Princess Leonor of Spain has made history by becoming the first woman in the Spanish royal family to fly solo. On December 18, 2023, the Princess of Asturias successfully piloted the Pilatus PC-21 during her inaugural flight at the General Air Academy. This significant achievement marks a milestone not only for her personal journey but also for the representation of women in military aviation.
The Royal House released photographs of Princess Leonor at the controls of the aircraft, highlighting her dedication and rigorous training over recent months. The Princess has undergone an intensive instruction program aimed at acquiring both aeronautical knowledge and practical skills necessary to operate the Pilatus PC-21. This training has included theoretical coursework, simulator sessions, and hands-on flight instruction.
In following in the footsteps of her father, King Felipe VI, and her grandfather, King Juan Carlos I, who are both experienced pilots, Princess Leonor has demonstrated her commitment to service. She has passed all required theoretical training and has participated in various preparatory activities, such as operational briefings and aircraft checks. The training regimen also incorporated survival exercises at sea, familiarization with protective equipment, and participation in the annual swearing-in ceremony held at the General Academy of Air and Space.
As part of her military training, Princess Leonor currently holds the rank of Cadet Ensign with the Army and Midshipman following her completion of naval training earlier this summer. Her solo flight represents not just a personal accomplishment but also a step toward a lifelong commitment to military service and leadership.
This achievement is particularly notable as it aligns with the ongoing efforts to increase female participation in traditionally male-dominated fields, including military aviation. Princess Leonor’s flight is expected to inspire future generations of women aspiring to enter similar professions.
Her training and achievements have been closely followed by both the public and the media, with interest in her role as the future head of state. The Royal House has emphasized the importance of this milestone, reflecting on the significance of Princess Leonor’s accomplishments in the context of modernizing the Spanish monarchy.
As she continues her journey, Princess Leonor is poised to break additional barriers in her military career, further solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer within the Spanish royal family.
