A Passion Takes Flight: My Journey to Becoming a Pilot
Since the dawn of time, humans have dreamed of flying. Growing up in Quebec, Canada, I remember hearing the slightest noise from a plane in the distance, and my head automatically turned to the sky. I watched it intensely, imagining other places and horizons. Born in Switzerland and raised in Quebec, Canada, my dream of flying began on a plane from Zurich to Montreal. Visiting the cockpit sealed my future. Although I was very young, I knew that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life: to fly like a bird, to explore other countries, and to see other horizons. I was determined to make my dream a reality.
Working My Way Up: From Odd Jobs to the Cockpit
I worked hard, taking all kinds of jobs that would bring me close to a plane or airport. I flew seaplanes in Canada; Quebec and British Columbia before flying to more exotic skies.
Soaring Above Limits: A Pilot’s Pursuit of Dreams and Adventures
My first real overseas travel was to Vietnam, with my pilot license in my pocket but little experience. Although I had no work, I embarked on a wonderful adventure that opened my eyes to Asia’s food, culture, music, and people. This experience sparked my wanderlust, not knowing that fate would bring me back to Asia flying seaplanes.
Learning to See the World Through Different Eyes
For a year, I flew amphibian seaplanes in Madagascar and transported tourists during the day while discovering the nightlife, music, and joie de vivre of the locals at night. Bali, Indonesia was my next stop, where life came to a halt after a terrorist attack in Kuta Night district. This experience showed me the darker side of humanity and made me realize that regardless of our cultural origin, we all feel the same emotions, pain, and suffering.
Discovering the Beauty Amidst the Turmoil
One of the most memorable moments of my life was the two years I spent in Kabul, Afghanistan, as a pilot for a humanitarian organization during the war. This experience was intense and emotional. The bonds I formed with my colleagues under those conditions are still strong, and some of them have become lifelong friends. Although some of my colleagues lost their lives during that period, they will never be forgotten. Living and working in Afghanistan was a rare privilege, and I discovered proud and generous people despite all the suffering and difficulties they have faced and continue to face.
Returning to the Philippines: Fulfilling a Lifelong Dream
All of these experiences have brought me back to Asia, specifically to the Philippines my new home, where I have been sharing my time and expertise for several years, between here the Philippines and Papua New Guinea where I worked as an airline pilot for the local national airline.
From Dream to Reality: Establishing Palawan’s First Seaplane Airline
With thousands of islands, beaches, crystal-clear waters, and an abundance of fauna and flora, the Philippines has so much to offer. My dream of sharing this wonderful country from the air with adventurous souls led me to create Horizon Sun Charters. With the savings of a lifetime, I bought a seaplane in Quebec and brought it back to Palawan to establish the region’s first seaplane airline.
Versatile Seaplanes: From Emergency Repatriation to Business Travel and More
The seaplane is the best means of transportation to explore remote locations, and it has minimal impact on the environment. It can be used for tourism, business travel, cargo, medical emergencies, or emergency repatriation in case of bad weather.
Building a Sustainable Future for Filipino seaplane Pilots: The Vision of Horizon Sun Charters
I want my dream to last over time. My goal is to train Filipino pilots and make Horizon Sun Charters a social project, for and by the Filipino people. I want to share my knowledge and experience with new pilots who dream of flying like me and make Horizon Sun Charters an asset of choice for the Philippines.
Fly with us
Book your adventure today and let us show you the wonders of Palawan from the air.
