The dream of flying: how a military pilot is forged in Colombia

Inspired since childhood by his father's service as an air traffic controller NCO and by growing up in Combat Air Command No. 2 (CACOM 2), Ensign Sebastian Cruz has fulfilled his greatest dream: to become a military pilot in the Colombian Aerospace Force.

From an early age, Cruz dreamed of taking to the skies in the service of the country. His vocation led him to enter the 98th Officers' course at the "Marco Fidel Suárez" Military Aviation School in Cali, where he began a demanding three-year academic and military training. With discipline, he passed each phase until he was transferred to the T-27 Tucano School of CACOM 2, in Villavicencio (Meta), for his basic flight training.

A journey of effort, technique and passion

During his process, the young Ensign faced rigorous stages such as pre-solo, instrument flight, pair training, night navigation, cruise flight and training with night vision goggles (NVG). All these phases prepared him to operate in different conditions and geographies of the country.

The highlight of his training was the cruise flight, an experience in which he flew through airfields in different regions of Colombia, facing complex geographical and meteorological realities together with his seven course mates.

From the air, at the end of his last flight, Sebastian shared an emotional message over the radio:
"Thanks to God, my mom, my dad, my brothers and instructors for believing in this dream and supporting me. I am very happy."

A ceremony marking the beginning of a life of service

After landing, he and his "codes" - classmates from the same course - were proudly welcomed by their families and commanders in a simple but meaningful ceremony on the ramp of CACOM 2. This symbolic act marked the official start of his career as a military pilot.

Like Sebastián, dozens of young Colombians complete this journey every semester, demonstrating that with effort and vocation, you can reach the sky. The Colombian Aerospace Force continues to forge leaders who serve with honor, crossing the skies with the cry of "I am the best". Ad Astra.

Source: https://www.fac.mil.co/es/noticias/ser-piloto-militar-un-vuelo-que-empezo-siendo-un-sueno