I have always wanted to become a pilot but growing up in The Netherlands, flight training was pretty much unattainable.  It is extremely expensive to obtain a pilot’s license in Europe and it is even harder to be able to accumulate hours. I decided that instead of flying airplanes, I would be involved in creating these remarkable flying machines. In order to do so I earned my Masters in Aerospace Engineering and became a flight test engineer, working for the Royal Dutch Air Force on the F16 program. After two years I got the opportunity to move to the US to work on the F35 joint strike fighter program on Edwards AFB CA, which I did for 6 years.

In California I met my wonderful husband, and we now live in the Treasure Coast of Florida. I have paused my engineering career to become a full-time flight instructor in order to gain flight experience. Working towards my long-term career goal, being a test pilot. I have the engineering experience, now I am focusing on the flight experience as a professional pilot. It’s great to be able to help people achieve their dream of becoming a pilot. I am currently working on my CFII and hopefully will start on the MEI rating soon.

​Being part of the Ninety-Nines has given me the opportunity to meet extraordinary women who have done extraordinary things. The many challenges they have faced and the goals that they have achieved are inspirational and encourage me to achieve my goals. I am hoping that I can provide inspiration and guidance to aspiring pilots as well, in my own way contributing to the aviation community. I have always been fascinated by the world of aviation and I have been lucky to be involved with is as much as I have been.