Andrés Carpio: The young man from Sabana Grande de Boyá who conquers the sky with ingenuity
The story of Andrés Carpio Andújar’s perseverance has captured the attention of the aeronautical sector in the Dominican Republic. At 19 years old, this young man from Sabana Grande de Boyá was crowned the winner of the initial category in the second edition of the reality show Quiero Ser Piloto, demonstrating that determination is the main engine for achieving professional goals in aviation.
Raised between the La Milagrosa and El Matadero sectors, Carpio completed his high school diploma in Mathematics and Technology in 2024. His discipline led him to reach an advanced level (C1) of English through self-study, a key tool that allowed him to stand out in the competition. During the awards ceremony, held on August 16, 2026, the young man sent an inspiring message to Dominican youth: “I come from a neighborhood and I know that I am representing many young people who also have dreams. Dreams do not have a birthplace.”
Innovation from scarcity: The handmade joystick
One of the most notable aspects of Carpio’s participation was the creation of a homemade flight control device. Faced with the impossibility of acquiring professional simulators, which cost over $2,000, Andrés designed a functional joystick using recycled materials such as cardboard, silicone, and mechanisms inspired by plumbing parts.
One tries to get closer to what one does not have
Andrés Carpio on his creation
This invention did not go unnoticed by the program’s production team. After presenting it to experts and authorities from the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC), the decision was made to transform the cardboard prototype into a professional version using 3D printing. The current goal is to turn this device into an accessible educational tool so that children and young people with limited resources can get started in flight simulation.
A future in aviation
After overcoming a rigorous selection process that included interviews, psychological evaluations, and simulator tests, Carpio was awarded a full scholarship to pursue a private pilot degree at the ENALAS Aeronautical Training Center, in addition to receiving aviation fuel support from TERPEL. His academic training in the aeronautical field will formally begin on September 14, 2026.
About Quiero Ser Piloto
Quiero Ser Piloto establishes itself as the first educational reality show focused on aviation in the Dominican Republic. Under the general production of air traffic controller Olga Isabel Pérez and content manager Irving Novas, this project has managed to impact the lives of hundreds of young people.
- First edition (2023): More than 160 participants and 19 scholarships awarded.
- Second edition (2026): More than 110 young people participated, with 24 scholarships awarded in the areas of piloting, technical English, and aircraft maintenance.
With initiatives like this, the country continues to strengthen its human capital in the aeronautical industry, opening doors to talents who, like Andrés Carpio, transform personal effort into a high-flying professional career.
