THE MEN

Jorge Cruz Galego
   Organised and commanded the Raid.  Born in Coimbra on the 16th of June 1943.  Airline Transport Pilot.
Obtained his private aeroplane licence in 1961, while studying in the Military Technical Institute.  Completed his military services in Commandos while in Angola.   Obtained his civil parachute licence while in Guiné.  Started his professional activity as a pilot in the "Transportes Aéreos da Guiné".
In 1968 moved to Nampula in Mozambique, there while being a air taxi pilot was the School Manager and Management Member of the Nampula Air Club During 7 years.
In 1976 moved to Lisbon continuing his career as a pilot, as well as being the Operations Manager and Chief Pilot of the Lusitanair-Commercial Air Transports for a period of 7 years.
In 1994 did the North Atlantic Crossing, accompanied by Commander Faria e Mello ( the only portuguese paraplegic to complete around the world trip), in a single engined aircraft "bonanza" from Rio de Janeiro, S.Paulo, Recife-Sal (12h34 non-stop) and Sal-Lisbon (11h30 non-stop).
Presently continues his activity in ACEF- Transportes Aereos e Carga,Lda.

Álvaro M. Prata Mendes
Born in Lisbon on the 23rd March 1946.
Colonel Aeronautical Engeneer in the Portuguese Air Force.
Done his secondary schooling at the Military Techincal Institute, where he obtained his private aircraft Pilot Licence and his university studies in the Militaary Academy.
Fulfilled service comission in Mozambique-Nampula, where he obtained his Civil Parachute Licence.
He is the youngest team element.

Arnaldo Alves Leal
Born in Lisbon on the 20th November 1932.
In the industrial area, such as Automobiles and real estate, has his Pilot Licence, being part of the management of the Portugal Air Club.
Owner of the single engine aircraft "SAGRES", having bought another to continue to operate regularly in tourism trips.