Spartan, the indefatigable champion of the Peruvian skies

How did your passion to become a military pilot develop?
My passion to become a pilot started when I was a child. I was always interested in aviation, and I also had a strong vocation to serve my country; the Peruvian Air Force gave me the chance to combine these two things. I ended up joining the FAP.

What is the best part of your job? How do you feel each time you go on an aid mission?
The best part is the satisfaction of knowing I have fulfilled my duty. Like when I leave the aircraft cabin and see that I have helped a Peruvian. I feel emotional and am excited that my contribution has really made a difference.

How do you view the C-27J? Does it help you in the air?
Due to its considerable capabilities, I see the C-27J as a highly efficient asset that helps Peruvians living in remote areas and allows the State to contribute to national defence. It was a challenge to master it at first but thanks to its advanced design and equipment, in the end piloting it was an achievable goal.

How do you become a loadmaster?
When I was appointed to Air Group No. 8, I was assigned to work with the C-27J Spartan aircraft fleet. This was something I had already thought and dreamed about because I had always wanted to fly; I knew that it wouldn’t be easy as there were no women loadmasters at that time. Being able to train on this aircraft was a great opportunity. My preparation began with class-based teaching for about a month, then I had five cabin classes in the simulator, and then the long-awaited moment to fly finally arrived. This phase involves completing 25 flying stages with an instructor. My qualification arrived approximately a year and a half later.

The work you do involves a lot of responsibility. 
Yes, for sure. We loadmasters have a dual role. Loadmaster 2s oversees stowing the load and ensure that it is properly distributed and secured, and loadmaster 1s (cabin) ensures that the aircraft is operational and ready for flight. During the flight we are the third eye in the cabin and are responsible for checking procedures, parameters and supporting the pilots during the mission.

How do you address each mission and what are the difficulties?
Depending on the mission assigned, we judge the amount of cargo or the number of passengers to plan appropriately; we are always conscious of weights according to established guidelines. Problems often arise along the way due to bad weather, or when we don’t have the appropriate equipment we need to unload the cargo. In the case of MedEvac (Medical Evacuation) operations, we take the necessary measures to ensure that we receive the patient in the best way possible and, if necessary, adapt the plane for this type of mission.

Could you tell us about a typical day aboard the C-27J Spartan?
A typical flight day starts very early because the loadmaster must be there two hours before the plane is scheduled to take off. We arrive at Operations, collect the flight order and aircraft key; each crew member must pass a pre-flight medical and then we head to the aircraft and start the pre-flight checks: refuelling the aircraft; checking the cargo if it is a cargo mission or passengers if it is a personnel transport mission. Once the aircraft is ready, we let the pilots know everything is prepared and that we are all set; the pilots arrive, carry out their checks and we begin the procedures to start the aircraft for flight. During the flight, we check procedures and that the cargo is well secured. When we arrive at our destination, the procedures to power down the aircraft are carried out, and we perform a 360° check of the aircraft to ensure that everything is fine: tyres, landing gear, cargo compartments, etc. We then see what help is available to unload the cargo, and if necessary, load any new cargo to take back to Lima. When we return Callao, we do the post-flight checks; fill out documentation; clean the aircraft; cover it and take it to its starting position where it will remain until the next mission.

During the pandemic, the FAP helped thousands of patients affected by COVID-19. Would you do it again?
The pandemic was a very difficult time. We had to carry oxygen, biomedical equipment and protective equipment for health personnel. We would fly all day. Sometimes I had to fly in the morning and again in the afternoon, often to support citizens. The hardest part was moving Covid patients. Everyone was afraid because it still was not known whether the disease could be controlled. There were no vaccines, there were so many unknowns. I remember we would wear two protective suits, KN95 masks, three pairs of gloves, disposable boots, face protectors. We were told not to touch anything and when we got off the plane there was a special bin where we discarded all that clothing. We had no contact with anyone, and then we would sanitize the aircraft from top to bottom. We were afraid for our families, but I would do it all again because we were able to help many people and save many lives. It is our mission and vocation to serve. It is during those moments that you really put yourself to the test.

How do you become a loadmaster? 
It demands commitment and effort. In the first instance, you will be considered in the Annual Operations Plan (AOP). You will begin with course instruction on the ground and move on to the other flight stages. The first twelve stages are for adaptation followed by the load stages, taught by instructors and pilots. That is how you successfully complete the loadmaster process.

Your work involves a lot of responsibility. How do you address each mission and what are the difficulties?
You need to be extremely focused because any mistake could affect flight safety. There are always difficulties, and it is up to you to overcome these. For example, we sometimes arrive at a destination where we do not have adequate personnel or logistics, there are unexpected weather conditions, or problems arise due to work-related fatigue, etc.

Could you tell us about a typical day aboard the C-27J Spartan?
Everything starts with pre-flight planning. We coordinate activities such as refuelling and loading in collaboration with the on-board crew. Depending on the mission, the number of loadmasters on board varies; there are usually two in charge so we can divide the tasks that need to be carried out simultaneously for flight safety. Our main responsibility is to ensure that the load is placed correctly and safely, and that it is unloaded properly. 

During the pandemic, the FAP was in the front line helping patients affected by COVID-19. Would you do it again?
Absolutely, as the motto of my Group says: "For the homeland, even sacrifice".