tech
April 28, 2026
From Intern to Pilot: Ricardo Cáceres's Professional Growth Story at Satena
In aviation, the most important journeys don't always begin in the cockpit of an airplane. In many cases, they are forged years earlier, in classrooms, airport corridors, or even from interests seemingly unrelated to the sector.
TL;DR
- Ricardo Cáceres's career at Satena began as an intern, demonstrating a path of continuous professional development.
- His early interest in aviation was sparked by watching planes take off near his childhood home in Barrancabermeja.
- Initially drawn to aircraft engines and maintenance, Cáceres transitioned to pilot training due to market opportunities.
- He pursued parallel studies in aeronautical maintenance and commercial piloting, a demanding yet rewarding process.
- Upon graduation, facing a closed job market, Cáceres leveraged his technician skills to join Satena in administrative roles before moving to maintenance.
- Driven by his ultimate goal, he dedicated himself to studying and preparing for internal pilot selection processes.
- After an initial setback, Cáceres successfully passed subsequent selections and began intensive pilot training with Satena.
- His journey required significant personal investment, perseverance through challenges like the pandemic, and support from mentors.
- Cáceres is now a first officer, preparing for his first operational flight, and aspires to become a captain and fly different aircraft types.
- He also highlights the role of his talent as a saxophonist in his personal and professional networking.