On Friday 18 September 2020, Patrick Gandhil, the Director General of the ‘‘Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile’’ (DGAC), the French civil aviation authority, officially left his function after 13 years in this position.
Patrick Gandil’s passion for aviation in all its forms (including unmanned aircraft systems) was legendary. He had strong convictions and was a strong proponent of dialogue with all stakeholders. He will be fondly remembered with gratitude by the French and European UAS communities, as the instigator of the French drone regulation and the visionary founder and driver of the French Civil Drone Council.
In January 2018, during the European Civil RPAS Operators & Operations Forum, that was hosted by the DGAC, Patrick Gandil received UVS International’s ‘‘Catherine Fargeon’’ Award, in recognition of his personal commitment and contribution to promoting the safe insertion of remotely piloted aircraft into non-segregated airspace and the general promotion of the future use of remotely piloted aircraft systems.
On behalf of the French and European drone communities, Patrick Gandhil is thanked for his leadership, vision and enthusiasm, and for inspiring many of the DGAC employees. Patrick, it was a great flight, and you were a fine captain. Farewell & clear skies.