30/04/2026
Precision over perfection ✅
Congratulations, Flying Cadet Benedict Evangelio, on your First Solo Flight!
“Relax, feel the aircraft. Look outside, not just at your instruments. You don’t have to be perfect—just be consistent.” Those words stayed with me. I used to grip every control too tightly, chasing perfect flights and overthinking every move, even questioning why I started in the first place. Then it finally sank in—flying isn’t about perfection, it’s about trust, consistency, and being present in the moment. And in that moment, I remembered why I fell in love with it in the first place—the freedom of simply flying.
Before everyone else, I thank you, God, for guiding me ever since, for making me feel safe wherever I go—especially when I step inside the aircraft I will be flying. This dream of mine would not have happened without You, my faith and trust in You.
To my Mom and Dad, thank you for all the love, support and guidance you have given me over the years. For all the hard work you’ve done so that my sister and I can pursue the careers we want, I am forever grateful.
To my sister, thank you for always being there to help me whenever I need it. Even though we argue sometimes, I truly appreciate your support and everything you do for me.
To my lolas, cousins, titos, and titas, thank you for constantly showing me love and support in everything I do.
To Andro, Jm, Nico and Sir Noel, as well as to the Bootcamp peeps, thank you for supporting me since JHS. Your guidance, encouragement, and belief in me played a huge part in who I am today and in everything I've achieved.
To Fr. Kali and Fr. Regi, thank you for your prayers, guidance, and constant support, which have given me strength, peace, and the courage to trust in God's plan as I pursue this dream.
To Suhbs, Ate Bernie, Ate Jam, Nico, Enzo, Gian, the rest of the -4 peeps, and to Yza, Claire, Yessa, and Lia, thank you for your endless support, encouragement, and for always reminding me that I can do it, especially through the sleepless nights. To my UCC peeps, thank you for the genuine bond we shared both in and out of school—memories I will always cherish.
To Ma’am Tahum, thank you for all the support you’ve given me—for always assuring me that I can do it and for generously sharing your knowledge. Our manifestations are now 2 out of 2. Proud of us, twin!
To my ground and simulator instructors, thank you for equipping us with the essential knowledge and skills every student pilot needs, and for guiding us every step of the way. Your dedication in preparing us to confidently fly a real aircraft is truly appreciated.
To all the AMD personnel, thank you for ensuring that our aircraft are always safe, reliable, and ready to fly. Your efforts will always be appreciated. Special thanks to the legend, Sir Vraxs!
To my Lubang family, especially Ma'am Buenavidas, Sir Caimol, Sir Martos, Sir Trinidad, Sir Humarang, Sir Camacho, Sir Valencia, Sir Escueta, Sir Orbon, Sir Pamatian, Sir Ramos, Sir Gaviola, Sir Villafranca, Sir Alcantara, Sir Singh, and the rest—thank you for making my stay truly memorable and for patiently teaching and guiding me in the field of aviation.
To one of my Orientation Instructors, Capt. Bagona, thank you for sharing your knowledge and for making every flight a memorable experience.
To my checker, Capt. Canapi, thank you for helping me stay calm and composed during one of the most important moments of my training. Thank you for placing your trust in me and reminding me that I am capable of doing it. As my final check before my solo flight, your confidence in my abilities meant more than words can express. You helped turn my nerves into confidence, and I will always carry that moment with me as I continue my journey in aviation.
Last but not least, to my Aviation Father, Capt. Castillo, thank you for never giving up on me despite my shortcomings during my flights. You have truly shown me what it means to be a pilot. The discipline, consistency, and standards you instilled in me will remain with me throughout my journey. Thank you for shaping me from my very first orientation flights and for believing in me even when I struggled to believe in myself. I may not always express it openly, but please know how deeply grateful I am to have learned under your guidance. You taught me that while it is important to correct our mistakes, it is far better to develop the discipline to avoid them altogether—and that lesson is one I will carry with me in every flight I take."
Flying Cadet Evangelio was released by Capt. Ryan Castillo.
Aliyah!
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