Time Flies: Two Generations of Pilots with One Dream

From farm to cockpit

When you hear Anne Cor Groeneveld talk about his career in aviation today, it seems almost impossible that his journey began among the potatoes. Growing up on a farm in Brabant, he already dreamed of a career in the cockpit. With enormous perseverance, he became an instructor, test pilot, captain and director at Transavia. He is now an entrepreneur and mentor in the sector, but above all still a pilot in heart and soul.

“My school career was a failure before it had even really started,” says Anne Cor . “HBS was out of my reach. I was sent to MULO, failed twice and was eventually expelled.” He helped out on the farm, but his head was in the clouds. Literally. He used his savings to take his first flying lesson on the Seppe field near Etten-Leur. “The instructor said: you can do this very well. That gave me the self-confidence to persevere.” He obtained his license via a conversion class, intended for former soldiers. A loan of a thousand guilders from a sceptical uncle helped him on his way. “He said: it won’t work.” But it did work out.

Flying in a changing time

Anne Cor started on the Caravelle, then the Boeing 707, later became captain on the Boeing 737 and played a key role in the development of a number of procedures within our organization. “Aviation was still developing standard operating procedures. That was important to prevent every captain from doing it differently. I kept lists and was soon appointed flight safety officer.” Later, together with the head of social affairs, he was responsible for the start of Transavia scheduled services. A new era dawned for Transavia. At the same time, he developed into an entrepreneur. He participates in aviation initiatives and, since its foundation in 2001, he has been actively involved in JetSupport and several start-ups. “The technology of today fascinates me. The cockpit has changed a lot with all the modern technology. Today's pilots are still professionals, but in a completely different context.”

The new generation is ready

Manou IJtsma, 28 years old and just started her practical phase within the in-house pilot training program of Transavia, also experiences this change. Her story forms a contemporary counterpart to Anne Cors' story. The passion for flying is the same, only the path and the technology are different.

“I was fourteen when it started to itch,” says Manou. “Gliding gave me that magical feeling among the clouds. I found all those buttons and systems incredibly interesting.” Nevertheless, she first chose a different direction: astronomy, followed by a master's degree in science communication. She worked as a business intelligence consultant for three years before flying called her again. “I happened to hear about the training at Transavia through my boyfriend, who works at KLM. I thought: this is my chance. And then I went for it.”

Her background is technical, but the training remains intensive. “The theory was tough. Four days a week to Lelystad, learning everything about systems, aerodynamics, meteorology. But when you get through it, you are so proud.” She has now started with the first practical flights, together with seven fellow students . “Finally! Now the real work begins. I am especially curious about how it feels to really apply everything you have learned in the air.”

A future full of innovation

Manou is confident about the future . “Aviation is criticized, especially in Europe. But the sector is growing worldwide. People want to keep traveling. And there are technological breakthroughs. Cleaner engines, alternative fuels, electric flying.” Although batteries are still too heavy for large aircraft, she sees innovation happening quickly. “Someday someone will come up with that revolutionary idea.”

She feels at home at Transavia . “Everyone is involved, you notice that the training I am following is alive within the company. With us, you immediately make a lot of flying hours, with many take-offs and landings. That is great for your development. And we are probably the last class to start on the Boeing 737, so soon there will be a type rating on a new aircraft. That is a unique opportunity.”

Two generations, two eras. Anne Cor, who grew from farm laborer to aviation pioneer, and Manou, who found her way to the cockpit via science and technology. Both driven by a deep-rooted fascination for flying. And they both share the same lesson: it doesn't matter where you start, as long as you keep rising.