King Felipe VI and Princess Leonor completed their first joint instructional flight in a Pilatus PC-21 aircraft in May 2026 [1].

The event marks a significant milestone in the military preparation of the princess. As the future head of the Spanish Armed Forces, Leonor is undergoing rigorous training to ensure her operational readiness and leadership capability within the military structure [1, 4].

The flight took place at the General Air and Space Academy of San Javier in Murcia, Spain [1]. Captain Elena Gutiérrez served as the instructor for the session. The Casa del Rey said this was the first flight the father and daughter performed together [2].

This training occurs amid a period of high visibility for the Spanish monarchy's connection to the military. Earlier this month, the country observed the Day of the Armed Forces on May 31 [5]. That celebration featured more than 3,700 military participants [3].

During the events in May, the King shared a lighthearted moment regarding the princess's progress. When discussing the training, King Felipe VI said, "Ya veremos" [2].

The princess's curriculum at San Javier is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of aerial operations. This specific instruction in the Pilatus PC-21, a trainer aircraft used to prepare pilots for advanced jet flight, is a critical component of her broader military education [1].

“First flight that father and daughter perform together”

The joint flight serves as a public demonstration of the continuity of the Spanish Crown's role as the supreme commander of the military. By involving the King in the Princess's instructional flight, the monarchy emphasizes a personal and institutional transition of military authority, signaling to the Armed Forces that the heir is being systematically integrated into the chain of command.