Luca Bertossio
Aerobatic Glider Swift S-1
Luca Bertossio, widely known as the Silent Bandit, was born on 24 January 1990 in Udine, Italy, and today lives in Monza. A natural aviator and proud Italian, he has become one of the most celebrated figures in glider aerobatics. With more than 3,500 flights on aircraft such as the Swift S‐1, MDM Fox, ASK21, and IS28B2, Luca combines precision, grace, and unmatched technical mastery.
He competes as an Unlimited Aerobatic pilot for the Italian National Glider Aerobatic Team and is
a respected airshow performer, former Red Bull demo pilot, and European Ambassador for Alpha Industries. Outside airshows, he serves as a Boeing 737‐800 / 8200 First Officer based in Bergamo and teaches as an Unlimited Aerobatic Instructor across Italy, Spain, and the United States.
Holding both EASA and FAA licences, Luca is the first Italian and youngest pilot to achieve 9 Gold, 8 Silver, and 4 Bronze FAI medals, solidifying his legacy as an icon of the sport.
© Luca Bertossio
At Athens Flying Week, surrounded by roaring jet engines and an excited crowd, Luca Bertossio created a moment as unforgettable as his aerobatic performances. After finishing his display, Luca guided his glider to the show line, where his soon to be fiancée waited, unaware of what was coming. With the announcer inviting the public to watch closely, Luca stepped forward, dropped to one knee, and proposed against the backdrop of the Greek mountains and the aviation festival he loves. The crowd erupted in cheers as she said yes, turning a day of flying into the start of their life together.
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