When Tomás del Campo A first looked up at the sky, he knew he was destined to fly. Born and raised in Santiago, Chile. Tomás ‘s early fascination with aeroplanes quickly became a lifelong passion for aviation.
Today, as a highly respected corporate jet pilot and instructor. He’s built an impressive career with over 2,600 flight hours and a reputation for easily navigating some of the most challenging environments.
“I’ve been part of the aeronautical world for as long as I can remember. At 11, I started washing planes on weekends, and by 16, I earned my first pilot’s license for gliders. In 2018, I took it further and became a commercial airplane pilot in Chile. Flying has always been in my blood,” says Tomás.
His commitment to air safety and excellence in corporate and private jet operations has earned him the trust of prominent clients across the Americas and Europe. Tomás ’s leadership and dedication shine through in every flight.
Whether traversing the rugged Chilean Patagonia or coordinating transcontinental journeys. His journey as a pilot is a testament to his skill, passion, and relentless pursuit of perfection in the skies.
Early Passion for Aviation
Growing up in the vibrant city of Santiago, Chile, Tomás’s love for aviation took flight at a young age. From the moment he spotted planes soaring overhead, he was captivated by the idea of navigating the skies.
His fascination with aviation wasn’t just a passing phase; as a child, Tomás would spend hours playing with toy planes, dreaming of piloting his aircraft one day. His passion for aviation wasn’t just his own, his older brother shared the same dream, and they both went on to become pilots.
The family’s shared enthusiasm for flying created an inspiring environment that fueled Tomás ’s ambitions. His brother, already an accomplished pilot, became a source of motivation, pushing him to pursue his dreams. This early immersion in the world of aviation laid the foundation for Tomás ’s future as a highly skilled pilot, ready to take on the challenges of the skies.
Career Highlights: A Journey Through the Skies
Tomás ’s career is a testament to his mastery of the skies, with over 2,600 flight hours logged across diverse terrains and climates. His expertise spans flying private clients across the Americas and Europe, ensuring seamless and luxurious travel experiences for high-profile individuals. Whether navigating bustling cities or remote destinations, his calm, precision-based approach makes him a high-demand pilot.
He has operated various aircraft, from turboprops like the Pilatus PC-12NGX to more specialized models like gliders. This versatility has allowed him to handle everything from corporate jets to specialized ferry flights, such as his daring transatlantic journey from Chile to Europe. This flight is among his most challenging yet rewarding achievements across multiple countries, including Panama, Greenland, and the U.S.
One of his colleagues and student, Conrado Rios Ortega highlights Tomás ’s unparalleled professionalism: “Tomás has a unique ability to combine safety with comfort, navigating even the most challenging routes with absolute confidence.” His remarkable skills in navigating harsh environments, particularly the unpredictable weather of the Chilean Patagonia, continue to set him apart as a leading figure in private aviation.
Mastering Complex Flying Conditions
Flying through the unpredictable landscapes of Chilean Patagonia is no easy task, but for Tomás, it’s all in a day’s work. Known for its towering mountains and ever-changing weather, Patagonia presents pilots with some of the most challenging conditions in aviation.
In a single day, Tomás has faced bright morning sun, heavy afternoon rain, and even snow by evening, requiring sharp decision-making and precision at every turn. His deep understanding of the region’s microclimates and his ability to anticipate sudden weather changes make him an expert at handling such extreme conditions.
One notable flight saw Tomás navigate a complex route through Patagonia’s narrow valleys and high altitudes, where sudden gusts of wind and low visibility tested his skills. With meticulous flight planning and an unwavering commitment to safety, he ensured his passengers a smooth and secure journey.
Gregory Schussler praises Tomás’s expertise: “ I learned about Tomas as I was looking for an instructor and we also needed a pilot for our plane.
“Flying in Patagonia is no easy feat, but Tomás handles it with unmatched precision. His calm demeanor and sharp focus in the face of unpredictable weather set him apart as one of the best pilots I’ve had the privilege to work with.”
Tomás ‘s ability to master such challenging environments speaks to his superior training and dedication to excellence in every flight.
Leadership in the Aviation Industry
Tomás is not just a pilot; he’s a leader driving change in Chile’s aviation industry. His role as Director and Vice President of the Federación Aérea de Chile reflects his commitment to improving aviation safety and innovation, particularly in the challenging regions of Patagonia.
“I’m proud of my work, flying through the breathtaking Chilean Patagonia every year—facing extreme weather, navigating short, soft runways, and conquering mountains. It’s a place of unmatched beauty, and each flight is a testament to overcoming challenges,” says Tomás.
Tomás has been instrumental in advancing flight safety standards, ensuring that pilots are equipped to handle complex terrain and unpredictable weather. His work enhancing night VFR (Visual Flight Rules) operations has modernized aviation, making it safer and more reliable for pilots and passengers alike.
Beyond safety protocols, Tomás is a champion of technological advancements in Chilean aerodromes, advocating for improved infrastructure and technology that enable smoother, safer flights. His efforts have earned him recognition within the aviation community, with several peer-reviewed articles highlighting his influence on safety improvements.
Gregory notes: “Tomas is extremely focused and he has an outstanding work ethic. His dedication translates into an incredible sense of responsibility and commitment.
“Our country is not known for the best of weather conditions, and Tomas has been instrumental in getting us back home safely on a few occasions. We also had a situation where he had to land our plane after a complete fuel injector failure. Tomas kept utterly calm and landed with no damage to the plane.
“His leadership in the aviation community is unmatched. His work has modernized safety standards and paved the way for a new generation of pilots to confidently navigate Patagonia’s rugged skies.”
Through his vision and dedication, Tomás is shaping the future of aviation in Chile.
Flying High-Profile Clients
Tomás has mastered combining luxury, safety, and personal service when flying high-profile clients. From business leaders to prominent families he is trusted to provide tailored travel experiences that cater to each client’s unique needs.
His role as the captain of the Pilatus PC-12NG for Grupo Patagual is a prime example of his ability to manage all aspects of private aviation with precision. Whether planning seamless flights, ensuring the aircraft is in peak condition, or navigating complex itineraries, Tomás excels in delivering elite service.
Clients appreciate the attention to detail he brings to every journey, ensuring their flights are smooth, safe, and luxurious. His ability to anticipate client needs has earned him a stellar reputation in the industry.
Oliver Bertens, who has been flown as a passenger and trained by the exemplary pilot, praises his expertise: “Tomás brings care and precision to every unmatched flight. His leadership and meticulous planning ensure we reach our destinations safely with the utmost comfort and peace of mind.”
Tomás ’s expertise shines in every flight, making him the go-to pilot for high-profile clients who value discretion, luxury, and reliability.
Commitment to Excellence and Continuous Learning
Tomás ’s career is defined by a relentless commitment to excellence and a thirst for continuous learning. He holds both FAA and DGAC Commercial Pilot Licenses, a testament to his dedication to mastering the technical intricacies of aviation.
His specialized training in multi-engine aircraft and IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) enables him to handle even the most complex flying conditions precisely. But for Tomás, it’s not just about meeting industry standards—it’s about exceeding them. His passion for aviation drives him to constantly refine his skills, stay updated with the latest technologies, and ensure the highest levels of safety in every flight.
Tomás’s philosophy is rooted in professionalism and humility. He believes in leading by example and always striving for improvement, qualities that set him apart in the aviation community. His calm demeanor and unwavering focus under pressure make him a trusted leader in the skies.
Tomás believes the future of aviation is as ambitious as it is innovative. Having mastered the art of private jet piloting, his aspirations extend far beyond the cockpit. He envisions expanding his expertise into consulting, offering his vast knowledge to help clients navigate the complex world of aircraft purchases. He aims to ensure they make informed decisions grounded in safety, efficiency, and quality.
“What stands out about Tomá ’s abilities is his exceptional decision-making skills under pressure and his thorough knowledge of aviation,’ says a fellow pilot, Ignacio Jory, ‘I remember a particular instance when he calmly navigated a challenging flight scenario, demonstrating both skill and composure. “
Tomás is deeply committed to continuous improvement in aviation. He always seeks new technologies and methods to enhance flight safety and client experience. He believes innovation is critical to staying ahead in the ever-evolving aviation industry and is determined to lead the way.
“What I love most is that in a single day, I can be in three or four different cities, yet always come back home to spend time with my family. But it’s the innovation in aviation that truly excites me—constantly pushing boundaries alongside a close group of fellow pilots who share that same passion for what’s next,” says Tomás.
More than anything, Tomás wants to be remembered not just as a pilot with exceptional skills. But as someone who approached life and his profession with unwavering passion and optimism. For him, flying is more than a job. It’s a lifelong dedication to excellence, care, and inspiring the next generation of aviators. His legacy will undoubtedly be one of leadership, safety, and the joy of exploration.
A Legacy in the Skies
Tomás has cemented his legacy as a top-tier pilot, renowned for his ability to navigate challenging environments with precision and skill. From the rugged terrains of the Chilean Patagonia to complex transcontinental flights, Tomás has proven himself a master of the skies.
His unwavering commitment to safety, professionalism, and leadership has earned him the trust of high-profile clients worldwide. Whether flying private jets or consulting on aircraft purchases, Tomás ’s influence in the aviation industry is undeniable.
His peers admire his dedication and passion for aviation. As a fellow pilot, Conrado Rios Ortega notes: “Tomás ’s knowledge of aviation is unmatched, but what sets him apart is his calm demeanor and commitment to ensuring every flight is safe and seamless. He is a true leader in the field.”
With a career defined by excellence and innovation, Tomás continues to inspire and shape the future of private aviation.
“What I’ve learned from my experience is simple: master your craft, understand every detail, and practice relentlessly, says Tomás.
“Doing it the other way around only leads to mistakes. For me, flying is about more than just piloting a plane—it’s about contributing to the lives of those who rely on this transportation. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing my clients step off the plane and say, ‘That was a great flight, thank you.’ That simple ‘thank you’ means the world to me.”