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    In Pictures: Princess Leonor’s First Flight in the Pilatus PC-21 Aircraft

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    Princess Leonor's First Solo Flight Images Released
    Princess Leonor's first flight in the Pilatus PC-21 aircraft. (Casa Real)

    A few days ago, we reported that Princess Leonor had completed one of the most important milestones in her military training: her first solo flight.

    On Thursday, December 18, the heiress took off solo in the Pilatus PC-21, the modern training aircraft she has been using since arriving at the General Air and Space Academy in San Javier four months ago.

    Princess Leonor's First Solo Flight Images Released
    Princess Leonor completed her first solo flight in the Pilatus PC-21 training aircraft. (CasaReal)

    Now, the Royal Household has released the images, and beyond the moment itself, what we see is the result of extensive theory, hours in the simulator, and real flights with an instructor until reaching “solo flight,” as it is known in aviation jargon. ​​It’s that moment every student pilot both eagerly anticipates and fears in equal measure.

    Leonor Completes Solo Flight in Pilatus PC-21
    Leonor Completes Solo Flight in Pilatus PC-21. (CasaReal)

    Before she could fly solo, Leonor had to fully understand every procedure and master every maneuver. ​​It’s not about just jumping into the void. ​​It’s four months of intensive training where you learn not only to fly, but also to understand the inner workings of the Air and Space Force.

    Princess Leonor in the flight simulator.
    Princess Leonor in the flight simulator. (CasaReal)

    The Pilatus PC-21 is no ordinary aircraft; it’s the training platform for future military pilots, and mastering it demands concentration, discipline, and considerable fortitude.

    Princess Leonor's First Solo Flight Images Released
    Princess Leonor prepared theoretically for her first flight. (CasaReal)

    The shared images show the entire process the heiress went through to make her first flight.

    Princess Leonor flying in a Pilatus PC-21
    Princess Leonor flying in a Pilatus PC-21. (CasaReal)

    Royal Images Show Princess Leonor’s First Solo Flight

    Leonor performing the start-up procedure before her solo flight
    Leonor performing the start-up procedure before her solo flight. (CasaReal)
    Princess Leonor's First Solo Flight Images Released
    Leonor puts on her anti-g suit before a training flight. (CasaReal)
    Leonor with her flight instructor.
    Leonor with her flight instructor. (CasaReal)
    Princess Leonor's First Solo Flight Images Released
    The Princess of Asturias conducts a pre-flight check. (CasaReal)

    Leonor is preparing to return to Zarzuela to spend a few days on vacation with Felipe, Letizia, Sofia. ​​But this isn’t a complete break: upon her return, she’ll have to take her first semester exams between January 19th and 30th.