16-Year-Old Becomes Canary Islands' Youngest Pilot Student
Sixteen-year-old Daniel Luis Garrido from La Orotava has become the Canary Islands' youngest pilot student, rapidly progressing towards his private pilot's license with exceptional dedication.
Daniel Luis Garrido, a 16-year-old from La Orotava, has become the youngest pilot student in the Canary Islands. This is a big step for him, showing how quickly he's progressing in his tough aviation training. It highlights not only his early passion but also the strict discipline needed to enter a career with specific age and qualification rules.
Daniel started his official training last September at the Royal Aero Club of Tenerife in Los Rodeos, which was the youngest age allowed to begin. In less than six months, he has almost finished what he needs for his private pilot's license. He expects to get it in August when he turns 17. His main goal, though, is to fly large commercial planes, especially the Airbus 330. He hopes to get that license when he's 18.
Daniel's journey shows incredible dedication. He has spent 2,700 hours flying in simulators, including special sessions in Madrid using an Airbus A320. There, he showed amazing landing skills for someone his age. He's also had the chance to sit in the cockpits of Vueling and Iberia planes. For his theory lessons, he's been studying at Senasa in Madrid, where he's passed many required subjects with excellent grades. Soon, he'll go back to Madrid for a third time to finish the last three subjects before getting his private license.
This expensive training is possible thanks to his family's support. The private pilot's license course, which covers nine subjects, costs about 20,000 euros. The commercial license, with thirteen subjects, can cost anywhere from 80,000 to 120,000 euros, depending on the school. Despite these costs, Daniel, whose parents are Gustavo Adolfo and Judith, is determined to reach his goal.
Ramón Díaz, president of the Royal Aero Club of Tenerife (founded in 1946 with 78 members), said the club is very happy to have such a talented student. His instructor, Pablo González, praised Daniel's understanding of aviation terms and communication, which often challenge other aspiring pilots. Daniel's maturity and calm attitude, unusual for a 16-year-old, are seen as vital qualities for a future pilot.
The historic Los Rodeos airport, important to Canarian aviation, is where this young talent is building his future, aiming for new heights in an industry that blends tradition with constant innovation.