On Tuesday, August 4th, San Pedro’s Ruben Trejo Jr. landed at the island’s John Greif II Municipal Airport after completing his first international cross-country flight alongside his instructor, Joel Hernandez of El Salvador. Trejo, 17, studies at Aerosal Aviation School in El Salvador, training to become a pilot, and recently completed his first solo flight. He is among the youngest people to land an aircraft on Ambergris Caye.
Trejo and his instructor departed in a Cessna 172C, a single-engine, four-seat aircraft, from Ilopango International Airport on the eastern side of San Salvador City. Trejo has been training at Aerosal since graduating from high school last year. He described the journey to becoming a pilot as challenging but also very rewarding, especially after reaching such an important milestone at a young age.
After completing his solo flight, the idea of an international cross-country flight was introduced. Eager to take on another challenge, Trejo and his instructor planned the trip. After securing the necessary permits, they departed El Salvador on Tuesday, flying first to Honduras, then Guatemala, before entering Belize. They landed safely at the Philip Goldson International Airport, where they received clearance to continue to San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. Shortly after 4 p.m., Trejo safely landed the aircraft on his home island.
Instructor Hernandez praised Trejo’s performance throughout the journey. “I was basically supervising while Trejo was doing everything,” he said. “He recently completed his solo flight successfully, and because of that, I fully trusted him to complete this international cross-country flight.”
According to Hernandez, Trejo is now very close to obtaining his private pilot’s license. “At this point, it’s just paperwork. He has completed all the required lessons and training,” Hernandez said.
Trejo told The San Pedro Sun that becoming a pilot has been his lifelong dream. “Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to become a pilot. Every time I saw a plane, I wanted the opportunity to learn how to fly one,” he said. “I am very happy and proud of this achievement, and I hope it can serve as an inspiration for other islanders who have similar dreams. If you dedicate yourself to something and work hard, you can achieve anything in life.”
Trejo described the flight from El Salvador to Belize as a thrilling experience, saying both the journey and the aerial views were among the best he has ever experienced.
Trejo and his instructor were welcomed to San Pedro by his father, Ruben Trejo Sr., along with friends and supporters. Among those present was Margaret Sheldon, who has been a strong supporter of Trejo’s aviation journey and currently sponsors his scholarship at Aerosal Aviation School. Sheldon said she was proud to support and encourage Trejo and hopes to continue assisting other young islanders in pursuing careers in aviation. She also expressed interest in establishing a scholarship fund in the future, with support from additional stakeholders.
Trejo Sr. said he was extremely proud of his son’s accomplishment and looks forward to seeing him earn his private pilot’s license. He also thanked Hernandez, Aerosal Aviation School, Sheldon, and everyone who has supported his son throughout his journey.
The San Pedro Sun joins the community in congratulating Ruben Trejo Jr. on this outstanding achievement and wishes him continued success as he works toward becoming a licensed pilot.