Military aircraft on the runway with mountains in the background and a young woman in a blue military uniform and cap smiling in a circular frame — Princess Leonor at the General Air and Space Academy of San Javier (Murcia) to begin her final year of military training | Redacción

Camara — Princess Leonor at the General Air and Space Academy of San Javier (Murcia) to begin her final year of military training | Redacción

Princess Leonor begins her training in the Air Force: her final military stage

The future queen of Spain began her training at the Air Academy, with flights and practical training

02/09/2025 10:30:00h

Editorial Team

Princess Leonor entered the General Air and Space Academy (AGA) in San Javier, Murcia, on Monday to begin the final stage of her military training. She arrived at noon, dressed in her blue uniform, as a fourth-year ensign of the 78th class.

The campus, on the shores of the Mar Menor, displayed a sunny and lively atmosphere. Officers and cadets walked along the palm-lined paths and among historic aircraft models, while planes crossed the sky every few minutes. Excitement was palpable: students were starting a new academic year with the heir to the throne among them.

Preparation and equipment

Upon her arrival, Leonor was welcomed by Colonel Luis Felipe González, director of the Academy, and the senior staff of instructors. After signing the guest book, she received her full equipment: daily uniform, flight suit, and study briefcase. Everything she would use daily for her classes and training.

Young woman in a blue military uniform signing a document at a table

Princess Leonor of Bourbon signs the guest book | Redacción

The princess began her practical training in the flight area, equipped with runways and hangars. She first entered the FTD (Full-flight Training Device) simulator building, where she learned the basics of piloting before boarding the Pilatus PC-21 E-27 aircraft, known as "Eco-27." This advanced Swiss turboprop model is the same aircraft her father, King Felipe VI, recently tested.

Two people in pilot uniforms are talking while walking on a runway, and then the same people are seen inside an airplane cockpit where one of them appears to be receiving instructions.

Princess Leonor at the General Air and Space Academy of San Javier (Murcia) to begin her final year of military training | Redacción

Commander Alberto Guzmán, head of the 792nd instructor squadron, explained the maneuvers and protocols. Leonor will have to complete several hours in the simulator before actually piloting the aircraft, always with the instructor seated behind her in the rear seat.

Routine and comprehensive training

Her curriculum will alternate theoretical and practical classes, designed to obtain the competencies of a lieutenant in the Fundamental Flight Specialty. The program avoids repeated subjects from previous stages and prioritizes group work with her classmates: 60 men and 15 women, including Leonor.

Woman in military uniform operating a flight simulator in front of several control screens

The future queen of Spain is familiar with the technology with which she will be trained in the Air Force | Redacción

She will receive survival training, also in maritime environments, and will train in the aeronautical pentathlon, which combines shooting, fencing, orienteering, basketball, obstacle course, and swimming.Her day will begin at 6:30 with reveille, followed by breakfast, classes, flag-raising, and more lessons until dinner. The day will end around 10:30 p.m.

On weekends she will have leave, being able to enjoy beaches, coves, or visit historic cities such as Cartagena, provided she has no service commitments or management tasks with the students.

Expectations are rising for her first solo flight, known as "la suelta." This milestone depends on her skill and training, so there is still no confirmed date.

The AGA campus recalls its mission: to train future officers of the Air and Space Force, developing discipline, spirit of service, camaraderie, and commitment to the Armed Institutions. Among the hangars stands the image of the Virgin of Our Lady of Loreto, patron saint of the Air Force.

Leonor will complete this stage next summer, after which she will continue her university studies, presumably in Law. Her military preparation reflects the tradition of future queens who train to command the armed forces and assume responsibilities with discipline and professionalism.

➡️ Argentina