“When I decided to apply for the Carlos Salas Scholarships, I knew I was aiming for an extraordinary opportunity. What I didn’t realise at the time was how much that experience would ultimately shape my professional career.
Being selected as one of the scholarship recipients allowed me to complete my Boeing 737 Type Rating at Global Training Aviation—an objective I had been working towards for a long time and one that, thanks to this initiative promoted by SEPLA, COPAC, and GTA, I was finally able to achieve.
However, what I remember most about the entire process is not just the training itself, but the way each stage unfolded. From the selection process to the completion of the course, I always felt a sense of closeness, transparency, and genuine interest from everyone involved. At such an important stage in any pilot’s career, having that kind of support makes a real difference.
During my time at GTA, I found a demanding, professional training environment strongly focused on real airline operations. The instructors consistently shared their operational experience and helped us understand not only the procedures, but also the reasoning and decision-making behind every action in the cockpit.
The Boeing 737 Type Rating was an exciting challenge. Each simulator session represented a new opportunity to learn, improve, and build confidence. Thanks to the guidance of the instructors and the methodology used throughout the course, I was able to develop a much more comprehensive understanding of what it truly means to operate an aircraft in an airline environment.
One of the aspects I value most about GTA is the personalised attention each student receives. At no point did I feel like just another number in a course. I always found people willing to listen, support, and guide me throughout the process. This combination of professionalism and approachability is, in my opinion, one of the organisation’s key strengths.
The experience I gained during the course allowed me to face the next steps in my professional career with confidence. After completing my training, I had the opportunity to join the Corendon Airlines cadet programme, an initiative in which GTA actively collaborates in the preparation and development of future airline pilots.
Looking back, I can say that the scholarship represented much more than financial support to complete a Type Rating. It marked the beginning of a professional path that brought me closer to my goal of becoming an airline pilot and allowed me to continue growing within an international organisation.
Today, I am fortunate to be flying as a First Officer at Corendon Airlines, and I still look back on that period with great gratitude. The training I received, the trust placed in me, and the constant support from everyone involved were key factors in helping me get to where I am today.
I am deeply grateful to SEPLA, COPAC, and Global Training Aviation for their commitment to supporting new pilots and for creating opportunities that can truly change a professional career. I would without hesitation recommend the Carlos Salas Scholarships to any pilot who has the chance to apply.”
……………………………………………………
Carlos Ávila Gómez was one of the recipients of the Carlos Salas Scholarships, an initiative promoted by SEPLA, COPAC, and Global Training Aviation to support access to advanced training for new pilots. Thanks to this scholarship, he completed his Boeing 737 Type Rating at GTA and later joined the Corendon Airlines cadet programme. He is currently working as a First Officer at Corendon Airlines.
