Photo by Christopher Cordova
In the exclusive world of private aviation, Tomás del Campo A has made a name for himself as a pilot for some of the most powerful business leaders and VIPs worldwide. But what truly sets Tomás apart from his peers is not only his elite flying skills but also his commitment to passing on that knowledge to the next generation of pilots. Now, after years of flying high-profile clients worldwide, Tomás has taken on a new role: training the future aviators who will one day dominate the skies.
For Tomás, training aspiring pilots is as much a passion as flying: "There’s no greater reward than seeing a student master the skills I’ve spent years honing," he says. "Passing on that knowledge and watching someone transform from a beginner into a confident aviator is priceless."
As a Flight Instructor certified by the FAA and DGAC Chile, Tomás’s wealth of experience in high-pressure situations, complex flights, and luxurious private jet operations gives him a unique perspective that few other instructors can offer. His students aren't just learning how to fly—they’re learning from one of the best in the business.
The Journey from Pilot to Instructor
Tomás’s journey to becoming a sought-after flight instructor didn’t happen overnight. With over 2,600 hours of logged flight time, including more than 1,480 hours in turboprop aircraft like the Pilatus PC-12 NG(X) and Beechcraft King Air, his knowledge of the aviation world is unmatched. His expertise spans everything from navigating the treacherous weather of Chilean Patagonia to conducting complex transcontinental flights.
"I’ve flown in some of the most challenging environments imaginable," he recalls. "That experience is invaluable when it comes to teaching."
His decision to transition into teaching came naturally. "I’ve always enjoyed mentoring younger pilots," Tomás says. "As a corporate pilot, you’re often the go-to person for everything from aircraft maintenance to flight logistics, and younger team members tend to gravitate toward you for advice. Teaching seemed like a natural extension of that."
This deep-rooted passion for teaching has made Tomás a standout in the aviation education sector. Whether he’s in the cockpit guiding his students through real-world scenarios or in the classroom explaining intricate technical details, his students know they are learning from a master. "Tomás doesn’t just teach you to fly; he teaches you to think like a pilot," says one of his students. "He’s constantly emphasizing the importance of anticipation, preparation, and maintaining composure under pressure."
What Makes Tomás a Superior Instructor?
There are plenty of flight instructors, but what makes Tomás one of the most sought-after in the field? It’s his real-world experience. Having flown some of the most sophisticated aircraft in the world for VIP clients, Tomás brings a level of expertise that few can match.
Conrado Rios Ortega, a PC-12 pilot, just like Tomás, describes him as an exceptional instructor and pilot: “Technically, one thing that stands out is how he lets you make small mistakes—nothing that compromises safety, of course. This is my third instructor, and not all of them give you that freedom,’ says Conrado. “Most instructors stop you before you make a mistake, but Tomás lets you get to the edge and then asks, "Are you sure about what you’re doing?’ That approach helps you learn better.”
He adds: “Tomás is always given the most challenging tasks because he is trusted completely. Tomás was the only pilot with access to his credit card for expenses, which speaks to the level of trust people place in him.
“When I saw that, I knew he must be incredibly responsible and skilled. You don’t give someone that kind of access unless you have complete confidence in them, especially when safety is the number one priority."
Conrado sums it up perfectly: “Tomás is the kind of instructor you dream of having. He’s not just teaching us to fly—he’s teaching us to be the best pilots we can be."
Tomás explains why he pays such attention to detail when it comes to his craft: "Flying for high-net-worth individuals and CEOs is not just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about managing every aspect of the flight with precision and care," "These people expect the best; as a pilot, you have to deliver."
This strict adherence to what he considers to be the most superior way to fly translates directly into his teaching style, which emphasizes the importance of preparation and precision: "Aviation is a field where mistakes are not an option," he adds.
"I teach my students to approach every flight with the mindset that safety and professionalism come first."
This is why another fellow pilot, Ignacio Jory, is a great admirer of Tomas’s commitment to safety and continuous learning: “His dedication to mentoring others reflects his expertise as both a pilot and an instructor,” he says.
“Tomas’s invaluable insights have strengthened our operational protocols, raising our standards for safety and efficiency."
But it’s not just technical knowledge Tomás is fastidious about; he also teaches his students the importance of communication and teamwork: "Pilots don’t fly solo, even in the cockpit alone," he says.
"You’re constantly communicating with air traffic control, crew, and sometimes passengers. Handling that communication efficiently is key to a successful flight."
Tomás’s students learn about everything from the basics of instrument flight rules (IFR) to the intricacies of flying in challenging environments. One of the highlights of his teaching is his ability to simulate real-world scenarios, such as sudden changes in weather or equipment malfunctions, to prepare students for the unexpected.
"When you’re up in the air, anything can happen," Tomás says. "My job is to ensure my students are prepared for anything."
Shaping the Future of Aviation
Tomás’s influence on the future of aviation goes beyond teaching his students how to fly. He’s also committed to shaping the next generation of industry leaders.
"I’m not just teaching people to become pilots—I’m teaching them to become leaders," he says. "Aviation is evolving, and we need pilots who are not only technically skilled but can also think strategically and confidently lead."
As part of his commitment to improving the industry, Tomás is heavily involved with the Federación Aérea de Chile, where he works to enhance safety standards and promote innovation in flight training. His work with the organization has led to the introduction of new technological tools in flight planning and improvements in safety protocols at aerodromes across Chile.
"We’re always looking for ways to make aviation safer and more efficient," Tomás says. "That’s something I emphasize with my students as well—there’s always room to improve."
As Tomás continues to train the next generation of pilots, he remains committed to his own growth and the evolution of his field. "I’m always learning," he says. "Aviation is constantly changing, and as an instructor, I need to stay at the forefront of those changes to provide my students with the best possible education."
For Tomás, flying is more than a career—it’s a calling. Whether he’s guiding CEOs through the skies or teaching his students how to handle the challenges of the cockpit, one thing is clear: Tomás is shaping the future of aviation, one flight at a time.
With his unmatched expertise, passion for teaching, and commitment to excellence, Tomás is not only a master in the air but a pivotal figure in the training of tomorrow’s aviators.
