Grégoire Coudert: From Goalkeeper to Aspiring Pilot

Grégoire Coudert's Dual Passion

Grégoire Coudert, the talented goalkeeper for Stade Brestois, is not just focused on football; he is also following a lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. Coudert has been pursuing flight training for over a year, amassing 15 hours of in-flight experience. He finds immense joy in flying, which he likens to perfectly executing a pass in football.

A Journey to the Skies

On a recent Wednesday, Coudert launched into the skies from the aerodrome near Brest. He recalls the exhilaration of hire aerial adventures intertwined with his childhood memories of the movie Top Gun, which inspired his desire to fly. "I’ve always wanted to fly, to travel, and I would watch Top Gun every time it was on; it was a must-watch for me," he reflected.

His journey into piloting began almost by accident when he spoke to a school administrator who happened to know Loïc Le Quintrec, a flight instructor. What began as a casual conversation swiftly turned into actual flight lessons.

Training and Challenges

Under the guidance of Le Quintrec, a 52-year-old air traffic controller and seasoned instructor, Coudert has started both theoretical classes and practical flying. He practices on various planes, including a four-seater DA 40, navigating the beautiful landscapes of Brittany. "There’s nothing like the feeling of flying—when you succeed after struggling with a maneuver, it’s as satisfying as scoring a goal," he stated.

Despite having mastered take-offs and turns, Coudert admits that landings have been more challenging. "The wind can be tricky, but successfully landing gives an incredible sense of achievement, similar to a perfect pass on the field," he explained.

Balancing Two Careers

Keeping up with both football and aviation presents some unique challenges. Coudert must maintain a high level of fitness to fly, which can complicate training sessions on match days. However, as he progresses, he finds that the pressure of his football career helps him handle challenges in the cockpit. "Thanks to football, I manage stress better than many students at my level of training," Le Quintrec said.

As for future aspirations, Coudert simply wants to earn his pilot’s license (LAPL) to fly across Europe, enabling him to visit family in Brive.

A Bird's Eye View

During a scenic outing, Coudert commented on the breathtaking views from above. "Up here, everything feels freer and slower, like time doesn’t exist, and the beauty of Brittany is stunning," he shared.

The flight is not only about learning; it also offers him a therapeutic escape from the pressures of football. When he soars above familiar grounds, he even manages to fly over the training complex of his teammate, Brendan Chardonnet, adding a layer of enjoyment to his experience.

Looking Ahead

After each flight, Coudert reflects on his performance and is keen to improve. "It’s about understanding how an aircraft functions, and I’m learning quickly," he noted. With aspirations to integrate flying into his life post-football, he finds joy in both his professions.

While there’s excitement surrounding his dual endeavors, Coudert remains focused on his current commitments, including an important match against Lens on Friday at 20:45. With ambitions soaring high, Grégoire Coudert seems poised to navigate successfully through both the football field and the skies.