Franklin Polanco Honored by IDAC: Aula Magna of ASCA

Franklin Polanco Honored by IDAC: Aula Magna of ASCA Named After Prominent Dominican Pilot and Aviation Promoter

In August 2024, the Instituto Dominicano de Aviación Civil (IDAC) held a special ceremony to honor Franklin Polanco, a respected pilot, communicator, and longtime advocate for the development of civil aviation in the Dominican Republic. The event took place at the Norge Botello Aeronautical Complex in Punta Caucedo, where IDAC officially named the main lecture hall (Aula Magna) of the Academia Superior de Ciencias Aeronáuticas (ASCA) after him.

IDAC Director General Héctor Porcella led the tribute and highlighted Polanco’s decades of contributions as a pilot and advisor. Porcella noted that Polanco has been part of the history of Dominican aviation, emphasizing his role in promoting safe aeronautical development both inside and outside the country. A plaque bearing his name was unveiled during the ceremony.

Polanco’s Contributions to Dominican Aviation

Franklin Polanco has played a key role in advancing civil aviation in the Dominican Republic for many years. He has served as an advisor to IDAC since its early stages, supported pilot training initiatives, and helped strengthen the Academia Superior de Ciencias Aeronáuticas (ASCA), where he is recognized as a foundational figure.

His work as a communicator has made aviation topics more accessible, and he has actively promoted the Dominican Republic as a destination for general and business aviation. This recognition also acknowledges his broader efforts in areas such as safety standards, mentorship, and fostering international connections in the sector.

Why This Tribute Matters for General Aviation Pilots

Honors like this reflect the growing importance of experienced pilots and educators in building a stronger aviation ecosystem. For private and recreational pilots flying to the Dominican Republic, improvements in training, procedures, and infrastructure — driven in part by advocates like Polanco — translate into safer flights, smoother operations, and better support at airports including Las Américas (MDSD), Punta Cana (MDPC), and popular regional fields for fly-ins.

This type of recognition also inspires the next generation of Dominican aviation professionals, benefiting the entire Caribbean general aviation community.

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