History
Narrative Summary
On 21 August 1937 the SCTA – Section Centrale des Transports Aériens (Central Air Transport Section) was formally established. The SCTA was tasked with transporting top civil and military officials from all branches of the government around France and to the overseas territories. It also was made responsible for Air Force aircraft temporarily loaned to pilots for record breaking long distance flights.
After the armistice of June 1940, this unit was replaced by the SSLA – Section spéciale de liaisons aériennes (Special Air Liaison Section) – with the main base moved from Villacoublay to Maison Blanche in Algeria. After the start of the Operation Torch landings in North Africa in late 1942 the unit moved to Boufarik and took the name Lignes Aériennes Militaires (LAM). In early 1943 the unit became Section de Liaison Aérienne 352 (SLA 352) of the Free French Air Force, thus ceasing to be a government agency.
Key Dates
| 21 August 1937 | SCTA established. | |
| 29 October 1940 | SCTA becomes SSLA. | |
| November 1942 | SSLA becomes LAM. | |
| early 1943 | LAM becomes SLA 352. |
Current Status
The SCTA was eventually replaced by the GLAM units of the French Air Force.
Future Plans
Not applicable.
Markings
Special Markings
SCTA/SSLA aircraft often operated in a natural metal finish with rudders stripes in the national colours and air force style roundels on the wings. No service titles wwere carried.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
SCTA/SSLA 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 340 | 1 | 1938 | 1938 | France |
| Caudron C.270 Luciole | ? | 1940 | 1943 | France |
| Caudron C.410 Phalene | ? | 1940 | 1943 | France |
| Caudron C.445 Goeland | ? | 1940 | 1943 | France |
| Caudron C.635 Simoun | ? | 1940 | 1943 | France |
| Liore et Olivier LeO 45 | 1 | 1942 | 1943 | France |
| Lockheed C-60A Lodestar | ? | 1943 | 1944 | USA |
| Martin 167F Maryland | 1 | 1940 | 1943 | USA |
| Potez 39 | ? | 1940 | 19?? | France |
| Potez 58 | ? | 1940 | 19?? | France |
| Potez 62 | 1 | 1937 | 19?? | France |
| Potez 540 | 1 | 1937 | 1943 | France |
| Potez 541 | 1 | 1940 | 1943 | France |
| Potez 662 | 1 | 1938 | 1941 | France |
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
SCTA, Villacoublay.
Organisational Structure
All aircraft were operated by the SCTA/SSLA.
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 Villacoublay, Maison Blanche and Boufarik.
More Information
Books
Du Trimotor au Quadrijet by Vital Ferry (2006)
Magazines
Icare No.102 (1982) – LAM feature article
Websites
wikipedia: Potez 662
wikipedia.fr: Lignes Aeriennes Militaires
ANTAM info 42
Les Ailes Francaises 1939-1945 #12
REPRISE DES LIAISONS AÉRIENNES AU SEIN DE L’EMPIRE
GLA 45 history
Unresolved Research Issues
Several aircraft types are reported to have been operated by the “French Government”, but it is not clear which branch or agency was the actual operator. These include: Bleriot 110, Curtiss JN-3 & JN-4, de Havilland DH.4, de Havilland DH.88 Comet, Dewoitine D.338, Douglas DC-2, SCAN 30 (Grumman Widgeon), Lockheed 9 Orion, Vertol 44B, Wibault-Penhoet 280. Additional information is welcome.