In 1929, Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy (J.R.D.) Tata, a passionate aviator, pioneering entrepreneur, and the future chairman of the Tata Group, made aviation history by becoming the first Indian to be granted a pilot’s licence. He received Licence No. 1, issued by the Federation of Indian Pilots, officially marking the beginning of licensed aviation in India.
J.R.D. Tata’s milestone achievement reflected his deep fascination with flying, which later shaped the foundation of India’s civil aviation sector. He went on to launch Tata Airlines in 1932, which later became Air India, playing a key role in connecting India through the skies.
His legacy is remembered not just for this historic first, but for his lifelong commitment to aviation, innovation, and nation-building. J.R.D.’s inaugural solo flight from Karachi to Bombay in a de Havilland Puss Moth aircraft is considered the dawn of Indian aviation.
