Princess Leonor Makes History and Becomes the First Woman in Spanish Royal Family to Fly Solo

Princess Leonor of Spain made her first solo flight yesterday as part of her military training at the General Academy of Air and Space (AGA), in San Javier (Murcia), by the House of the King on its website. The daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia made history by becoming the first woman of Spanish royalty to make a solo flight when she completes her fourth month of instruction as an ensign of the Air and Space Army. Her studies are being carried out after having been previously trained in the previous academic courses at the Military Academy of Zaragoza of the Army and in the Navy at the Naval Military School of Marin (Pontevedra).

The princess in the cockpit of the Pilatus PC-21 aircraft about to start the teaching flight.

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She completes with the instructor the procedures for a teaching flight at the General Academy of Air and Space (AGA).

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The heiress to the throne flies over the Mar Menor during her teaching flight.

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The princess celebrates her first solo flight with her fellow students at the General Air Academy.

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During this training period, the Princess of Spain has followed an intensive instruction program aimed at acquiring aeronautical knowledge and learning to operate the aircraft model in which she is trained and flies, the Pilatus PC-21 (E.27). This preparation is complemented with other contents oriented to deepen the knowledge of the organization, structure and functioning of the Air and Space Army.

Tour to the aircraft with the instructor to perform a teaching flight.

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Following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather, two renowned Army pilots, Princess Leonor has previously passed the corresponding theoretical training, as well as the simulator sessions and instruction flights in the Pilatus PC-21. This process has allowed her, according to the King’s House, to acquire the necessary skills to safely perform the so-called release, which took place on Thursday, December 18.

Leonor taking notes during the briefing prior to a training flight.

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During instruction and training activities at the General Air and Space Academy (AGA).

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The King and Queen's daughter launches herself into the sea from a helicopter during the sea survival training activity.

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Over the last few months, the future head of state’s training has included, among other activities, pre-flight preparation, operational briefings, aircraft checks and teaching flights, as well as training in flight simulators. Leonor’s instruction has been completed with other activities typical of military air training, such as survival exercises at sea, training with protective equipment, including the anti-G chaps, and her participation in the traditional act of swearing of the flag held at the General Academy of Air and Space on the occasion of the feast of the patron saint of aviators, the Virgin of Loreto, celebrated this month.

Moment in which the Princess of Asturias is equipped with the anti-g chapstick before a teaching flight.

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During one of the Pilatus flight simulator sessions established to achieve the necessary skills that have allowed her to perform "the release" safely.

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Princess Leonor currently holds the rank of Cadet Ensign with the Army and Midshipman following completion of her naval training earlier this summer. And her solo mission is the next step in a lifelong commitment to service.

Moment of military training at the General Academy of Air and Space (AGA) during the celebration of the patron saint Our Lady of Loreto.

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Doña Leonor in a relaxed moment chatting with her colleagues at the General Air Academy (AGA).

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Originally published in Vanity Fair España. Marta Suárez is the Royal House Correspondent for Vanity Fair Spain. Follow her coverage here.