About Tomás Santos

Early interest in aviation

I was born and raised in Lisbon, Portugal. My interest in aviation began at a young age when I first used Microsoft Flight Simulator X with an old joystick that belonged to my father. What began as curiosity gradually developed into a serious ambition to study aviation and build a professional career as a pilot.

Flight simulation has remained part of my development as a supplementary tool for becoming familiar with procedures, cockpit workflows, navigation concepts and operational discipline. Over time, I have used several desktop simulation platforms, including Microsoft Flight Simulator X, X-Plane 11, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and X-Plane 12.

From 2023 onward, I began taking aviation study more seriously by researching pilot training, airline operations, aviation procedures, human factors and flight safety in greater depth.

This website is part of that development. It provides a place to document my progress, publish aviation writing, present technical projects and gradually build a structured professional and research portfolio.

Preparation for integrated ATPL(A) training

Having completed secondary education in Portugal, I am preparing to begin integrated ATPL(A) training in September 2026.

Before starting formal training, I have been building familiarity with aviation theory, Portuguese VFR procedures, phraseology, navigation, flight planning and the operational environment around my future training area.

My objective is to begin flight training with a disciplined study routine and an understanding that professional aviation depends on more than aircraft handling. Preparation, communication, decision-making, procedural discipline and safety culture are equally important.

Research and technical work

Alongside my flight-training preparation, I am developing an independent research and technical portfolio focused on pilot training, aviation safety, human factors and operational performance.

My current research work includes an exploratory study examining experiences and perspectives within pilot training. The project is intended to identify recurring themes, areas of concern and possible opportunities for improving the training experience.

I am also developing aviation software and technical documentation, including an open-source flight performance application initially focused on Airbus A380 take-off performance calculations.

Future research outputs, supporting materials and publications will be presented through this website and linked to recognised academic and research platforms where appropriate.

Aviation focus areas

My interests are centred on the areas that connect pilot training, technical knowledge and real operational performance. I am especially interested in how procedures, instruction, decision-making and technical tools can contribute to safer and more capable pilots.

Professional goals

My long-term goal is to develop as a professional airline pilot with a strong safety culture and eventually progress towards command responsibility.

Beyond line flying, I am interested in pilot training, cadet development and the wider systems that influence how professional pilots are educated and prepared.

Every professional pilot begins as a student. Early-stage pilots therefore deserve serious instruction, clear guidance and instructors who understand the responsibility involved in shaping future flight crews.

I want my professional development to include more than licence progression alone. My aim is to build experience in procedures, safety, human factors, training methods, research and technical development so that my future work can be useful both inside the cockpit and in wider aviation training or safety environments.

I also intend to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree related to commercial aviation later in my professional development.

Current stage