 September 1928 | Air Ministry first established. | |
| 1933? | First aircraft obtained. | |
| 22 October 1947 | Air Ministry merged into Defence Ministry. | |
| 19?? | Flying unit disbanded. |
Current Status
The flying unit was disbanded.
Future Plans
Not applicable.
Markings
Special Markings
Air Ministry aircraft often operated in a natural metal finish with rudders stripes in the national colours. No service titles wwere carried.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
Air Ministry aircraft carried standard French civil registrations, e.g. Potez 662 F-ARAY.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
Not applicable.
All-Time Aircraft Used List
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Out of Service | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amiot AAC.1 (Ju 52/3m) | ? | 1945 | 1949 | France |
| Bloch MB.120 | 1 | 1933 | 1934 | France |
| Caudron C.445 | ? | 1945 | 1951 | France |
| Douglas DC-3 | 1 | 1951 | 19?? | USA |
| Douglas C-53D | 2 | 1945 | 1950 | USA |
| Farman F.390 | 1 | 1933 | 1936 | France |
| Liore et Olivier LeO 451 | 1 | 1951 | 19?? | France |
| Lockheed C-60 Lodestar | 4+ | 1945 | 1947 | USA |
| Morane Saulnier MS.502 Criquet | ? | 1945 | 1966 | France |
| Nord 1000 | 1 | 1945 | 1966 | France |
| Potez 62 | 1 | 1936 | 19?? | France |
| Potez 662 | 1 | 1938 | 1941 | France |
| SNCAC NC.700 | 1 | 1945 | 1947 | France |
| Sud Ouest SO.30P | 1 | 1951 | 19?? | France |
(Additional information is welcome).
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Ministère de l’Air, Boulevard Victor, Paris.
Organisational Structure
All aircraft were operated by the flying unit of the Air Ministry.
Current Unit Assignments
Not applicable
Historical Unit Assignments
Not applicable.
All-Time Flying Units List
Not applicable.
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
Not applicable.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
Air bases used include ?.
More Information
Books
To be added.
Magazines
To be added
Websites
wikipedia.fr: Ministère de l’Air (France)
wikipedia: Potez 662
Aviation Safety Network
DTI
French Register