On 11 June 2025, the European Air Transport Command (EATC) hosted the Pilot in Command Under Supervision (PICUS) event at its headquarters in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. The gathering brought together 18 selected pilots from EATC member nations, taking a significant step toward assuming their future roles as aircraft commanders.
PICUS is a cornerstone in EATC’s commitment to shaping the leadership capabilities of aircrew personnel. The event focused on preparing participants for the responsibilities that come with command, with particular emphasis on decision-making, operational leadership, and interoperability across national borders. Through scenario-based learning and peer discussions, attendees were able to sharpen their judgment and reinforce the high standards expected of commanders within the EATC framework.
This edition of PICUS was enriched by the presence of Colonel Thomas Pesquet, European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut and the first French commander of the International Space Station (ISS). After PICUS, he talked about his journey from joining ESA in 2009 as its youngest astronaut, learning Russian, and flying two long-duration missions: Proxima (2016–2017) and Alpha (2021), the latter during the COVID-19 pandemic. During Alpha, he became the first French astronaut to command the ISS.
Colonel Pesquet offered unique insights into space life — from exercising in microgravity to misplacing items aboard the ISS — and reflected on the emotional challenge of leaving space. He emphasized leadership under pressure, teamwork, and international cooperation. Since August 2024, he has served as an operational reservist with the French Air and Space Force, flying the A330 MRTT.
The successful execution of PICUS 2025 further underscores EATC’s enduring role in enhancing interoperability and readiness among allied air forces. As these future commanders return to their home nations, they carry with them not only technical knowledge and confidence, but also a strong commitment to the shared values that define European air mobility operations.
EATC remains dedicated to developing leadership excellence and operational cohesion across its member states and looks forward to hosting future PICUS occasions in the years to come.