Bye Bye Jean-Luc
Jean-Luc Feuillen joined the Belgian Air Force as a student-pilot on 17 March 1975 to be integrated in Promotion 75A. After his basic training on SF260M Marchetti, he transits on the Fouga Magister and later on the T-33A Shooting Star at Brustem air base for his advanced pilot training. Finally in July 1977 the "big" day came when he received his pilot wing. Later he successfully obtained his operational pilot license for which student pilots have to fly some 50 hours on combat aircraft.
Jean-Luc obtained this license on Lockheed F104G Starfighter at the flight TF at Beauvechain and as he says was lucky to do some 100 hours on this mythical aircraft. In a matter of facts he was the only pilot of his promotion to fly the Starfighter. He obtained his operational licence in 1978.
After this he is designated to fly the Lockheed C-130H Hercules at the 15th Transport Wing.
Flying the irreplaceable C-130H, Jean Luc will be present at every continent of the world. During his period on the Hercules he also was designated as demonstration pilot, together with Xavier Ellebout. In the period 1991 - 1993 the Belgian C-130H was demonstrated on many airshows in a superb way by both pilots, but unfortunately nobody continued this tradition.
After having been promoted Major, Jean Luc traded in Melsbroek airbase for Koksijde where he became C/O (Commanding Officer) of Seaking helicopter equipped N° 40 Squadron. It was during his command that the immensely popular television series Windkracht 10 (Gale Force 10) was shot. After having been for 5 years a guardian angel at the Belgian coast Jean-Luc returned to Meslbroek's 15th Wing to become Embraer captain. At the same time he also fulfilled the function of Tasking Officer of the SAMO (Single Air transport Management Organisation).
On 30 June 2004, Jean-Luc flew off for a flight to Marseille and back ...it was his last flight for the Air Component.
During his career spanning almost 30 years, Major Jean-Luc Feuillen clocked no less than some nine thousand three hundred flying hours.
Its a emblematic figure who is leaving the Air Force and everybody, civil or military who know Jean-Luc personally know that his a man with a great heart.
Bye Bye Jean-Luc, Many Happy Landings.
Text and pics Serge Van Heertum/S.B.A.P.
Last updated 12/02/12 15:51 Daniel Brackx