URUGUAY. Aeropuertos Uruguay has hosted the launch of Daniel Puyol Castiglioni’s book, Hebert Rattin: The Aviator, at Salto Airport.
Reflecting commitment to the local culture and community, the event served as a tribute to Hebert Rattin, bringing together his family and friends, members of the aviation and Salto communities, the author, and representatives from Aeropuertos Uruguay, who facilitated the publication.
Puyol’s work celebrates the legacy of his friend and colleague, who dedicated over 70 years to aviation.
More than a year in the making, the book compiles 24 stories told by Rattin, his family, friends, former colleagues, students and neighbours, capturing anecdotes that reflect his enduring influence in aviation.
A highlight of the launch was a panel discussion with Hebert Rattin, author Daniel Puyol Castiglioni and Aeropuertos Uruguay representative and aviation expert Nelson Rosano, who served as the book’s editor. They shared the stories and experiences captured in the pages and their contributions to the project
Puyol said, “If in the world of Uruguayan aviation one wields both the control yoke and the pen, few things could be better than narrating the stories of one of the greatest and most charismatic men in our aviation community, a man with as many stories as friends.”
In his remarks, Rattin expressed his gratitude for the recognition and shared key career experiences, from his start at the Salto Aeroclub at age 14 to leading Taxi Aéreo Rattin. His work there included critical patient transport for the Salto Hospital, alongside collaborations with the Social Security Bank and the Ministry of Public Health.
The book highlights aviation’s crucial role in Uruguay’s interior, recounting missions such as Rattin’s first air ambulance flight at 18, where remote locations, minimal runways and distrust transformed each flight into a mission of hope.
Blending adventure and heartfelt moments, the book depicts a pilot whose enduring humour is matched by his dedication and passion for aviation.
Puyol credited his colleague Nelson Rosano with the original idea for the book, recognising the need to honour a national aviation figure during his lifetime. He said, “It filled my heart, and I accompanied him in that, and from then until today we have had nothing but satisfaction.”
Rosano added: “I met Rattin more than 25 years ago and was impressed from day one by his camaraderie, kindness, boldness and good humour. We talked a lot over the years, and over time I heard so many good stories that I felt his journey needed to be shared.
“He is a reference in interior aviation, and it is fitting to honour him this way. I knew Daniel – or Danilo as we know him in the field – was the right person to bring these stories to light because of how he writes, making you smile in every line.”
Puyol said: “We thank Aeropuertos Uruguay, a vital driver of the development of national aviation, for helping to spread Hebert’s story among new generations of pilots. He is an example of dedication to the profession, a person who has always shown great integrity and fairness towards it.”
Sales of the book will directly benefit the Pérez Scremini Foundation in Salto, an institution dedicated to the treatment of childhood cancer. ✈
