"It all started with an observation shared by four friends: despite the vibrant student club scene at EM Normandie, none of the clubs truly matched their passion."
Guillaume, the association’s president, and Louis, the treasurer, were already glider pilots. Together with Corentyn, the vice president, we would regularly listen to their pilot stories during our lunch breaks. As our discussions progressed, an idea became obvious: why not start the school’s first aviation club?
That's how GLID'EM came to be. Four friends, a shared idea, and a desire to introduce EM Normandie students to aviation.
The first step was to organize the project: drafting the bylaws, forming the executive board, and then recruiting leaders for the various departments (logistics, partnerships, events, and communications). By October 2025, the team was fully formed, with 23 students united around a common goal: to help EM students spread their wings.
Yet the adventure began from scratch. There was no funding, no existing infrastructure, and little experience in managing an organization of this scale. But the motivation was clear: to make aviation more accessible and to break down certain economic and social barriers often associated with this field.
Over the course of several months, the project gained momentum and culminated in its first major success: the organization of EM Normandie’s very first driving clinic.
From April 25 to May 3, several students left the classroom to head to the Southern Alps and experience flying in conditions that closely mirrored real-world conditions.
Beyond the aviation experience, this immersive program helped develop many skills that are transferable to the professional world. In aviation, nothing is left to chance: preparation, foresight, communication, handling unforeseen events, and adherence to procedures are essential before every takeoff.
In particular, this experience allowed participants to strengthen:
- team spirit
- Diligence and a sense of responsibility
- Attention to detail
- Organizational skills
- project and team management
She also instilled in them an essential value: humility.
Flying means learning to adapt to your surroundings, assess risks, and recognize your own limits.
Through GLID'EM, we are convinced that learning also comes through experience and through projects that allow students to step outside the usual framework of their studies.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners, EM Normandie, as well as everyone who helped make this adventure possible.
GLID'EM's story is just beginning!
Emma Suarez
Secretary of GLID'EM
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