Sam Rutherford
Rally Director
Sam caught the flying bug early and had his first flying lesson at 13, with first solo at 16. He left school early to join the British Army Air Corps, flying helicopters for eight years on operations around the world. At 25, dodging promotion to a desk, he signed off and organised an expedition from London to Sydney with two pink Land Rovers and a weight shift microlight. He has been involved in ‘complicated logistics’ worldwide (personally visiting 140+ countries) ever since. He holds plane and helicopter commercial licences, with over 3000 flight hours. His tendancy for desk-avoidance continues though the shackles are getting heavier!
Béatrice De Smet
Photographer & Social Media
Beatrice De Smet was born in Belgium and trained as a lawyer. She lived in multiple countries such as Italy, France, Botswana and the UK and travelled extensively and passionately over the last 20 years, mainly through Africa and Asia. From driving 4x4’s throughout the Sahara desert, Western & Southern Africa to flying in Africa multiple times with a single or group of small planes, she also conceived and lead the Jordanian Wadi Rum Horseback Expedition. She holds a PPL, is a keen photographer and has an extensive photographic record of all her travels. She speaks fluent Dutch, French, English and commands some Italian. She is married to Sam Rutherford and they have 2 wonderful children.
Maxime Scarcez
Flight Operation Director
Maxime Scarcez is Belgian and was born in Brussels. He followed his pilot's training at the Sabena Flight Academy and now holds an ATPL(A). He was awarded with the title of Best Student pilot in flight training and Best Student overal by the flight school. He is currently doing a bachelor degree in business administration at ICHEC in Brussels and planning to major in Entrepreneurship. Passionate about aviation, he is thrilled to work on the Ushuaia2USA Rally.
Estelle Choghari
Events & Design
Estelle, born and bred in Brussels. A graduate of the European Communication School, she made the best of her student years by having internships abroad and finishing her university in Shanghai, China. Since her youngest age she’s been travelling all across the globe, experiencing the beauty and wonders of the world. She's best defined by adventure, travels, art, music & adrenaline. She has worked for the VintageAirRally since 2016 and is always looking forward to the next rally.
Jeremy Martin
Communication Officer
Jeremy Martin was born in London, UK but lived the majority of his life between the US & Canada. Now residing in Brussels, his passion in adrenaline-fueled filmmaking brought him to join the VintageAirRally team. He speaks English, French, and Spanish and holds a BA in Political Science and MA in TV Journalism. You might catch him flying a drone above your head or shoving a camera in your face for a soundbite- just another day on the VintageAirRally!
Steven Olivier
IT & Flight Operations
Steven Olivier, born in Ghent, Belgium. Interested in technology from an early age, started writing his own computer programs at the age of 12. It came as no surprise that Steven went on studying Information Technology, specialising in the field of Cyber Security. He speaks Dutch, English and French. Since the day a friend took him for a flight in a micro-light a seemingly unreachable dream became reality. He has been flying micro-light aircrafts for several years now. Steven also enjoys sporting outdours and travelling including some advanced trekkings in the Andes and the Himalayas.
Kieran MacRury
Ground Operations
Kieran MacRury-Gandhi was born in London, growing up in the north highlands of Scotland and coming from a very mixed heritage. Having travelled extensively from such a young age, he has the passion of adventure embedded in him. Kieran joined the team recently after having lived in Australia for one year and travelling through multiple southern asian countries.
Tim Blommaert
Ground Operations
I received a bachelor in Tourism- and Leisiure management at the Erasmus Hogeschool Brussel, Campus Dansaert. During my studies, I worked as a photographer. As soon as I graduated, I joined the VintageAirRally team and got my first flying experience during a HeliSafari through Scandinavia. Travelling and working in Central-America made me love flying more and more… I’m hungry for more!
Vinnie the Vulture
Team Mascot
Vinnie is the team mascot, our direct link to the world’s vultures and one way we hope to raise awareness of the threat they face. He’s becoming increasingly experienced, spending time with each team on the VintageAirRally events. Vinnie usually wears his pilot apparel, but has a Dinner Jacket for formal occasions. He occasionally gets a good clean but is usually pretty grubby by the end of each Rally!
