In a time when most teenagers are still contemplating their career paths, one girl from the historic city of Bijapur, Karnataka, has already taken off — quite literally. At just 18 years old, Samaira Hullur has etched her name in Indian aviation history by becoming the youngest commercial pilot in the country.
But Samaira’s journey to the skies wasn’t just about early ambition; it was a story of inspiration, persistence, and the unwavering support of a mother who believed in her daughter’s potential even before she did.
A Mother’s Dream Sparked a Skyward Journey
The seeds of Samaira’s journey were sown in her childhood, during a helicopter ride at Bijapur’s Navaraspur Utsav. That day, her mother, Nazeeya Hullur, sat in the cockpit and was awestruck — not just by the experience of flight but by the dignified uniform and the respect accorded to the pilot. That memory stayed with her. Years later, she would nudge her daughter toward the very same path that had once fascinated her.
Samaira, an adventurous and active student who loved sports like horse riding, rock climbing, and swimming, found herself intrigued by her mother’s enthusiasm. She didn’t want a conventional 9-to-5 job or to get lost in a maze of never-ending study hours. She wanted a life that was dynamic and different. That’s when aviation entered the picture — not as a random idea, but as a clear and exciting possibility.
Finding Direction Early in Life
In Class 9, Samaira decided she wanted to do something meaningful and unconventional. Her mother arranged a meeting with Captain Thapesh Kumar, who offered an orientation that demystified the aviation industry. This session helped both mother and daughter understand the academic, physical, and financial requirements of becoming a pilot.
By Class 11, Samaira’s mind was made up. She wanted to fly. And thanks to her mother’s constant encouragement, she pursued it with single-minded focus.
“I didn’t want to regret not trying. My mother believed in me more than I believed in myself,” Samaira shares. A friend’s remark made a big impact too: “How many parents tell their kids to become pilots? Consider yourself lucky and give it your best.” That message gave her the final push to go all in.
Acing the Ground Before Taking Flight
Soon after finishing her Class 12 board exams, Samaira shifted to Delhi and enrolled in Vinod Yadav Aviation Academy. She began preparing for six essential subjects in aviation — Air Regulation, Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, Technical General, Technical Specific, and Radio Telephony.
Most students need more than one attempt to pass these tough exams. Samaira cleared five of the six on her first try — a feat that speaks volumes about her discipline and preparation.
Her only roadblock? The Radio Telephony exam. She was underage — the minimum age requirement being 18. Despite applying thrice and being rejected due to age, she stayed patient and focused. She completed her ground training in a mere seven months.
Taking to the Skies – Literally
In April 2024, she joined Carver Aviation in Baramati, Pune, for the next phase — 200 hours of flight training. From the moment she sat beside her instructor in the cockpit for her first “air experience,” Samaira knew she had chosen the right path.
She fondly remembers her first flight — soaring during sunset, the skies painted in hues of gold and crimson. “It felt surreal,” she says. “I wasn’t just flying. I was becoming who I was meant to be.”
What followed was months of rigorous practice, aircraft handling, emergency procedures, and landings. Samaira’s biggest challenge was learning to land the aircraft smoothly. She remembers being nervous about it. Her instructor’s advice was simple but effective: “Take a deep breath and focus.” And it worked.
Breaking Records with Her First Solo Flight
A defining moment in every pilot’s training is their first solo flight — when they take full control of the aircraft without an instructor. While most students take their solo after around 36 hours of flight training, Samaira did it in just 28 hours — a testament to her skill, alertness, and quick learning.
“When my instructor said I was ready to fly solo, I was overwhelmed with pride and emotion,” Samaira shares. “It was a moment I had dreamed of — flying a plane, alone, high above the ground, with the wind as my only companion.”
India’s Youngest Commercial Pilot – But Just Getting Started
With her Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in hand, Samaira Hullur has become a national sensation and a source of inspiration, especially for young girls in small towns who dare to dream beyond societal norms. At 18, she’s already achieved what many spend a lifetime aspiring toward — and yet, for her, this is just the beginning.
She hopes to fly for India’s top airlines one day, travel the world, and inspire others to take bold steps toward their dreams.
“I didn’t do this alone,” she says humbly. “It was my mother’s dream, my instructor’s faith, and my own hard work that made it possible.”
Today, Samaira stands not just as India’s youngest commercial pilot, but as a shining beacon of how vision, support, and determination can take you beyond the clouds.