Sakshi Kochhar, an 18-year-old from Parwanoo, Himachal Pradesh, has become the youngest commercial pilot in India, surpassing the previous record held by Maitri Patel, who achieved her license at 19. Sakshi always had a fascination with flying, sparked by a flight she took as a child. Determined to pursue an offbeat profession, she initially aspired to be a choreographer but later became more inclined towards becoming a pilot.
With the support of her grandparents, Sakshi’s decision to become a pilot was embraced by her family. She completed her schooling in Chandigarh and studied physics and mathematics, prerequisites for a pilot career. She then joined the Skyline Aviation Club in Mumbai for theory training under Captain AD Manek. Following that, she underwent extensive ground theory training, air-traffic avoidance training, and flying practicals in the United States.
Sakshi achieved her first solo flight on December 21, 2022, and recently received her commercial pilot license from the US on her birthday, May 30. She expressed joy in wearing the pilot uniform and shared her love for the stunning views witnessed from the cockpit, especially sunsets and sunrises.
Looking ahead, Sakshi aims to work in India, necessitating an Indian commercial pilot license. She plans to take the RTR exam in August to prepare for her future career. Sakshi’s achievement is a source of immense pride for her family, with her father expressing the emotional experience of being flown by his own daughter.