This 25-Year-Old Has Made History As India’s Youngest Female Pilot

How many of us can say that we achieved greatness at a young age? Which is why, when news of outstanding accomplishments by women make headlines, it’s time to celebrate. And Ayesha Aziz, the 25-year-old from Kashmir becoming India's youngest female pilot, and a beacon of hope for countless women, is definitely a cause for celebration.

In 2011, at the age of 15, Aziz became the youngest student pilot to get a license, and in 2012 she trained to fly a MIG-29 jet at the Sokol Airbase in Russia. Aziz later graduated in aviation from the Bombay Flying Club (BFC) and obtained a commercial license in 2017. In conversation with ANI, Aziz said, “I think Kashmiri women are doing very well, especially in education. Every other woman in Kashmir is doing her Masters or her doctorate. People of the Valley are doing great.”

Of course, the young pilot is thrilled with the honour and is keen to take up the many challenges—like odd working hours and erratic schedules—that come with the job description. “I chose this field because I have loved travelling since a very young age and was very fascinated by flying. One gets to meet so many people,” she told ANI. She went on to add, “In this profession, one's mental state should be very strong because you'll be carrying 200 passengers and it is a great responsibility.”

The young achiever doesn’t own her success to her drive and hard work alone. “I am very lucky that I have parents who have supported me in everything. Without them, I would not have been able to get to where I am today. I am constantly looking for growth, on a professional and personal level. My father is my greatest role model,” she expressed.

Images Courtesy: Instagram/Ayesha Aziz (@captayesh); Twitter/Kashmir Focus
Creative Design: Ashish Choudhary