Samaira Hullur, an 18-year-old from Vijayapura district in Karnataka, has become the youngest individual in India to receive a commercial pilot licence. This milestone follows her successful completion of six mandatory examinations and 200 hours of flying experience over one and a half years.
Hullur began her aviation training at Vijay Yadav Aviation Academy (VYAA) in Delhi before continuing at the Carver Aviation Academy in Baramati, Maharashtra. Her training included night flying and operating multi-engine aircraft, which contributed to her comprehensive skill development.
A graduate of Sainik School, Hullur pursued her intermediate education in science at Kendriya Vidyalaya. Her early fascination with flying reportedly stemmed from a helicopter ride organised during the Bijapur Utsav by the Vijayapura district administration.
At the age of 17, Hullur cleared five of the six examinations conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). However, she had to wait until she turned 18 to meet the minimum age requirement for the radio transmission technology exam, which she later passed. Remarkably, she cleared all exams on her first attempt.
Her determination, combined with extensive training, enabled her to achieve 200 hours of flight experience, including night operations and handling multi-engine aircraft. Hullur attributes her success to her mentors at the aviation academies and the unwavering support of her family.