Frank Versteegh

Frank Versteegh started his flying career more than 35 years ago and belongs to the top aerobatic display pilots in the world. Risk management, safety systems and his ongoing search for perfection have helped him 'survive' all these years. He is a passionate expert in the art of living, an entrepreneur, and has an enormous aversion to bureaucratic 'institutions'.

He has been the undefeated Unlimited Aerobatic champion for many years. He actively competed in World, European and National championships from 1982 until 1994. Before the fall of the Berlin Wall he was a member of the Czech aerobatic team for two years. Frank taught test pilots in Germany and flew 1350 displays in more than 38 countries.He has flown over 170 different types of aircraft, is holder of an unlimited display authorisation, multi engine, helicopter and seaplane rating.
Frank is an airshow organiser, display director, FIA judge, and still active in free-style aerobatic competitions and air shows.

When not flying, Frank Versteegh is a well respected keynote speaker. Personal responsibility, leadership and setting bounderies are his main topics. Is there a problem? Or is it a challenge? Frank shows that the ability to communicate effectively can be life saving. The translation of the Greek word CRISIS is CHANCE. Despite protocols, standards manuals and rules, accidents and incidents happen. Why? Because, sometimes, 100 % is not good enough. Quality should be pursued at all times. The world of professional aviation is an example to other branches of industry.

Frank puts change of thinking processes into motion for medical and other specialists and is frequently asked to speak for ministries (government), banks and multinational companies.

Frank's themes:

I. Personal responsability and egos.
Top managers of big companies are so occupied with the pursuit of quarterly and half-year figures, that they forget to recognise people management as a very important 'tool'. People should be at the centre of the organisation. A story about ethics, creativity, saying no and how to enjoy work.

II. Safe stunting
The OR, the most dangerous place on Earth. Within the medical world, endoscopic operation techniques are sometimes known as 'stunting in the OR'. Frank compares safety systems in aviation with those in the Operating Room, and discusses the hierarchy in the OR. Is the medical specialist God...... or just behaving like Him?

III Excellent functioning; with 300 horsepower through the OR
Despite protocols, standards manuals and rules, accidents and incidents happen. Why? He compares safety systems in aviation and during aerobatic displays with those in the Operating Room to get more insights. Is a checklist the solution or a childish system? Frank explains how it works.

IV. Aerobatics
Multimedia presentation. A very interesting story about aviation. Frank takes his audience by the hand and leads them into the professional world of aviation.

V. Attitude Kills
In aviation, the wrong attitude kills. What are the consequences of 'attitude' in your company. A story about egos, feedback/criticism and communication. Do I understand what you are saying?

VI. Choose? But What?
 Especially for school leavers.
A story in which Frank helps a to make an image about their future. The professional world of aviation as a common thread runs through this story.

Events Frank took part in:

• 1985 South African Masters Durban
• 1987 Eurobatics Speichersdorf Germany 
• 1989 Masters Palaborwa South Africa 
• 1989 Eurobatics Bekescaba Hungary 
• 1990 Masters Ocana Spain 
• 1990 World Championships Yverdon Switzerland 
• 1991 International Masters of Aerobatics Argentina 
• 1992 World Championships Le Havre France 
• 1994 Breitling World Cup of Aerobatics (Le Burger Paris, ILA Berlin) 
• 1997 First landing ever with Xtra 300 at 70 meter vessel at Rhine river 
• 1998 Freestyle cup Sassuolo Italy (1st place) 
• 2002 Italian Free Style Championship Sassuolo (Silver medal)
• 2003 World Air Race Budapest (4th place)
• 2003 Italy Reggiani Trophy (4th)
• 2004 Red Bull Air Race England (Kemble) and Hungary (Budapest) 
• 2005 Red Bull Air Race Abu Dhabi, Rotterdam, Cashel, Longleat, Budapest, San Francisco. 
• 2006 RBAR Abu Dhabi, Barcelona, Berlin
• 2006 Italian Freestyle championships 1st place.