Samaira Hullur, an 18-year-old from Vijayapura, Karnataka, has achieved an extraordinary feat by becoming one of India’s youngest women to earn a commercial pilot’s licence.
Hullur underwent her training at the Vinod Yadav Aviation Academy (VYAA) in New Delhi before continuing at the Carver Aviation Academy in Baramati, Maharashtra. Over 18 months, she passed six rigorous examinations and completed over 200 hours of flight tests to achieve this milestone.
Her passion for flying began during a joy ride in a helicopter at the Bijapur Utsav, a turning point she fondly recalls. Her father, Ameen, an interior designer, shared with The Hindu: “We were seated next to the pilot, and Samaira was captivated by his demeanor. She bombarded him with questions, and that was the moment she decided to become a pilot.”
With unwavering support from her family, who saved diligently and sought quality aviation academies, Hullur pursued her dream with determination. “I always dreamt of being a pilot, and my parents stood by me through it all,” she shared.
Mentored by Captain Tapesh Kumar and Vinod Yadav, Hullur cleared five out of six theory exams by the age of 17. However, she had to wait until turning 18 to qualify for the final exam on radio transmission technology. Additionally, she met the requirement of logging 200 flying hours to secure her licence.
Hullur’s parents were thrilled to learn she is among the youngest women commercial pilots in India. Her mother, a fashion designer and teacher, expressed pride in her daughter’s remarkable accomplishment.
