?»?Flying was more than a passion, it was his purpose in life:
* Earned his wings when he turned 16 in Arcachon near Bordeaux, France
* Immediately, began aerobatic training and participating in competitions
* Graduated in aerospace engineering from Ecole Nationale Superieure de l'Aeronautique et de l'Espace (Sup'Aero) in Toulouse France in 1993
* Obtained commercial and instrument ratings in Canada while working as an aerodynamics researcher
* Returned to France to work for Aerospatiale as an aerodynamics engineer
* Aerospatiale soon began sponsoring him for his aerobatics training & competiting

Etienne was only 31 years old and well on his way to a brilliant career as a professional aerobatics competitor when an unfortunate mechanical failure during a training flight led to a fatal crash on May 1st 2001 near Toulouse France

He will always be remembered and loved by his family and friends who find comfort in knowing that he lived fully his passion for flying and now forever belongs to the brotherhood of aviators