Aero Club de France
The Aéro-Club de France is the oldest association of aviators in the world.
It was founded 1898 as a society 'to encourage aerial locomotion'. It was a founder member of the International Aeronautical Federation (FAI) in 1905.
The Aéro-Club de France originally set many of the regulations that controlled aviation in France. From its formation it also set the rules that have marked some of the 'firsts' in aviation: the first 1 km, the first helicopter flight, and has organised competitions.
After 1945 some of its early regulatory roles were taken by other bodies. It now focusses on the promotion of aviation and certification.