Jacques Bothelin is one of the world’s most experienced aerobatic pilots. Since the early 1980s, he has been the leader of daring aerobatic teams in France and in 2003 was asked to lead the Breitling Jet Team, giving the Swiss watchmaker an iconic representative for its pilot-inspired watches. For the first time in its history, the jet team is touring the United States. The seven-member team flies L-39C Albatrosses in an artfully executed display of precision airmanship. Bothelin handles the team schedule and defines the show program. He flies airplane number 1 for the team.
WHO: Jacques Bothelin
AGE: 61
OCCUPATION: Team leader, Breitling Jet Team
HOURS: 12,000+
AIRCRAFT: L-39C Albatross; he has flown 145 types of aircraft and performed nearly 3,000 demonstrations in 37 countries
EXTRA: Bothelin’s first aerobatic team was named Apache—after his dog.
Poor eyesight kept Bothelin out of the French Air Force.
STARTED IN AVIATION…Dijon is a national air base. My father took me to an airshow when I was 10 years old and I was thrilled. I read a book about World War II fighters—Spitfires and Messerschmitts. As a teenager my absolute dream was to be a fighter pilot.
TRAINING…I wanted to be a fighter pilot but my eyesight was poor. It was so hard to want something that I could not do. I started taking lessons in gliders. It took me 10 hours to solo for my private pilot license.
OBSTACLES…I did not have a lot of money. I walked miles and miles to save the money on the bus ticket to pay for the training.
TEAMWORK…The flying skill is basic for all of us. Teamwork is what is important. We love what we do, but we are a team first. That’s why there are no names on our jets.
COMING TO AMERICA…The reality is far beyond my wildest dreams. I am a very happy leader of this team. Never could I believe that one day I would lead a jet team like this. It’s amazing. We are like a rock-and-roll band on tour. I am excited to discover the country. In July and August my daughter is coming to assist with the PR and share our American tour.
NICKNAME…All of us have nicknames because it is easier to understand the shortened versions over the radio. Mine is Speedy because I am not very patient. My brain is going quite quickly all of the time.
