The youngest helicopter pilot in the EU!
Breaking news 📣 Louis Anné, the youngest helicopter pilot in Europe! 🙌
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Today (08/04/2026) at 5 p.m., on his 17th birthday, he took the practical exam for his PPL(H) helicopter licence at our Academy 🚁 We are very proud to share that he passed with flying colours! He completed part of his training in Knokke and part in Wevelgem.
Fun fact: his dad is also training to become a helicopter pilot. This dynamic duo signed up at the same time.
A brilliant achievement, and a milestone made all the more special by his young age. Throughout his journey, Louis grew into a strong, eager and driven student with a clear passion for aviation. The fact that he combined this with his secondary studies at the Abdijschool van Zevenkerken in Loppem makes this step all the more impressive!
Because in Europe you are only allowed to take the practical PPL(H) exam from the age of 17, Louis is part of a very small group in Belgium to have achieved this feat at such a young age and to be able to handle this responsibility. Together with his female colleague Tineke Vandamme, who earned this distinction 2 years ago, he is the first male pilot in Belgium to obtain this licence on his 17th birthday.
Congratulations, Louis 👏 We are proud to be part of your journey and look forward to closely supporting your continued path in aviation.
A special word of thanks to the two instructors Tom Wydooghe and Louis Depotter who guided Louis 💪
Let your dreams take flight!
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