Welcome aboard! This is your captain writing

Airline captain and science communicator Ramon Vallès has published *Welcome Aboard! This is your captain writing to you*, a book that brings readers closer to the world of aviation from a perspective that is both rigorous and profoundly human.

The book begins with the author's personal reflection on his passion for flying and his desire to share it with the public. It offers a unique journey through the experience of piloting an airplane, combining technical explanations, autobiographical narrative, and emotional reflection. Vallès symbolically opens the cockpit doors to answer the big questions surrounding flying, such as: how is a pilot trained, what really happens during a flight, and why is flying the safest mode of transportation?

He reveals the lesser-known side of the pilot profession: the responsibility, discipline, and commitment involved in transporting hundreds of people every day. Through his personal experience, Vallès describes a life marked by vocation, effort, and a passion for flying. From his beginnings to his rise as a captain, this book offers an honest account of the sacrifices and rewards of a demanding profession.

One of the cornerstones of this work is a detailed exploration of the daily routine of a commercial pilot, debunking many of the myths associated with the profession. Far from simply "flying an airplane," the day begins long before takeoff, with thorough preparation that includes studying the flight plan, weather conditions, the aircraft's technical condition, and potential operational issues.

This engaging, accessible, and educational narrative responds to the growing public curiosity about how air transport works and who is behind each flight. Welcome Aboard! is aimed at both aviation enthusiasts and readers seeking a deeper understanding of the everyday experience of air travel.

Throughout the book, key topics such as air safety, fear of flying, pilot training, and the impact of technology on the future of the industry are addressed. Furthermore, the book stands out for its human-centered approach, focusing on passengers and the emotions that accompany each journey. It sensitively describes everyday scenes at airports—farewells, reunions, emotions—to underscore the pilot's human role as a facilitator of these stories.

One of the book's central themes is trust: passengers entrust their safety to pilots, and this responsibility profoundly defines the profession. It also addresses the coordination with the co-pilot and the rest of the crew, which must be fundamental from the outset, establishing a work dynamic based on clear communication and mutual trust.

In this way, Ramon shares the life of a pilot as a constant balance between vocation and sacrifice: long absences from home, demanding schedules, and a constant sense of responsibility. He presents his narrative as a way to bring this reality closer to the reader and to dignify a profession often perceived superficially.

Becoming a pilot is not just about acquiring technical skills, but also about developing discipline, resilience, and adaptability. It is, in essence, a process of personal transformation. It explains how each flight is unique, even if the same route is repeated, since the variables are constantly changing.

The transition period for a pilot from training to joining an airline is usually long. Vallès describes it as an eleven-year “journey through the desert,” marked by job insecurity. During this time, he alternated jobs, continuing education, and occasional flying opportunities. Patience and persistence were essential.

Aviation is not just about technique, but also about communication and empathy. The bond between pilot and passenger is established as one of the main themes in this book.