Most aviation careers follow familiar patterns, but First Officer Gert Verhoeven’s story breaks the mould entirely. His journey from Belgium’s emergency services to Fly4 Airlines’ cockpit isn’t just about changing careers – it’s about bringing real-world experience and genuine passion to an industry that thrives on both precision and heart.
The foundation years
Born in Lier, Belgium in 1972, Gert always dreamed of flying. When the Belgian Air Force opportunity didn’t work out, he could have given up. Instead, he found another way to serve – protecting his community as an ambulance responder and firefighter.
Later, his move into law enforcement marked the beginning of a remarkable 20-year career with the Federal Judicial Police. Rising to Chief Inspector, Gert spent 17 years at Brussels Airport, working in the Criminal Intelligence Unit and contributing to the Disaster Victim Identification team. Every day, he was surrounded by aircraft, operations, and the complex world of aviation – unknowingly preparing for his true calling.
Living airport operations from the inside, Gert had an intimate understanding of security protocols, crisis management, and how thousands of moving parts come together to keep aviation safe, earning him the kind of real-world expertise you can’t get from a flight manual.
Balancing dreams with reality
At 32, Gert made a pivotal decision. While maintaining his police career, he earned his Private Pilot License. This wasn’t just about weekend flying. This was about testing the waters, building skills, and proving to himself that his childhood dream was still alive and achievable.
Eight years later, with careful family discussions and solid financial planning, Gert took the leap into professional pilot training at 41. Remarkably Gert managed to balance intense training across Belgium, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic while maintaining his job and family commitments.
Completing his ATPL theoretical studies with distinction while managing his family life and career shows the kind of dedication and commitment that defines great pilots. With the incredible support of his wife, children and extended family, by 46 Gert had transformed his career from police officer to commercial pilot, proving it’s never too late when you combine preparation with determination.
Building aviation excellence
Gert’s entry into commercial aviation brought immediate impact. His European experience with Blue Air in Romania and Iceland’s Bluebird Nordic wasn’t just about building flight hours on Boeing 737s – it was about understanding diverse operational environments, different regulatory frameworks, and the nuances that make international aviation work.
Each assignment added layers to his expertise. Different weather patterns, varying airport complexities, multicultural crews – Gert absorbed it all. Today, with over 2,700 flight hours on the Boeing 737, he brings a depth of experience that’s both impressive and immediately practical.
What sets him apart isn’t just the hours logged, but how those hours were earned. Every flight built on decades of crisis management, operational awareness, and the kind of calm under pressure that comes from years of high-stakes public service.
Joining the Fly4 vision
When Gert joined Fly4 Airlines in February 2024, it wasn’t just another job change. As he puts it, “I joined Fly4 Airlines because it offered me the unique opportunity to join from the start and contribute actively to building the airline.”
That’s exactly the mindset we love at Fly4. Gert saw what we’re building: an enthusiastic team dedicated to innovation, safety, and excellence. He recognised that his unique background – combining public service, comprehensive airport knowledge, and genuine aviation passion – could help shape something special.
Flying our B737 NG aircraft, Gert brings more than technical proficiency. He brings perspective. When operational challenges arise, he draws on crisis management experience. When security considerations emerge, he understands the broader implications.
Looking ahead, Gert’s aviation journey continues to evolve. His next professional milestone is advancing to Captain, a goal that perfectly aligns with his leadership background and comprehensive aviation experience. It’s a natural progression for someone who has consistently demonstrated the judgment, decision-making skills, and calm leadership that define exceptional Captains.
Nurturing aviation’s future
Here’s where Gert’s story gets even better. Beyond his day job, he’s actively shaping the next generation of pilots as an instructor at a flight school in Antwerp. Teaching isn’t just sharing knowledge – it’s ensuring that future aviators benefit from the hard-won wisdom of those who’ve walked unconventional paths.
His family story adds another incredible dimension. His eldest son recently graduated as an airline pilot with Tui Belgium, and Gert’s wife serves as an Aviation Safety and Compliance Manager at Droneport in St-Truiden. The Verhoeven family isn’t just in aviation – they’re helping define its future across operations, safety, and emerging drone technologies.
Inspiring tomorrow’s aviators
For us at Fly4 Airlines, Gert Verhoeven represents something powerful – proof that remarkable careers can begin at any stage when vision meets preparation. His journey from public service to commercial aviation demonstrates that diverse experiences don’t just add to aviation, they transform it.
As we continue expanding our operations, professionals like Gert provide the experienced foundation that makes sustainable growth possible. His story isn’t just inspiring – it’s strategic validation of our approach to building a different kind of airline.
Every time Gert steps into the cockpit, he brings decades of service, crisis management expertise, and genuine passion for aviation excellence. That’s exactly the kind of professional we’re proud to have representing Fly4 Airlines, and exactly the kind of story that proves it’s never too late to pursue your dreams when determination meets opportunity.