Peter O. Coopman – A hidden Hub to meet successful entrepreneurs

Long-term resident, Peter O. Coopman is a Director of the Monaco Aero Club, a club dedicated to professional and non-professional aviation lovers.

Born close to the French border (city of Lille), in Kortrijk (Courtrai), in the west part of the Flanders in Belgium, investor and aviation lover, Peter O. Coopman is a long-term resident of the Principality of Monaco.

You were born in Belgium and used to work and live in Singapore. Why did you decide to move to Monaco?

“Leaving Singapore, I went back to Belgium to join the family business operations. After five years, I concluded that fiscal laws were not stable and continuously changed overnight and retroactively by the government. This had a big impact on my business plans.”

Peter decided that he wanted to continue living in a more stable fiscal climate to assure the stability of the asset management of his family members.

After studying the fiscal and legal situations in Luxembourg, some cantons in Switzerland, and Monaco, Peter decided on the Principality.

“I ended up in Monaco in 2011. One of the pluses was that the aunt of my wife was already living and working here in Monaco for more than 20 years – as the Secretary-General for the Union Internationale Motonautique.”

Peter is an active member of the local community where he holds the Director position of the Monaco Aero Club. It comes as no surprise since his passion for aviation started through his father already at the age of seven. They often flew together in a Piper J-3 Cub, which is an American light aircraft that was built between 1938 and 1947. The aircraft has a simple, lightweight design which gives it good low-speed handling properties and short-field performance.

How did you get in contact with the Monaco Aero Club?

“As simple as it is, through their website. I got in contact via mail with Benjamin Mondié and that was followed by a call with him,” – explains Peter, – “Finally, I visited the Club offices, which at the time were still at the West-wing of the Héliport, and was immediately charmed and impressed by the Club, the organisation as well as the seriousness of Mr. Mondié.”

The Monaco Aero Club is focusing more on helicopters, right?

“Yes, because we are in Monaco,” – giggles, Peter. – “Because of the geography, Monaco doesn’t have an airport, so we have a heliport. 

I think probably an important percentage of our members also fly aeroplanes. For them, we are working on something in Cannes as a joint venture.”

Do you offer training for people who want to learn to fly helicopters and private jets?

“Yes. We are focusing on training for helicopters at the Monaco Aero Club which you can do from the age of 16. However, we have a plane section as well for members who are interested in flying aeroplanes.”

If someone is interested in learning how to fly, do they need to be a member or can they just come for the first time?

“I always recommend people to come and try it. See if you like it, first of all. If you like it, we are more than happy to welcome you to the Monaco Aero Club and teach you how to fly.”

How long is the membership approval process?

“Each new member has to be approved by the Board of the Club. We meet every month and once the membership has been approved, you can be a student and can start learning.”

How long does it take to become a certified pilot?

“That is up to you. It depends how dedicated you are,” – starts Peter. – “Typically, it takes 6 to 12 months to go through the entire process including all the theory exams.”

Do you have any mental state tests?

“Yes, we do. The pilots have a responsibility since they are flying with passengers, they need to pass a medical exam where the doctor checks their mental state too. This exam is reoccurring periodically.”

One of the core benefits of the Monaco Aero Club is that its helicopters are at the disposal of the members. Members can freely use the helicopter fleet whenever they want, as long as no other members have booked it for the same period.

Even amateur aviation lovers can book the helicopters if they are accompanied by a licensed pilot. This makes sense since most of the members are enthusiasts who love to fly.

“You are not obliged to be a pilot. Many members have made their pilot license outside of the club or they bring a pilot from outside. They can also use our helicopter fleet, once our chief pilot and instructor have approved the pilot.”

The Monaco Aero Club operates a modern fleet of Robinson R44 helicopters and has strategic agreements with other local operators to access other turbine aircraft.

The Monaco Aero Club has two helicopters, am I right? 

“Indeed, one helicopter is always in Monaco at the club with a maximum capacity of four people. We have an agreement with “Let’s fly in Cannes” and they have another helicopter, a bigger one that the members can use.”

Do you have any limitations in terms of flying distance?

“Most of our members fly around France and Italy, they don’t go too far. Our Robinson R44 has a flying range of 560km. Since it’s a club, other members want to use it as well, so nobody reserves the helicopter for longer than a day or two. But why not? Everything is possible if you want to organise a longer trip, especially on holidays.”

How old is your oldest member at the Club?

“I think we have a few members who are in their 80’s. For instance, our Vice President, Mr. Robert Scarlot is 87. He just decided months ago not to renew his license so this gives you an insight on how long you can pursue your aerial dreams,” – explains it Peter.

And the youngest one?

“Many members bring along their children. It is regular to let them connect early on with the beauty of aviation. Additionally, already from the age of 16, one can start to take flying lessons. Currently, our youngest Aero Club member is 12 years old.”

Peter explains, that many young people’s dream is to experience the freedom of flying. With the help of their instructors, already at the age of 16, which is the minimum legal limit, people can start taking lessons and experiencing this liberating feeling.

“Officially, you can fly at any age you want with an instructor next to you. But if you want to start logging the time and taking official lessons, you have to be older than 16. And when one becomes 17, he or she can take their examination.”

Peter always highlights that flying a helicopter needs more attention than it does for private jets.

Why is it more challenging to fly a helicopter compared to a plane?

“The way I always describe it to someone who doesn’t have experience in flying, – and I might be wrong – is that an aeroplane is more like a car while a helicopter is more like a motorcycle. I think the helicopter is more challenging because it requires you to be continuously far more alert,” – continues Peter. – “Not only because of the machinery, but also the way you fly. With an aeroplane, you usually take off, get to a cruising altitude, relax a little bit, and then you land. 

On the other hand, flying a helicopter, you’re always close to the ground, close to wires, mountains, other traffic, and birds. There are all sorts of obstacles. Therefore, it requires you to be much more attentive and alert. However, it’s also much more enjoyable and offers more freedom. 

Just imagine, if you see something you like, you can stop, look at it, turn around, or even go up or down. You can land wherever you want, you can park it in your country house and can even go to work with it.”

Do you need a special permit to park at someone’s property?

“In France, you need to have a police authorisation, because first, you need to do some training to show that you can land in difficult locations. This is because you need to ensure that in doing a landing you’re not putting anyone else in danger. 

Furthermore, you need an authorisation from the owner of the property, except if it is an emergency landing. 

The “hostile environment” training and permit is something that instructor Ben Mondié is keen on giving (and he’s extremely good at it) because you actually push things far in terms of limits and enclosed area landings and takeoffs. These experiences are breathtaking but the training gives additional security in case you encounter such a situation.”

Are there a lot of restaurants and hotels that are ready to welcome guests with helicopters?

“Actually, you would be surprised how many there are. For instance, if you’re flying to Corsica to a restaurant and they have a helipad, you’re not putting anyone else in danger. 

So you can easily approach the restaurant with a helicopter. I think there are about five or six here in the Côté d’Azur and many more in the mountains surrounding us, so it’s more common than you would think. But theoretically, if you have a flat field means you have a helipad,” – laughs Peter.

Interestingly, most pilots prefer to fly in the morning hours and outside the summer seasons. The physics are easy, when the air is hot, it becomes thinner, therefore, you have less performance and more turbulence.

Despite the annual 300 sunny days in the Principality of Monaco, the Monaco Aero Club is proud to have its members from both Monaco and the South of France.

“Our members are mostly Monaco residents. There are a few who used to live in Monaco but have moved out and are still members. They’re still coming to meet and greet and fly.”

How often do you have member meetings or regular events?

“We try to organise meetings at least once a month. We find this beneficial because many of our members are established business leaders and owners and they often find mutual opportunities, thanks to their common interest in flying. So, regularly bringing our members together is important for us. 

We have a very strong community. In any case we have a monthly drink which takes place on the last Thursday of every month (except December and July) from 18:30 till 20:30 (local time). 

The place which is somewhere in the Principality, to be is always communicated via private Aéroclub Whatsapp group. It’s always fun to jump in whether it should be for 15 minutes or you go out for dinner with some members afterwards.”

Are the meetings limited to Monaco?

“We always go around, occasionally, we organise flying somewhere for a lunch which is always an exceptional group experience. Sometimes we take two helicopters or fly together and then land somewhere where we will have a picnic and then come back. We often meet somewhere in Monaco because it is convenient for all of us. Also, some of our members are owners of local establishments, such as the Trinity Bar. 

The Monaco Aero Club is also a social club and some of these events allow us to invite aviation lovers to discover more about our heritage and to engage in interesting conversations.”

For Peter, family, community, and social responsibility are core values in life that reflect in every area of his activity, not just in the Club life. 

He strongly believes that every long-term investment gives more added value not only to the company but also to the management and their families. He’s amongst others, active as a cornerstone investor in a mid-size private equity investment company focusing on these values.

“Investments such as in TRESCO Engineering (inland shipping navigation) and ASC (All Safety Control bv Dutch headquartered Benelux operation EU Notified Body), performing security inspections and contributing to safety all make me feel happy. 

Investments in BOMA (cleaning products and machine supplier to the professional cleaning industry) and VanDam-Multifill (producers of bottled soaps and detergents that converted 100% to disinfection gels in the first lockdown in early 2020) make me feel a bit more socially responsible and contributive,” – says Peter.

Driven by his life and business philosophy, Peter brings together like-minded members to enjoy the Club life.

When did you decide to accept the position to be the Director of the Monaco Aero Club?

“In 2018, there was an active Board of which most members were contributing to the Club as directors in a very active way. They had seen all possible scenarios of highs and lows in the Club which they continued to face, tackle and improve. 

They did a great job but started to feel that it was beginning to weigh on them. You can imagine that some of them have been serving the Club over 20 years! So they started to search for new additional directors, and I finally got elected by the General Assembly in the Autumn of 2019. 

Later on, some from the previous generation intended to resign and so we took over some functions such as the Tresurer (Guillermo Houwer) and General Secretary (myself) but also marketing and communication (Margot-Margarita Strzhalkovskaia).

The most important reason that I accepted the position was that I wanted to continue the fantastic work that was done at that time. 

Also, the exceptionally kind and knowledge-full personalities of the President and Vice-President (resp. Didier Escaut and Robert Scarlot), continuing to take a position on the Board thus providing continuity, reassured me personally. 

Finally, the team around me with fellow board members that also stepped in at the time – all young, dynamic, and clever residents – make me enjoy the “job to be done”.”

What are the primary requirements to join and benefit from the Club? 

“It helps if you have a passion for flying,” – jokes Peter. – “We are open to any aviation enthusiasts of any age. Also, you don’t necessarily have to be a Monaco resident to apply. Just give a little brief history, introducing yourself and your relationship with aviation. It is then discussed with the Board and also sent for police approval.”

Why do you need the police to approve your Club members?

“If you’re not a Monaco resident the police need to know who you are. If you’re a Monaco resident, you’re already in the system, so basically they know you already.”

What is the ratio between female and male pilots?

“Let me start with this, we need more women to fly. I think historically, for us, it was more like a ratio of 10:90.”

How do you see it, is it easy to attract female pilots?

“Flying a helicopter is not like having a car license which you do not need to use and can forget about for five years. 

Flying requires constant practice, you need to renew your license every year through a skill test and need to pass the medical check every few years. So if you don’t do it, you will not be allowed to fly any longer. 

Everyone can learn how to fly in less than 2 months, but I think the key is to find women who love to be free and independent and commit to it continously.”

What is your goal for the next year?

“We are aiming at enlarging our club with people who like to be in an environment of positive energy, with other positive and like-minded people. They are not obliged to take the license, just being part of the social activities. This is a great “extra“ for many of our members.

At the same time, they can use the facility of having a helicopter in Monaco at their disposal, which is easy to go, can be used for private reasons, and is less expensive than flying with commercial companies. This is the point of attraction that our Club offers. On top of the fact that you are piloting yourself!”

How would you compare your services to the other commercial helicopter companies in Monaco such as Monacair and Heli Air?

“You cannot. We’re not a commercial business, we are a club. Therefore, we are not for profit, so the members only pay for what they use. This immediately results in cheaper prices. 

For example, if our members take the helicopter for three days but they only fly one hour, they pay for one hour. They’re not paying for three days of availability. In conclusion, our services are complimentary: what commercial companies do, we don’t and what we do is not their core business either,” – summarises, Peter.

Which type of helicopter have you chosen for the Aero Club?

“We have a Robinson 44 Clipper II. And the reason for this is that it’s relatively easy both to maintain and fly for people with different levels of competence. It is also the right size for us because it’s not too big, not too small, and it’s four seated. 

It fits in the Monaco hangar because it’s only two blades versus a lot of the newer ones,” – winks Peter. – “The heliport in Monaco doesn’t have a lot of space, therefore, a two-bladed helicopter is very practical. 

Additionally, you can find Robinson 44s almost anywhere in the world. For example, if you go to the United States, Africa, Asia, or where-ever, you can always find it there as well. It’s the most popular helicopter in the history.

Our machine is a full-option one, both technically speaking (pop-up floats, navigation instruments, bose active noice cancellation headsets on all seats,) as well as comfort wise (leather seats, air-conditioning, bubble windows for superb views).”

For aviation lovers, people who love to travel with private jets and helicopters, the Monaco Aero Club offers a like-minded ambiance and even more. 

The Club is working on something special to add more value to its appreciated members coming from different industries, such as technology, real estate, and hotels, by uplifting their networking and collaboration potential. Aviation is only the entering point. Everything else is about more collaboration and an enhanced sense of community.

As Peter concludes: 

“Experience it! Come and fly with us!”

Read the full and illustrated interview in the Winter 2023 edition of the Living in Monaco, the Monaco Residents’ Magazine.