Meet Samiara Hullur, India's youngest commercial pilot, at just 18

Dubai: Samaira Hullur was just another schoolgirl in a small town in Karnataka — until a helicopter ride changed her life forever. What began as a thrilling childhood experience turned into a dream that would propel her into Indian aviation history. At just 18, Samaira achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the country’s youngest commercial pilot recently.

Her journey began in Grade 5, during a helicopter ride organised as part of an event in her hometown of Bijapur. “My mother sat in the cockpit during the ride, and I remember how fascinated she was—especially by the pilot’s uniform,” Samaira told Better India. That fascination helped her dream of flying high in the skies.

With unwavering support from her mother, Nazeeya Hullur, Samaira chose an unconventional path. “By Class 9, I was sure I didn’t want a desk job or a career involving a lot of studying. That’s when my mother suggested aviation,” she says.

Taking the suggestion to heart, she attended an orientation session in Class 10 with Captain Thapesh Kumar, which gave her clarity on the path ahead.

From a young age, Samaira was inclined toward adventure sports—horse riding, rock climbing, swimming—but flying became her true passion. “A friend once told me, ‘How many parents encourage their kids to become pilots? You’re lucky. Give it your all.’ That changed everything for me.”

After completing her Class 12 exams, Samaira shifted to Delhi and joined Vinod Yadav Aviation Academy to begin her ground training. These exams were no easy task, but Samaira did exceptionally well and she had to wait for one exam to write for her to turn 18.

Despite facing three rejections due to her age, she persisted. Within seven months, she completed her ground training. In April 2024, she enrolled at Carver Aviation in Baramati, Pune, where she needed to log 200 hours of flying time to obtain her Commercial Pilot License (CPL).

“Before you can fly solo, you have to observe and assist your instructor from the cockpit. My first flight was during sunset—it was breathtaking,” Samaira said.

The most defining moment for any pilot is their first solo flight. While most students achieve this milestone after around 36 hours of flying, Samaira did it in just 28. “That moment was unforgettable. Taking off alone, with no one else in the cockpit—it felt like the aircraft had no weight,” she says.

When she finally received her CPL, it was an emotional moment. “We have a ceremony where three stripes are added to your shoulders. My grandmother and mother were in tears—they were proud of me,” she said.

Returning to her school as a chief guest after her success was another proud moment. “Our principal used to say we should aim to return as achievers. When I did, I felt I’d truly made it,” she said.

Now 19, Samaira is awaiting responses from airlines and is prepared to begin type rating training if needed. “I’m ready for whatever comes next. If you're really passionate about becoming a pilot, give it your all. It will pay off,” she concludes.