Frank van Houten

About Frank van Houten

Pilot Frank van Houten, with his Team Dutch Rush, ranks among the world elite in the extreme unlimited aerobatics flying sport, also known as the Formula 1 of the skies. He passionately speaks on themes such as motivation, top performance, excelling, efficiency, personal development, and dealing with setbacks.

Additionally, Frank is a captain and trainer on the Global 6000 business jet, flying celebrities around the world daily. This makes him highly suitable as a sophisticated speaker in the corporate world. He inspires people in personal leadership, management, communication skills, and teamwork.

Frank is well-known for his frequent appearances in national media, such as during TT Assen, Heart for Healthcare, Liberation Day, Light Air Show, and Against Cancer Day. In the corporate world, he is a keynote speaker and panelist at events like EBAA and SIAA. Even in online sessions, pilot Frank is a sought-after guest speaker, panelist, motivator, and trainer.

With spectacular video footage of his airshows, pilot Frank takes the viewer into the adventurous world of extreme aviation. It is even possible to virtually fly with Frank through onboard footage from the cockpit.

The life of pilot Frank “Woody” van Houten revolves around flying. He began gliding at the age of twelve and obtained his pilot’s license before his driver’s license. He then flew for fifteen years with the Royal Navy, piloting Lynx helicopters and P-3 Orion patrol aircraft. He shares with his audience the leadership style and strategic vision he developed during various war missions, and how leadership and team building are essential to continue performing optimally under extreme conditions.

During his flight training with the Defense, his love for aerobatics flying sport began. Frank set a goal to reach the highest level and now competes at the world top during spectacular airshows throughout Europe. He flies the impressive Sukhoi 26MX aircraft, the strongest aerobatics plane in the world, the Formula 1 of the skies.

With the 430 HP radial engine, Frank demonstrates the most extreme flying maneuvers, peaking from +10G to -10G in seconds. As the only Dutch pilot, Frank also performs fireworks airshows. With an elegant choreography to music, he provides the viewer with an unforgettable ‘Sky full of stars’ experience.

In addition to his sports career, Frank has more than 10,000 flight hours in commercial aviation. As a captain, he flies the “movers and shakers” of the world in the Bombardier Global 6000, the Rolls Royce of luxury private jets. Frank considers commercial aviation as top sport as well. From his leadership vision, he and his team strive for the highest service level for his global high-end clients.

Frank’s credo is “Keep the wing happy.” A beautiful metaphor applicable in both top sport and the corporate sector. It is crucial to keep both people and technology ‘happy’ under all circumstances, even during turbulence. With these fascinating insights, Frank has already inspired and motivated many viewers.