In an era where aviation technology continues to evolve, from advanced flight management systems to automated weather analysis tools, the path to becoming a professional pilot remains a blend of rigorous certification processes, hands-on training, and interpersonal skills. Victor Garrido Solis, a seasoned airline Captain with years of experience in both instructional and operational roles, offers a detailed look at his career journey. Drawing from his promotions, mentoring experiences, and personal challenges, Victor emphasizes the importance of technical proficiency, safety protocols, and adaptability in the flight deck. This article explores his insights into airline certifications and his teaching style, providing valuable guidance for aspiring pilots in a field increasingly reliant on cutting-edge technology.
Victor’s story highlights how aviation careers are built on a foundation of merit and continuous learning. Starting from his early days as a flight instructor to his current role as a Captain, he attributes his advancements to a combination of skills that align with the industry’s demand for safe, efficient, and technologically adept pilots. In an exclusive interview, Victor shared how his promotions were earned through technical expertise and leadership, while detailing the step-by-step process of pilot certification and his approach to mentoring junior pilots. His experiences underscore the human element in aviation technology, where pilots must master complex systems while fostering teamwork and resilience.
The Path to Promotions: Skill, Leadership, and Professionalism
Victor’s career trajectory is a testament to the structured progression in aviation, where each role builds upon the last. He explained that every promotion—from flight instructor to lead instructor and eventually to airline Captain—stemmed from a mix of technical skill, leadership qualities, and professionalism. “I focus on consistency, staying calm under pressure, and creating strong teamwork with every crew I fly with,” Victor said. This approach not only ensured safe operations but also aligned with the technological demands of modern aviation, such as managing advanced avionics and adhering to digital flight planning tools.
In his view, his background as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) played a pivotal role. It instilled a natural mentoring habit that supervisors valued for enhancing safety and efficiency. For instance, during his time as a lead instructor, Victor’s ability to guide students through simulated emergencies using flight simulators equipped with real-time data analytics helped build a culture of preparedness. This proactive mentorship translated into his airline promotions, where airlines prioritize pilots who can integrate human factors with emerging technologies like automated decision-support systems.
Victor’s promotions reflect broader trends in the aviation industry, where regulatory bodies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the U.S. emphasize ongoing training. Pilots must demonstrate proficiency in handling technological advancements, from glass flight decks to AI-assisted navigation, making leadership in these areas a key factor for advancement. His journey serves as an unbiased example of how pilots who excel in both technical and interpersonal domains are rewarded with greater responsibilities.
The Certification Process: A Step-by-Step Climb
Inside a flight deck
Becoming a certified pilot is a methodical process that demands dedication, technical knowledge, and hands-on experience, as Victor outlined. It begins with obtaining a Private Pilot License (PPL), where trainees learn foundational flying skills, including basic aircraft control and navigation using instruments like altimeters and GPS systems. Victor noted that this initial stage involves studying aerodynamics and weather patterns, often through computer-based simulations that prepare pilots for real-world scenarios.
Advancing further, pilots pursue an Instrument Rating, which allows them to fly in various weather conditions using advanced instrumentation. This step is crucial in today’s technology-driven aviation, as it involves mastering tools like inertial navigation systems and electronic flight bags. Victor then progressed to Commercial Pilot Licenses for single and multi-engine aircraft, which require extensive flight hours and proficiency exams. For those aspiring to instruct, additional certificates such as CFI, CFII (Instrument Instructor), and MEI (Multi-Engine Instructor) are necessary.
To reach airline-level positions, Victor emphasized the importance of an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, often complemented by specific aircraft type ratings. This phase includes rigorous testing on complex systems, such as fly-by-wire controls and automated thrust management, which are integral to modern jets. “It’s a lot of studying, flying, and testing—but each step builds on the one before it,” he said. In total, Victor amassed over 3,200 flight hours through consistent practice, starting with multiple daily flights as a CFI and later through diverse operations like medevac missions.
This certification pathway not only ensures pilots are technologically competent but also aligns with global standards set by organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Victor’s experience illustrates how these processes foster a deep understanding of aviation technology, from basic flight dynamics to integrated flight deck systems, preparing pilots for the demands of commercial flying.
Mentoring Junior Pilots: A Blend of Guidance and Safety Focus
Photo from Commercial flight looking into the flight deck
One of Victor’s most notable contributions to aviation is his teaching style, rooted in his CFI background. When mentoring new First Officers during their initial trips post-training, he applies a structured approach that prioritizes safety and team performance. “I treat mentoring First Officers like instructing advanced students,” Victor explained. He begins by briefing expectations, setting clear goals, and maintaining proactive communication, ensuring that junior pilots feel supported without being overly judged.
In practice, this involves adapting to technological tools in the flight deck. For example, if a First Officer struggles with a flight management system during a busy approach, Victor might adjust the aircraft’s speed or workload to allow time for clear thinking. He encourages open dialogue, asking questions like, “What do you see on the radar?” to promote situational awareness. This method not only enhances safety but also builds confidence in using advanced avionics.
When working with junior pilots, Victor emphasizes three key points: staying ahead of the airplane, communicating openly, and adhering to procedures. He teaches the concept of “mental gates,” where pilots prepare for phase changes, such as configuring for landing, well in advance. This technique integrates technology by leveraging tools like electronic checklists and predictive windshear alerts. “Aviation isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being disciplined, staying humble, and constantly thinking ahead to avoid problems,” he advised.
Victor’s mentoring style reflects the industry’s shift toward human-centered technology, where pilots must collaborate effectively with automated systems. His approach has helped foster a new generation of pilots who are not only skilled in handling tech but also adept at teamwork, reducing error rates in high-stakes environments.
Managing Stress, Building Hours, and Advice for Aspiring Pilots
An Airplane taking off at night
In the high-pressure world of aviation, managing stress is essential, especially when dealing with sophisticated technology. Victor shared his strategies for maintaining composure during flights, such as taking deep breaths, double-checking basics like airspeed and altitude, and communicating clearly with the crew to distribute workload. “Staying calm under pressure isn’t optional—it’s critical for making the right decisions,” he said, drawing from experiences in medevac operations where quick thinking with tools like satellite communication systems was vital.
Achieving his 3,200 flight hours required unwavering commitment. Victor built this through consistent flying in varied conditions—day and night, in different weather—starting as a CFI and progressing to regional airline routes. He stressed that it was about passion and daily dedication rather than merely accumulating hours.
For those aiming for a successful career like his, Victor’s advice is straightforward: “Stay patient, stay disciplined, and stay humble.” He warned of setbacks like weather delays or competitive job markets but encouraged viewing each flight as a learning opportunity. In medevac flights, his top priorities—ensuring safe conditions, clear communication with the crew, and having backup plans—highlight the intersection of technology and emergency response.
A typical day for Victor involves reviewing weather data via apps, briefing the crew, and maintaining focus throughout the flight. His history began in the U.S., where he trained in Florida at age 18, later gaining experience in Chile’s challenging terrains. Regarding landings and takeoffs, he maintains that none are inherently easy or difficult; each demands respect and preparation to handle unexpected variables.
In conclusion, Victor’s insights into airline certifications and teaching style offer a balanced view of aviation’s technological landscape. As the industry evolves with innovations like autonomous systems and enhanced training simulators, his emphasis on skill, mentorship, and resilience serves as a guiding light. For aspiring pilots, his story is a reminder that success in this field comes from a harmonious blend of human expertise and technological mastery, ensuring safer skies for all.
Photos from Unsplash
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