Meet Samaira Hullur, 18YO Is One Of India's Youngest Commercial Pilots

At 18 years old, Samaira Hullur from Karnataka's Vijayapura has made history as one of the youngest women in India to get a commercial pilot license, according to her parents. She was trained at the Vinod Yadav Aviation Academy (VYAA) in New Delhi and later, she joined the Carver Aviation Academy in Baramati, Maharashtra. Hullur cleared six examinations and over 200 hours of flight tests to achieve this feat in one and a half years.

Samaira Hullur: Where The Sky Is No Limit

Samaira Hullur's love for flying was ignited when she once took a joy ride in a helicopter during the Bijapur Utsav. Her father, interior designer Ameen, told The Hindu. "We were seated next to the pilot and Samaira was attracted by his style and began asking him several questions."

That was the day she decided she wanted to be a pilot, Ameen told the outlet. "We supported her by saving money and looking for good quality aviation academies," he added The teenage pilot expressed, “I always dreamt of being a pilot. My parents supported me in my pursuit."

Hullur credits her success to Captain Tapesh Kumar and Vinod Yadav, for their mentorship and support. She cleared five of the six theory papers when she was only 17. She had to wait to take the radio transmission technology paper as the eligibility was 18 years old.

Further, she had to complete at least 200 hours of flying to pass and earn her pilot's license. Hullur's parents in Vijayapura were surprised to know that she is the youngest woman commercial pilot. Her mother is a fashion designer and teacher, according to The Hindu.

Similar Story: Ayesha Aziz Became India's Youngest And Kashmir's First Female Pilot At 16

In 2016, Ayesha Aziz from Baramulla made history as India's youngest and first woman from Kashmir to get her pilot's license. Now 25, she is based in Mumbai and excels in flying the Airbus 360 for Go Airlines, according to her social media. Aziz's biggest support was her father who encouraged her to enrol for flying classes at the young age of 15, just after finishing her class 10th standard exams. She flew a Cessna 172R in January 2012.