Interview with xpat and private jet pilot Steve Forde
Posted on: 9/04/2016
Steve Forde – Jet Exclusive Interview
Where did you grow up and what is your most vivid childhood memory?
I grew up in South East London, Brockley.
Having my first Saturday job at the age of 12, selling tv’s, wash machines, kettles and irons at Gordons TV Repairs, ex TA.
How did you land up in the Netherlands?
After the death of my brother, my Dutch au pair girlfriend was returning to Holland.
I decided to give up my job as stage manager at the Empire Leicester Square to pursuit a new life here in Holland.
Full steam ahead or all change? What do you want to see happen over this next year ?
For this year I hope to find some connection to my business aircraft a Cessna Citation CJ2+.
And stop having to drive to Germany to pick up a plane for customers in the Netherlands.
What is your idea of perfect happiness ?
Relaxing with my wife on the beach front, watching our kids play in the sea.
If you could choose anywhere to live in the world, where would it be ?
I would choose Barbados or Granada, possibly even Switzerland.
Do you have any heroes in real life?
President Obama, Winston Churchill and the Tuskegee airmen.
What has been your greatest extravagance to date ?
Being introduced to the Dutch queen, now princess Beatrix.
After a short chat, flying her as pilot to Belgium and back to Amsterdam, for the WO1 commemorations in the CJ2+ jet.
What is your most treasured possession ?
My health, my three daughters and my wife.
What quality do you most like in a woman?
Trust and honesty.
What quality do you most like in a man?
Honour and integrity.
What do you most value in your friends?
Loyalty
Which living person do you most admire?
President Barack Obama
What if anything would you like to be remembered for ?
A loving husband, a good father and my persistence in pursuing a dream.
Is there anything that we should have asked you ?
No
We hope you enjoy our Britsoc events and do you have a favourite one and why?
The favourite one was a couple of years ago, the Christmas ball. Very well organised, good people, good charities and the possibility to dance the night away with good music.