The First Solo Flight is one of the most important moments in the career of the future Military Pilot since it is the first time that, having passed the corresponding inspections, he is alone in command of an aircraft.
The ceremony was presided over by the chief of the General Staff of the Argentine Air Force, Major Brigadier Fernando Luis Mengo, accompanied by the chief of the General Staff of the Argentine Navy, Rear Admiral Carlos Allievi, and the deputy chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Forces. Navy, Rear Admiral Marcelo Dalle Nogare, together with prominent and high authorities of our Institution.
Chaplain Rafael Melida made a religious invocation where he blessed the shields and scarves asking for the intercession of our Patroness the Virgin of Loreto and her maternal protection.
Continuing, the head of the Air Group, Vice Commodore Néstor Brunetta, addressed those present, highlighting that “the sky is the natural habitat of birds, its essence is flight, that of man is to challenge nature, so much so that for more than “For 100 years he has been flying through the skies in machines heavier than air in search of a purpose.”
In this regard, he reflected that the day of the first flight is only unique and unrepeatable: “it is the first time that you found yourself in the air, just you and your machine, facing your own destiny, challenging nature and becoming men of the air, your purpose, to defend the country even to the point of losing one’s life.
On this occasion, the members of the Joint Basic Military Pilot Course (CBCPM) who made their first flight without the company of the instructor in the TECNAM primary training aircraft, were officers from the Argentine Army, the Argentine Navy and three foreign officers (Panama, Paraguay and Senegal).
Likewise, the solo flight was held in the Texan basic training aircraft for the Argentine Air Force officers taking the Military Aviator Course (CAM). On this occasion also with two officers belonging to the Uruguayan Air Force.
To all of them, Vice Commodore Brunetta pointed out emphatically “remember why you are here and how you arrived; surely in many of you the vocation to serve your country led you to find a way to express it in the wings of the Homeland.” Today that Master Condor observes attentively from above his chick beginning its first flight.
Then, the Group Order was read that authorizes the pilots to use the scarves and badges of the Air School Group, who also signed the historical book.
Subsequently, the shields with handkerchiefs carrying their callsigns were presented to the excitement and applause of all those present, crowning the moment with the execution of the Diana of Glory, the “Alas Argentinas” march and magnificent air tickets of the Weapons System A-4AR Fightinghawk.
Subsequently, the authorities greeted the attending officers and the instructor, First Lieutenant Alfonso López Pujato, spoke allusive words, beginning with the reflection that “each “solo flight” executed among the infinity of the national skies, there at the confines of 2023 to the CAM and in the year 2024 for the CBCPM, has as many anecdotes as “solo flights” carried out; it means for you to have mastered a machine in the nobility of its engines and in the prowess of its wings; recognize your fears or rather: have respect for them and with character, DOMINATE THEM! This event that fills us with joy and pride, means having achieved a first achievement to become a Military Aviator!”
Likewise, the last two winged soldiers who undertook the other flight towards eternity were emotionally remembered: Ensign Sebastián Bolzi and his instructor, First Lieutenant Matías Fabricius, a duo of student and instructor, who God wanted to be celebrating with us from heaven today .
The instructor also emphasized: “Remember, fellow students, today is a day of joy for each of you, your families and loved ones; be grateful and, above all, humble, an essential virtue to achieve more! It is now that each of the instructors who have contributed to making this achievement possible thank you, because although we are the ones who teach you, we are also the ones who learn the most. Our goal is clear! You will be the ones who will accompany us on each flight as our Squadron officers, to defend our homeland skies.”
After the screening of an emotional video that illustrated the preparation, process and maneuvers in the solo flight, souvenir gifts were given and Brigadier General Fernando Luis Mengo recalled the importance of the joint effort, not only between the Forces, but also between nations. The Air Force brings together and unites.
“The combative spirit of the Force is alive in you, you are soldiers at the service of our Homeland,” emphasized the head of the Institution. On the other hand, he pointed out that the importance of maintaining traditions like these consists of feeding the spirit with future projections.
He also invited everyone to “be brave in making their dreams come true. Transform themselves with a deep love for their country and their vocation, being happy with what they do, with their dedication and conviction.”
Finally, he ended with great congratulations for this first and great start, encouraging everyone to always go forward, further, faster, until they reach their long-awaited dream: the Wings of the Homeland!
