From flight deck to operations leadership

At AAP Aviation, we are proud to work with pilots from all walks of life, showcasing how the profession can lead to unique stories and career paths. On this year’s World Pilots’ Day, we chose to share a little bit of the journey of our Head of Pilot Recruitment & RPFO, Alejandro — who is an inspiration to the whole AAP Aviation team and many other aviators!

A lifelong dream realized

Alejandro’s passion for aviation began as early as he can remember: He was only about three years old when the dream first touched his heart. His curiosity about the skies only grew as he got older and had the opportunity to learn more about what it takes to become a pilot, and in 1997 he started his formal training.

Alejandro’s flight education led him to take to the skies in a variety of aircraft, starting with single-engine airplanes like the Cessna 152, 172, and 207, as well as multi-engine aircraft such as the Cessna 310. His flying career began just one month after graduating from flight school, and since then, he has flown for various airlines and some of the most iconic aircraft in the aviation industry, including the Boeing B 727-200 and several models of the Airbus family — such as A318, A319, A320, A330, A340-300, A340-500, and even the Airbus A380-800, where he earned his command.

"During my flying career, I have had the opportunity to fly all around the world and in all weather conditions. I’ve flown over the North Pole, the North Atlantic, and across North, Central, and South America, Europe, the Middle East, the Himalayas, Asia, Australia-New Zealand, and Africa. The diversity of places and cultures I’ve experienced while flying has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career!"

Aviation not only gave him the opportunity to see the world, it also brought him an unexpected and beautiful gift: His family. It was during his pilot career that Alejandro met his wife, and today, they have a son who shares his father’s love for airplanes and the aviation world — a living example of how the passion for flying can be passed from generation to generation.

Today at AAP Aviation, Alejandro brings his skills and experience to new challenges. He works as the Head of Pilot Recruitment and leads our career support program in partnership with our flight school, Pilot Flight Academy, helping prepare pilots for new job opportunities. Additionally, he oversees our ferry flight operations in his role as RPFO (Responsible Pilot for Operations),  playing a critical part in making sure that our clients’ ferry flight operations are carried out safely, legally, and on schedule. 

For anyone considering a career in aviation, Alejandro’s message is clear:

"Do it. All the effort, work, and sacrifices made will definitely be worth it in order to earn your wings."