At just 18 years old, Samaira Hullur made history by becoming India’s youngest commercial pilot, a remarkable achievement shaped by passion, determination, and unwavering family support.
This is the inspiring story of how a young woman from Bijapur, Karnataka, soared beyond expectations to claim her place in India’s aviation industry, as flagged by The Better India.
Photo: Scoot AirIndia’s Youngest Commercial Pilot
Samaira’s journey toward aviation began unexpectedly during her fifth-grade year when she participated in a helicopter ride during Bijapur’s Navaraspur Utsav.
Her mother, Nazeeya Hullur, was captivated by the experience, particularly by the pilots’ uniforms and the respect they commanded. This fascination planted a seed that would eventually bloom into her daughter’s career path.
Years later, while at Delhi airport (DEL), Nazeeya observed how people regarded airline crew members with respect and admiration. “I wanted Samaira also to get the respect for the job she did,” recalls Nazeeya, who works as a coordinator at Delhi Public School in Bijapur.
By ninth grade, Samaira had already decided against conventional career paths. “I was sure that I did not want to do a desk job, nor did I want to pursue courses that required a lot of study,” she explains. It was then that her mother suggested aviation as a potential career.
At just 18, Samaira Hullur from Vijayapura has soared into history as one of India’s youngest Commercial Pilot License (CPL) holder!
A bright student all through, she cleared 5 of the 6 DGCA exams in her first attempt before she turned 18. She cleared the last one later after… pic.twitter.com/ZTrqdjNu5e
— The Better India (@thebetterindia) December 5, 2024
Charting the Course
In tenth grade, Samaira attended an orientation class with Captain Tapesh Kumar, who provided valuable insights about entering the aviation field. Her mother continued exploring this path alongside her, gathering information that would help chart their course forward.
By eleventh grade, Samaira was certain about becoming a pilot, though doubts occasionally surfaced. A friend’s perspective proved pivotal: “How many parents tell their kids to become pilots? Consider yourself lucky and give it your best.” Those words eliminated any remaining hesitation.
Photo- BAA TrainingRapid Ascent Through Training
Following her class 12 board exams, Samaira moved to Delhi and enrolled at Vinod Yadav Aviation Academy. The program required passing 6 rigorous papers: Air Regulation, Aviation Meteorology, Air Navigation, Technical General, Technical Specific, and Radio Telephony—each demanding a minimum score of 70 per cent.
While most students require multiple attempts to clear these exams, Samaira passed five papers on her first try through dedicated study. She couldn’t take the Radio Telephony exam immediately due to age restrictions, but managed to complete her ground training in just 7 months.
In April 2024, she enrolled at Carver Aviation in Baramati, Pune, where she needed to complete 200 hours of flight training to obtain her Commercial Pilot License (CPL). Remarkably, Samaira’s journey from starting ground classes to earning her CPL took only about 18 months.
Solo Flight
For every pilot, the first solo flight represents a significant milestone. Samaira achieved this feat after just 28 hours of training, well ahead of the typical 36 hours most pilots require.
“Only when the instructor is convinced that you are capable of handling the aircraft all by yourself, will they let you fly solo… The aircraft felt incredibly light, as if it carried no weight at all.”
Samaira Hullur
The journey wasn’t without challenges. Samaira initially struggled with landings and experienced nervousness about flying alone. Her instructor’s simple advice to take deep breaths and maintain focus during landing helped her overcome these obstacles.
Breaking Barriers
When instructors informed Nazeeya that her daughter would be the youngest person in India to complete both ground and flying training and receive her license at 18, she could hardly believe it.
The ceremony where Samaira received her three shoulder stripes—symbolizing her commercial pilot license—was attended by friends and family. “I could see my grandmother and my mother tearing up, they were proud of me,” Samaira recalls with pride.
Her grandmother’s approval held special significance, as she had previously been disappointed by Samaira’s academic performance. Seeing her granddaughter earn her pilot’s license changed everything.
Samaira also experienced the fulfilment of returning to her school as a chief guest. “My principal always used to tell us that we must achieve something so that we return to our school as a chief guest. And when it happened, I was very proud of myself.”
Photo: Air IndiaThe Financial Reality of Aviation
Aviation careers require a significant financial commitment alongside passion and skill. Samaira’s ground classes cost ₹2.5 lakh, while her flying fees at Carver Aviation amounted to approximately ₹42 lakh—a figure that has since risen to ₹49 lakh due to increasing demand.
Even after obtaining a CPL, pilots must undergo type rating—specialized training on specific aircraft models required by airlines. This involves 20 hours of simulation training costing between ₹12-20 lakh.
By the time a pilot completes the type rating, the total investment reaches approximately ₹68 lakh, with additional airline training programs adding another ₹6-7 lakh.
For those choosing cadet pilot programs offered directly by airlines, costs can range from ₹95 lakh to ₹1.2 crore, though these programs typically improve job placement prospects. Samaira opted for the independent route, which was more affordable, though without guaranteed placement.
With limited financing options in this private-sector industry, Samaira’s family took out a property loan. “We can’t take an educational loan, nor do we have any scholarships for the same,” explains Nazeeya. The family had begun saving for this expense in 2020, and Samaira’s grandparents also contributed financially.
Looking to the Future
Now 19, Samaira stands at the threshold of her professional career, patiently awaiting opportunities while remaining prepared for whatever comes next.
“Currently, I am waiting to hear from airlines. If things don’t work well, I will pursue my type rating training,” she shares.
With clear vision and determination, she remains ready to adapt to the industry’s demands. Her advice to aspiring pilots reflects her journey: “If you are passionate about becoming a pilot, give it your all, and it will pay back.”
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The post From Dream to Reality: Meet India’s Youngest Commercial Pilot appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
