New global program to fulfill dream of aspiring Filipino pilots

Living in close proximity to an airport may entail challenges such as potential poor air quality and the overwhelming noise generated by airplane landings or takeoffs, making it seem like a nightmarish scenario for some. However, for Carl Lemuel B. Granali, this location is nothing short of ideal—it's the place where his dream originated.

At the age of 26, Granali harbored a long-standing aspiration of becoming an airline pilot. This dream was significantly shaped by his father, who used to regularly bring him to an airport near their residence in Tacloban City, Leyte, allowing him to closely observe planes during his formative years.

“He would always take me to Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport every Sunday for plane spotting,” Granali said. “I was always fascinated by Airbus planes back then.”

However, Granali had to defer the pursuit of his dream. Hailing from a family with humble means, he understood that gaining admission to a pilot school would be a formidable challenge, given the substantial financial investment it demanded. The training cost ranged between Php 3 million and Php 5 million, a considerable sum that his family couldn't afford at the time. Consequently, he opted to pursue a degree in education instead.

After graduating from university and passing the boards in 2018, Granali worked as a lecturer in a specialized review center, conducting review sessions in different sites across the country to help aspiring teachers pass their licensure exam. But his goal of becoming a pilot had never completely drifted out of the picture. “I became a teacher by profession, believing it would pave the way for me to achieve my ultimate dream of becoming an airline pilot,” he said.

Granali applied to countless scholarship programs and got rejected multiple times, until he discovered CADETPILOT.AERO, a European flight training organization, through a Filipino pilot vlogger in 2022.

After being shortlisted and passing two aptitude exams, Granali was selected and admitted to the cadet pilot program and began his 91-week sponsored training in Czech Republic. The organization shouldered every expense from start to finish, including training costs, housing, visas, insurance, and monthly stipend, allowing him to concentrate on learning. Reimbursement will occur after graduation once he is employed as an airline pilot.

“It was by far the most challenging application journey I have ever experienced,” he continued. “But I never doubted myself, not even once. In fact, I was more excited than ever. For the longest time, I had prepared for an opportunity like this.”

Patrik Dvorak, the training manager at e CADETPILOT.AERO, described Granali as a highly motivated candidate, a trait that eventually earned him a spot in the program despite not having any experience in the aviation industry at all.

“During the application process, we neither require our cadets to have any specialized knowledge nor prior flying experience. In Mr. Granali’s case, he certainly possessed the right set of skills and motivation,” Dvorak said.

Training to fly

Now a trainee pilot, Granali has comfortably settled in and is almost completing his 91-week training program in Prague.

On weekdays, Granali maintains a hectic schedule, shuttling between his accommodation and school, where he spends what has become his typical day doing several hours of ground sessions and flight training.

But in his free time, he does what tourists and expats and even locals would normally do: Roam around the quaint, medieval city center of Prague and feel its abounding soul. He also enjoys discovering the city’s well-preserved architectural landmarks that offer a glimpse of its rich history, identity, and creativity. “Prague is also known as the 'City of Spires’. So, when we fly in the immediate vicinity of the city, we always get to see the beautiful castles around it,” he said.

Once Granali completes his pilot course—besides getting a guaranteed job placement support—he will receive an EASA pilot license with a type rating that will allow him to secure a job in commercial aviation and fly airliners like Boeing 737 and Airbus A320.

“I highly recommend CADETPILOT.AERO to all aspiring pilots. Opportunity like this is rare, not to mention the chance to study in one of the safest and best cities for students in the world.” he said.

From keenly watching planes take off and land from afar in his hometown to manning the cockpit and flying planes of various types and sizes in Prague, Granali’s journey proved that holding on to your purpose, resolution to succeed, and a little bit of serendipity can make the dream work.

Someday, he hopes to combine his love of flying aircraft and love of teaching.

“My goal is to retire in the left seat as a captain and work as an instructor. As a teacher by profession before I pursue my dream of becoming a pilot, I also want to impart my years of knowledge and experience to the next generation of pilots,” he said.

CADETPILOT.AERO has recently opened its application in the Philippines. Interested applicants may apply on its website www.cadetpilot.aero until March 15.