Next time you take a flight, you just never know who might be the controls. It could be a king. Holland's King Willem-Alexander has just revealed he has been secretly flying planes the Dutch carrier KLM the past 21 years, completely unbeknown his passengers. The 50-year-old king got his military pilot's license as a member the Royal Netherlands Air Force when he was his twenties. He developed a love flying and trained to become a commercial pilot. He revealed his secret life as a pilot an interview Dutch media. He flew KLM twice a month. The king said he was now preparing to upgrade his skills. He is back the aircraft simulator to train to fly Boeing 737s.
King Willem-Alexander told reporters that his passion flying meant he could relieve all stress while in the skies. He explained: "You have an aircraft, passengers and crew. You have responsibility them. You can't take your problems the ground the skies. You can completely disengage and concentrate something else. That, for me, is the most relaxing part flying." He said it was easy to keep his anonymity while flying, and that very few passengers ever knew he was piloting their plane. He said: "I always say that I wish everyone a heartfelt welcome behalf the captain and the crew. I don't have to say my own name, but most people don't listen anyway."
