“Looking back, I can say that completing my Boeing 737-800 type rating at Global Training Aviation has been one of the most demanding and rewarding experiences of my piloting career.
From day one, I found a very professional, yet at the same time close, environment. Something that particularly caught my attention was the involvement of the instructor team. Beyond transmitting technical knowledge, they were always available to help us, resolve doubts, and guide us throughout the entire process. That combination of operational experience, dedication, and human touch made a big difference for me.
The type rating is a major challenge for any pilot. It is not just about learning systems or procedures, but about developing a way of thinking and acting typical of airline operations. During the course, every theoretical session, briefing, simulator session, and debriefing was oriented toward preparing us for real situations that we might encounter later in daily operations.
One of the aspects I value most about my experience at GTA was the training methodology. The approach used by the instructors encouraged active participation, analysis, and constant reflection. Instead of limiting themselves to providing answers, they encouraged us to understand the why behind each procedure and to develop our own operational judgment. This made the learning process much deeper and more useful for the future.
The simulator sessions were particularly enriching. Each exercise represented an opportunity to improve our technical skills, but also our non-technical competencies, such as cockpit resource management, communication, decision-making, and teamwork. The subsequent debriefings allowed us to analyze each situation in detail and turn every experience into a real learning opportunity.
Another differentiating factor was the atmosphere generated throughout the training. Both the instructors and the rest of the GTA team managed to create a demanding, yet at the same time positive and motivating environment. I always had the feeling that we all shared the same goal: to achieve the highest possible level of preparation and to make the most of each phase of the course.
In addition to the technical quality of the training, I enormously value the closeness of the human team. In a stage as intense as a type rating, having people who support you, guide you, and trust in your capabilities provides a peace of mind that helps a lot to maintain focus and keep moving forward.
Today I am fortunate to fly as a First Officer at Corendon Airlines, and I am convinced that the training received at GTA has contributed very significantly to this transition. The training allowed me to acquire knowledge, skills, and confidence to face this new professional stage with a solid foundation.
I am deeply grateful to Global Training Aviation for this experience and, especially, to all the instructors who were part of the process. Their professionalism, dedication, and commitment made this path as challenging as it was rewarding.
Achieving this goal is a source of personal pride, but also the beginning of new challenges and opportunities. I face this new stage with enthusiasm and with the conviction of having received high-quality preparation for the real world of airline operations.”
Currently, Rafael López Marsellá is developing his career as a First Officer at Corendon Airlines after successfully completing his Boeing 737-800 type rating at Global Training Aviation (GTA).
Rafael was already part of the GTA training environment before joining the type rating, which allowed the instructor team to see firsthand his evolution, attitude, and professional potential. Thanks to his performance and commitment, he was one of the candidates who participated in the selection process for the Corendon Airlines cadet program supported by GTA, an initiative that connects future pilots with real airline opportunities through evaluation, preparation, and training processes oriented toward real operations.
Today, having already joined Corendon Airlines, Rafael shares his experience regarding the path traveled during his Boeing 737 Type Rating at GTA.
