Hi, I’m Steve Caster, and I’d like to welcome you to my little corner of the internet, where I share my passions, projects, and experiences.
Who Am I?
I’m based in the Flemish Region of Belgium, and my journey has taken me through diverse fields, blending technical expertise, creative expression, and a love for aviation.
Professionally, I serve as the Technical Excellence Center Manager for the EMEA region at Brady Corporation. With years of experience in engineering and problem-solving, I work to enhance technical excellence and innovation within a company that specializes in workplace safety and identification solutions.
Beyond Work: My Passions
For many years, music played a huge role in my life. I was actively involved in mixing, mastering, and performing, working on various projects, including my former bands 1D-fens and United and Identified. I also contributed to the production of other artists, such as Crux TenebriS, a Belgian melodic death metal band. Though I’ve stepped away from music in recent years, the passion for sound and creativity still lingers in the background.
Taking to the Skies
One of my biggest passions is aviation, and I’m currently a trainee pilot for ultralights. Flying has always fascinated me—the freedom, the perspective, and the sheer joy of being up in the air. After years of flight simulation, I decided it was time to make the leap from virtual skies to the real thing.
Training for ultralights is an incredible experience, offering the thrill of aviation without the complexity of larger aircraft. It’s about mastering the fundamentals, understanding aerodynamics, and, most importantly, feeling the pure exhilaration of flight. Every lesson brings new challenges, whether it’s perfecting landings, handling crosswinds, or navigating Belgian airspace.
Through Blakstraat 11, I hope to share my flying journey—insights, lessons learned, and maybe even a few stories of near-perfect landings (or not-so-perfect ones). Whether you’re a fellow aviation enthusiast or just curious about what it’s like to fly an ultralight, I’d love to connect!
Life at Home
I’m happily married, and while there are no kids running around, my wife and I share our home with two cats who firmly believe they run the place. They specialize in supervising from high places, demanding attention at the most inconvenient times, and occasionally walking across my keyboard when I least expect it. They may not contribute much to technical excellence, but they’ve certainly mastered the art of distraction.
A Quick Word About My Age
Born in 1982, I come from a time when phones had cords, the internet made weird noises, and mixtapes were an actual thing. I’ve lived through the golden era of Grunge, the rise (and fall) of dial-up internet, and the time when floppy disks were still useful. Let’s just say I’m old enough to appreciate both analog and digital worlds—and young enough to still get excited about new tech!
Why Blakstraat 11?
Blakstraat 11 is more than just a website—it’s a personal space where I bring together my professional expertise, past creative ventures, and passion for aviation. Whether you’re here to learn about technical innovation, flying, or just curious about my journey, I hope you find something that resonates with you.