In another historic move on 11th January 2021, Air India’s longest direct route flight with the all-women pilot team landed at Bengaluru International airport from San Francisco, flying over the North Pole and covering a distance of about 16000 km and saving 10 tonnes of fuel. At the forefront of this landmark journey is Air India Captain Zoya Agarwal along with her team of women pilots Captain Papagiri Thanmei, Captain Akanksha Sonawane & Captain Shivani Manhas.
Captain Zoya Aggarwal is an accomplished pilot with a flying experience of more than 8,000 flying hours. She has command experience in a B-777 aircraft of more than 10 years and more than 2,500 flying hours.
Flying over the North Pole is extremely technical and requires skill and experience and this responsibility was given to Zoya, the youngest woman commander in the world on Boeing 777.
When Zoya joined Air India, she was among a handful of women pilots and in 2013 when she became captain, it was a moment of utmost joy for her parents.
I am sure Zoya’s journey has piqued a lot of interest among the girls in particular.
A perfect mix of science, technology and travel, a career in Aviation can top your list if you are ready to explore one of the most adventurous career domains.
An Airline/Commercial Pilot is a pilot who flies a specific aircraft type for an airline and holds a commercial pilot certificate issued by an authority. In India, the authority is the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Being a Commercial Pilot would require you to take command of a flight’s controls, and ensure that passengers and cargo are carried safely around the globe.
To pursue Aviation as a career, you need to opt for science stream – Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry being compulsory subjects. For a non-science student, it will be required to fulfil the eligibility criteria of the subjects through the National Institute of Open Schooling.
The admission to a pilot training course happens through a written test, medical examination, and an interview besides scoring a minimum of 50% in class 12th. The minimum age to apply for Student Pilot License is 16 years, Private Pilot License is 17 years and Commercial Pilot License is 18 years. It is recommended to enroll in a flying school and pursue B.Sc. Aviation.
Some of the leading institutes in India for pursuing an Aviation course are:
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy (IGRUA), Rae Bareilly
Rajiv Gandhi Academy of Aviation Technology, Kerala
National Flying Training Institute, Gondia
Government Flying Club
Bombay Flying Club, Mumbai
CAE Oxford Aviation Academy, Gondia,
Indigo Cadet Training Program (Hamilton, New Zealand & Hyderabad, India).
Few important guidelines one should make a note of:
Every training institute has its respective specifications concerning physical fitness and eyesight specifically
One has to clear the class -I medical exam as prescribed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
Private pilot & commercial pilot license requires practical training and completion of flying hours
Private pilot license requires a minimum of 60 hours of flying
Commercial pilot license requires minimum of 250 hours of flying (including 60 hours of Private pilot license)
Skills Required for a pilot:
Strong technical skills
Mental stability and physical fitness
Critical thinking and decision-making
Communication skills
Leadership skills
High-level flexibility
Good sense of teamwork
In Zoya’s words, “there is no dream that is impossible”. So, if you wish to kickstart your tantalizing career as a pilot, remember the sky’s the limit 😊
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