It started its activity though, on 1 February 1978, in temporary facilities and only students that were then attending the third year of the Military Aeronautics degree course were taken in.

In order to get these degrees, students have to attend other higher education institutions for the final years of each course.

These degrees were taught at the Military Aeronautical Technology College (ESTMA, Escola Superior de Tecnologias Militares e Aeronáuticas), until 2008, when this school was merged in the AFA.

On 5 February 1920, the Military Aviation School, which had been operating at Vila Nova da Rainha, was transferred to Granja do Marquês.

That image was renamed Our Lady of the Air, was confirmed as such in 1960 by Pope John XXIII and proclaimed "Patron Saint of Portuguese Aviators".

Even though it does not really belong to Sintra Air Base, AFA depends on it for support in the areas of security, transport, health care, catering and flight training.