Iberia Commander Ramon Vallès, a Barcelona-based pilot, has recently published his book, "Welcome Aboard! Your Commander Writes to You." It offers unique insight into his extensive aviation career, detailing a dramatic 1997 accident and the profound impact of the September 11 attacks on cockpit security. The book, published by GeoPlaneta, chronicles Vallès's journey from a childhood fascination with aircraft to becoming a seasoned pilot.
Vallès, who lives in Igualada, a town in the Anoia region of Catalonia, also shares his passion for flying with 360,000 followers on Instagram. He uses the platform to explain aircraft mechanics and flight safety. He attributes his lifelong interest in aviation to his father, Ramon, who initially aspired to be an aviation mechanic. "The answer to why I am a pilot lies with my father," Vallès writes in his book. "He was the main piece in the puzzle of my life."
His mother, however, initially encouraged him towards university. She viewed aviation as a risky profession. El Periódico Barcelona reported on Vallès's career and book.
Early Aviation Dreams and Training
Vallès pursued his passion despite his mother's concerns. He studied Technical Engineering for three years in Navarra before fully committing to aviation. He began his flight training in 1987 at the Aeroclub Barcelona-Sabadell, a prominent flight school located just north of Barcelona. His early career included a challenging period in Miami, Florida. There, he continued his flight education in Vero Beach, 250 kilometres from the city. This American experience, which he describes as extraordinary, involved flying Piper aircraft. He also overcame personal setbacks, including a robbery.
After returning to Spain, Vallès passed examinations at the National School of Aeronautics in Salamanca. He then undertook various flying jobs. These included relocating a twin-engine Cessna from Miami to Barcelona, with stops in Greenland and Iceland. He also piloted a small Cessna Citation jet for private flights. During one such private flight, he transported the renowned actor Kirk Douglas from Barcelona to Palma. Douglas reportedly told him, "Good landing," upon disembarking.
From Copilot to Commander at Iberia
Vallès then flew for Regional Líneas Aéreas on a SAAB 340. He also flew briefly for Air Nostrum on a Fokker-50. He achieved his ultimate goal by joining Iberia in 1998. He began as a copilot on an Airbus A320, flying short and medium-haul routes. Eight years later, he transitioned to the long-range A340, crossing the Atlantic. In 2015, Vallès became a commander, taking the "left seat" in the cockpit. His first flight as commander was a Madrid-Munich route on 9 April 2016. Vallès explains that this leadership position involves "total management of each flight," extending beyond just piloting the aircraft. He notes that the copilot typically handles most of the flying, unless adverse circumstances arise.
A Dramatic Incident and Unwavering Focus on Safety
Vallès recounts a significant accident he experienced as a copilot on 14 May 1997. He was flying a turboprop aircraft with 34 passengers on a Madrid-Porto flight. As he piloted the plane for landing in Porto, he observed red flags on the runway. These indicated ongoing construction. It was too late to abort the landing and ascend. This forced him to execute a sharp left turn to avoid the obstacle. During this manoeuvre, the right wheel of the main landing gear detached. The pilots then lost total control. The aircraft continued to break apart as it skidded. Propellers shattered, and part of the tail tore off. Friction eventually brought the plane to a halt. Fortunately, no personal injuries occurred during the terrifying incident. "The copilot in this story was me," Vallès reveals in his book. He consistently emphasises that safety forms "the pillar that supports our profession" in his public communications.
Now aged 60, Commander Vallès anticipates five more years in his career before retirement, assuming regulations remain unchanged. He continues to engage with aspiring pilots and their families, sharing his 11 years of experience and dedication. His book and social media presence offer valuable insights into the complexities and safety of modern air travel for both aviation enthusiasts and the general public.
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Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.
