Interview with a Eurofighter pilot

In this interview, conducted in our Discord channel, we have the pleasure of having with us a Eurofighter Typhoon pilot, the most advanced combat aircraft of the Spanish army.

He will tell us about his experience in the AGA, to his day-to-day life as a fighter pilot. We hope you like it and we read you in the comments.

Why did you decide to become a pilot?

I decided to be a pilot when I was little, watching a parade on October 12th with some F18s flying by. That sparked my interest to research the topic and strive to achieve it.

How was your first year at the academy?

My first year at the AGA was perhaps one of the most difficult years as you have to get used to a new life away from your family. The discipline required of a first-year cadet is probably the toughest part, there are many rules to follow and severe penalties.

What is daily life like at the AGA?

The day-to-day at the AGA is very changeable, even within the same year. You experience weeks of non-stop studying, demanding maneuvers, or being very stressed due to flying.
But there are also other quieter weeks when you can go out with your friends and enjoy a lot. In short, even the toughest weeks bring moments of happiness with your friends, the 5 years of academy in general are very beautiful years.

How was your first time flying?

The first time I flew was during the flight baptism that took place in my time when you were a second-year cadet. They would take you one day to the back cabin of a Pillan, and I remember it as a very beautiful experience. After so much time dreaming of getting on a plane, it is a very special moment.

What have you studied? How would you describe the pressure of balancing studies with flight classes?

At AGA, a degree in Industrial Organization Engineering is studied.

Balancing the degree with flying is sometimes a difficult task. Most of us who go through it focus most of our efforts on flying because the subjects of the degree in general tend to be somewhat easier starting from the third year. Additionally, preparing to fly a flight mission usually takes quite a bit of time.

What is the exam or test like in which you choose or are chosen to go hunting, transportation, or helicopters?

At the end of 4th Course, the best flight grades go to Hunting and Attack. To obtain hunting aptitude, you need to achieve an 8 in all flight phases of the year, which requires you to be at 100% throughout the course.
The rest of the students choose the remaining transportation and helicopter spots in order of seniority.

How many people fail to become a pilot?

Well, in general, there are many people who drop out along the way. Out of the 60 flight students who usually enroll each year, about 12 to 14 typically graduate as fighter pilots, although the numbers vary each year, but they tend to follow that ratio.

When leaving the AGA, how do they give you the destination?

Upon leaving the AGA, a destination is chosen in order of seniority within your specialty.

What is the day-to-day life of a combat pilot like after leaving the AGA?

Our day starts with the general briefing at 07:30 in the morning where the weather is reviewed and any emergencies or systems of the aircraft are discussed. Then, about two hours before takeoff, a mission briefing is conducted, and afterwards there is a debriefing in which some data or videos of the aircraft are reviewed to draw lessons learned.

What responsibilities do you have if you damage something on a fighter jet?

The pilot is not responsible when an airplane has a malfunction, unless that malfunction was caused by a violation of the rules or procedures, something that is very rare to happen.

How often do you usually fly?

The number of times one flies is variable, but generally speaking, I could say that a newly arrived lieutenant can fly an average of 3 times a week and it increases to 5 times or more when you are an experienced Captain.

What missions do fighter pilots carry out abroad?

Currently, Air Police missions are being carried out by NATO in the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea.

What do you think about the fact that many pilots join the military with the aim of becoming commercial pilots?

I don't know anyone who has entered with the intention of becoming a commercial pilot. When you rise to Commander, you lose your position and family reconciliation often forces you to look for a different job.
Most pilots who have to leave the military do so to achieve some family stability.

Does your assignment change every time you move up the officer scale?

For EA pilots, when you are promoted to Captain, you have the possibility of being forcibly assigned to schools. Later, with the promotion to Commander, you lose your assignment and have to change every 3 years, which is what most complicates family compatibility.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

I would advise you to focus on being better every day and to always think about surpassing yourself in every detail. The most important part is to be critical of oneself to reach your best version. The result of your goals is not what matters in the end, but knowing that you did everything you could to achieve it.

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