Most people get their driving licence at 18. Ayesha Aziz got her flying licence at the age of 16, four years ago. Now, Ayesha says, “More than being India’s youngest pilot, I am happy for having accomplished my childhood goal.”

Ayesha is based in Mumbai, but her family is originally from Kashmir, where they would go twice or thrice a year. “While I would enjoy take-off and landing of the plane, my brother would be scared and always sleep during the flight.”

Ayesha entered flying school right after Class X. After taking her ground classes, clearing five viva sessions, and turning 16, she had her student pilot's licence. Due to financial issues, she could not get her commercial licence back then.

Ayesha was one of only four women in a batch of 40 at the Bombay Flying Club, where she's currently in the third year of a BSc Aviation programme. “You should hold your head high and not let others put you down,” she says. To complete her BSc and then get a commercial licence, Ayesha has to get 80 hours of flying under her belt.

She attributes her success to her family. “When I told my father I wanted to be a pilot, he pushed me into it immediately after completing my Class X.”

Ayesha is an inspiration not just for women, but for anyone who wants to pursue an unconventional career. Let's hope there are more Ayeshas in the country, who break barriers and make records.

H/T - New Indian Express