Academia Básica del Aire Leon Air Base - February 2025

Academia Básica del Aire Leon Air Base

Tucked away in La Virgen del Camino, just outside León in northern Spain, lies a cornerstone of Spain’s military aviation. The Academia Básica del Aire de León or León Academy of the Air, plays a vital role in shaping the future of the Spanish Air and Space Force, training all it’s non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and maintainers with a focus on technical expertise, leadership and operational readiness. León isn’t just another military academy, it’s a place where tradition meets modern technology, where Spain’s air force personnel learn to maintain, support and defend the nation’s skies. From its humble beginnings to its current standing as a centre of excellence, León Academy has built a legacy that continues to grow to this day! The Aviation Reporting team were invited to spend the morning touring the Academia visiting the aircraft and the engine workshops around the base.

How It All Started

Formed by royal decree in March 1920, Leon was one of four bases around Spain created to host aircraft to fly missions in the “Rif War” from 1920-1927. The first aircraft to land was an Avro 504 biplane in January 1923. During 1931 Leon provided an “Air Workshop” which provided maintenance to aircraft and vehicles. The base now housed the “Air Workshop” on the east of the facility and various aircraft units to the West of the base which had located since the base was formed. In 1939 the military air force became the Spanish Air Force and Leon was to be known as an Apprentice School, a technical training centre for students between the ages of 16-18 years old. Two years of basic training then upon completion being moved to Malaga for more advanced specialist training. In 1949 the training academy was closed and all student courses moved to Malaga by mid 1950. On the 3rd April 1992 the Academia Básica del Aire reformed at Leon, when Spain’s military leaders decided to consolidate NCO training into one unified institution, all other NCO training locations were closed down. In 2020 Leon Air Base celebrated its 100 years of History.


A Place to Build Skills and Character

The core mission of ABA León is simple yet critical: train the best possible students and NCOs for the Spanish Air and Space Force. But the path to becoming an NCO isn’t just about mastering technical skills, it’s about developing discipline, leadership and a deep understanding of aviation systems. Over 2000 students pass through Leon each academic year and then move on to their respective career paths as normally a qualified Sergeant or continue on additional training courses.


What do Trainees Learn?

Technical Mastery:
Trainees receive hands-on instruction on aircraft maintenance, avionics and weapons systems. They learn everything from diagnosing engine problems to handling sophisticated communication equipment.

Air Traffic and Defense Training:
Future air traffic controllers and defence operators get a solid foundation in radar operations, interception procedures and airspace management, ensuring they can protect Spain’s skies.

Operational Readiness for Pilots and Crew:
Although pilot training happens at other bases, ABA León offers supplementary courses in survival skills, operational procedures and emergency response, ensuring aircrew are prepared for any situation.

Leadership and Ethics:
Technical skill alone isn’t enough. ABA León emphasizes leadership, ethics and responsibility, instilling values that graduates carry with them throughout their careers.

Aircraft at Leon

While León Academy focuses primarily on ground-based technical training, several aircraft models play a key role in practical instruction. These aircraft help trainees get hands-on experience with systems and operational procedures.

Casa C-101 Aviojet

  • Purpose: Advanced jet training and light attack missions.

  • Significance: The C-101 trained generations of Spanish Air Force pilots and was the backbone of advanced flight training. Though it’s gradually being retired, it remains an iconic symbol of Spain’s aviation legacy.

Casa C-212 Aviocar

  • Purpose: Transport and multi-role operations.

  • Role at León: The C-212 is used for logistical training and helps NCO trainees understand cargo operations and transport system.


Key training units 

Escuela de Suboficiales del Ejército del Aire (ESEA)

  • Role: Main training hub for NCOs.

  • What They Do: ESEA handles all aspects of NCO training, from technical coursework to leadership development. It’s the heart of the academy’s mission.

Grupo de Apoyo

  • Role: Logistical and administrative support.

  • Why It Matters: This unit ensures that the academy’s operations run smoothly, managing everything from supplies to facility maintenance.

Unidad de Simulación

  • Role: Advanced simulation training.

Cutting-Edge Learning: This unit uses state-of-the-art simulators to give trainees realistic practice in air traffic control, radar operations, and technical troubleshooting.

Museum

The academy shows it’s rich history on site with many aircraft preserved around the bases grounds. Also a small inside museum with many pictures and artifacts from the 1920’s onwards.

Aircraft include the T-6, T-33, C-101, F-4, F-86, F-1 and many more different types. A true history of the Spanish Air Force is showcased with the Academy. It was a pleasure to end our tour of Leon being shown their many historical aircraft.

Summary


Special thanks to Captain Oscar Alves (head of aircraft technical training) and soldier Oliver Vazquez for being our host for the enjoyable morning, Spanish Air Force HQ and the British Defence Attache Madrid. 


Author: Mark Forest

Photography: Steven Fenton