A century of flight. That’s what Base Aérea dos Afonsos represents. Imagine its history unfolding before you.
Base Aérea dos Afonsos isn’t just an airbase. It’s a cradle of Brazilian aviation. Its story begins in 1912. The Aeroclube do Brasil a flying club established itself at Campo dos Afonsos. This marked the start of Brazil’s aeronautical journey. A short-lived military aviation school followed in 1914. This partnership with the Italian Army ended due to World War I. A French Military mission restarted aviation training in 1919. The Aeroclube do Brasil had to relocate. They found a new home at Manguinhos Airport in 1936.
The legendary Graf Zeppelin made stops at Campo dos Afonsos between 1931 and 1936. This was before a dedicated facility opened at Bartolomeu de Gusmão Airport. In 1941 Campo dos Afonsos became exclusively for the Brazilian Air Force. The Air Force Base officially opened. The base now houses the University of the Brazilian Air Force. It also holds the Aerospace Museum a treasure trove of aviation history.
The base has seen its share of accidents. A Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar crashed in 1974. Two crew members died. An Embraer EMB 110 Bandeirante crashed in 1987. Tragically all three crew members perished. Base Aérea dos Afonsos today plays a support role for other air units. It’s a vital part of Brazil’s defense system. Its airfield is used whenever needed. It supports the Brazilian Air Force Navy and Army.
Remember the sounds. The roar of engines. The cheers of aviation pioneers. Feel the history beneath your feet. You stand on hallowed ground. This is more than just a base. It is a legacy of flight and innovation. It is a testament to Brazil’s aviation history. A history that continues to soar.