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LEIAAI student pilots beside a training aircraft

Student Stories

Real people.
Real journeys.

Hear from our students and alumni who turned their dreams into careers through LEIAAI.

“In January 2018, I followed in the footsteps of my father and brother and enrolled in LEIAAI to train as a pilot. One of the highlights of my training was working with very patient and talented instructors. I also had the chance to bond with captains and students from different batches, which led to solid friendships and camaraderie in aviation. The school instilled in me the importance of respect, discipline, and time management, which have been invaluable in my career as a pilot. ”

KATRINA P. CARANGAN · First Officer, ATR 42-600 & ATR 72-600 AirSWIFT Airlines Philippines

“Inspired by my father, I started my training to become a pilot in 2016. The path was both challenging & incredibly rewarding, as I gained not only the skills to fly but also learned to manage my time, maintain my physical and mental health, be confident, and much more. I’m grateful to God for blessing me with exceptional instructors & peers who shared valuable insights on how to cultivate these qualities. Still, all this would be insignificant without my own effort. It all begins with "you." Thank you, LEIAAI, for shaping me into who I am today. To God be the glory!”

ERIK P. CARANGAN · First Officer, Airbus A330 VietJet Air

“As a working student in 2018, my initial challenge was to squeeze in flying hours in the limited time available, only to fly during my days off & vacation leave from work. LEIAAI provided me with the best-quality training that suited my schedule. I gained a wealth of knowledge both within & beyond the classroom & cockpit. The most crucial thing is maintaining a positive attitude. The amazing culture and environment also fostered lifelong friendships and bonds between fellow students and instructors. Learning never stops even in the airline industry, but I miss my old flying days with LEIAAI.”

JOHN A. GUPALOR · First Officer, DHC-8-400 Dash 8, PAL Express

“I always wanted to be a pilot when I was a kid. I am very grateful to ACDI MPC for the scholarship they granted me as an Airman of the Philippine Air Force. I consider LEIAAI to be one of the best flying schools in the country, and their high standards helped me become a competent pilot. While I was training, I always felt like I was part of a family that looked after my growth and was always there for me. In 2019, I also had the chance to work as a Flight and Ground Instructor for LEIAAI, which helped me improve my skills a lot. Thank you, LEIAAI & ACDI MPC, for helping me realize my dream!”

ROWEL G. CAGRO · First Officer, ATR 72-500, Leading Edge Air Services Corporation (LEASCOR)

“From the very start, the professionalism and enthusiasm of LEIAAI instructors made me feel at home. Their wealth of knowledge, combined with their passion for teaching, made each lesson engaging and tailored to my needs. And beyond the technical training, the community of support among students and staff made the school feel like a family that cares about each other's success. Leading Edge has helped me feel completely ready to start my career as an airline pilot, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone pursuing their flying dreams.”

KATRINA P. INGCO · First Officer, DHC-8-400 Dash 8, PAL Express

“As part of LEIAAI's first student batches, I witnessed the school grow from its humble beginnings as we learned the basics of flying. I deeply valued the emphasis on mastering fundamental skills, which laid the foundation for becoming not just a great pilot, but a true aviation professional. Seeing LEIAAI evolve into a leading aviation institution makes me reflect on the lessons I gained both in and out of the cockpit. These valuable insights have shaped me as a pilot, as a professional, and as a person. I am grateful for the lessons that I’ll carry with me throughout my career and beyond.”

HANS CHRISTIAN M. BEN · Captain - Beechcraft King Air 350/350i, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines

“My father, a military pilot, inspired me to pursue aviation, even though I knew it wouldn't be a walk in the park. In 2018, my parents enrolled me in LEIAAI where I learned that having good character and how you handle your flaws will help you become a better pilot. Thank you to my instructors, fellow alumni, and the LEIAAI management for giving me an opportunity to start and hone my skills to be a competent pilot.”

LENNARD SAM M. PEREZ · First Officer, DHC-8-400 Dash 8, PAL Express

“I am a part of batch 2019 Foxtrot of LEIAAI. It was a transformative experience as the hands-on instruction and expert mentorship set me up for success in this dynamic field. Thank you to my instructors and fellow aviators; the skills and knowledge I gained have been invaluable, especially in the field where I am today.”

2LT JUNI ALEC C BAÑAGA PAF · Student Officer, 102nd Pilot Training Squadron, Philippine Air Force

“Having started without any knowledge of aviation, LEIAAI jump-started my journey, instilling in me the proper discipline, knowledge, and respect in facing the world of aviation. I am grateful for the invaluable network, support, and mentorship I received along the way. Let us remain being a lifelong student so we can achieve what we aspire to be.”

YANCY FRANZ C. PASCUA · Captain, Quest Kodiak 100, World Aviation International Services Corporation

“The journey to the cockpit was never easy. You need good people and credible institutions to propel your aviation career. Thankfully, Leading Edge International Aviation Academy (LEIAA) and its highly skilled team have been very generous in sharing valuable lessons that I continue to carry up to this day. LEIAAI has produced a good number of aviation leaders who are not only trailblazing in the industry but also put a premium on safety. I feel truly humbled to have acquired my pilot training with them.”

STEVE F. DAILISAN · First Officer, Airbus A-320 and Head of Communications and Public Affairs AirAsia Philippines

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