Flight Instructor: Mauricio Urquiola

Born and raised in Bolivia, Mauricio developed his passion for aviation at the early age of 8, when his father sent him on a DC-4 Skymaster Cargo airplane to retrieve meat for the local market. In 1989, Mauricio joined the Bolivian Air Force Academy and graduated with honors. Thanks to his academic excellence, he earned the opportunity to complete his military aviation training with the USAF. He fulfilled his dream of becoming a pilot in 1995 after successfully completing Undergraduate Pilot Training at Laughlin AFB in Del Rio Texas (Class 95-12). Upon his return to Bolivia, he was assigned to the 34th Tactical Group and got qualified to fly the Pilatus PC-7 aircraft in drug interdiction missions. 

 

After completing his service, Mauricio returned to the US and attended The University of Texas at Austin and earned his bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering followed by a Masters in Science in Engineering Management. He joined Motorola in 1999 and currently works at NXP Semiconductors in Austin.

 

Mauricio has not forgotten his passion for aviation and has returned to flying working as a part time CFI-I at BlackHound Aviation and serving as a Civil Air Patrol Mission Pilot.