Think becoming a pilot requires deep pockets, elite connections, or years of expensive training? Think again.
Samaira Hullur, a 19-year-old from Karnataka, has just proven that with grit, guidance, and grit, the sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the beginning.
Without any aviation background or access to high-profile cadet programs, Samaira became the youngest Indian to receive a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). Her story has taken flight across social media, inspiring thousands of young Indians who dream of one day wearing the coveted captain’s stripes.
- A clear roadmap,
- Intense training hours, and
- A family that believed in her dream.
“Every early morning flight, every exam, every simulator session—it was all worth it the moment I held my CPL,” Samaira shared.
Her journey is now becoming a blueprint for others who want to soar but don’t know where to start.
Inspired by stories like Samaira’s, here’s a simplified guide for aspiring pilots:
- Complete 10+2 with Physics and Maths
- Age requirement: Minimum 17 years
- Pass a Class II Medical Exam, then Class I DGCA Medical
- Enroll in a DGCA-approved Flying School
- Need at least 200 flying hours to qualify for CPL
- Pass subjects like Navigation, Meteorology, Air Regulations, and RTR(A)
- Once you’ve completed hours and passed exams, you receive your license
- Average cost: ₹35–50 lakh
- Scholarships & education loans are available through various state and private schemes
- Training abroad can be more expensive but faster in some cases
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics (Chandigarh)
- Captain Sahil Khurana Aviation Academy (Patiala)
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Aviation Technology (Delhi)
- Carver Aviation (Baramati)
- Bombay Flying Club (Mumbai)
Samaira’s journey proves that becoming a commercial pilot is no longer just a dream reserved for the few. With clear direction, commitment, and the right support, anyone can navigate their way into the cockpit.
