Meet Sakshi Kochhar, 18-year-old pilot who gave wings to her dreams
Sakshi Kochhar, an 18-year-old girl from Himachal Pradesh, has surpassed gender and age expectations to become the country’s youngest commercial pilot.
In recent years, women have increased their presence in industries dominated by men. Women lead by example by progressing into positions in the military, air force, or even the aviation industry. Relatedly, an 18-year-old girl’s achievement to become India’s youngest pilot has made headlines and for all the right reasons. Did you know that Sakshi Kochhar has never driven another vehicle? She revealed that she piloted a plane for the FIRST TIME EVER and managed to land it safely.
WHO IS SAKSHI KOCHHAR, INDIA’S YOUNGEST COMMERCIAL PILOT
Sakshi Kochhar, the youngest commercial pilot from Parwanoo in Himachal Pradesh, has defied all odds to get her license. Born on May 30, 2005, Kochhhar was fascinated by airplanes and aviation from a very young age. She chose Maths and Physics for her class 12 at Chandigarh’s Government Model Senior Secondary School to train to become a pilot.
Sakshi Kochhar was attracted to the aviation industry from the age of ten and this fueled her to become a pilot and achieve great things in life. The gifted young lady momentarily put aside her desire to pursue her love of dancing, in which she took first place in the state dance competition.
SAKSHI KOCHHAR’S FAMILY SUPPORTS HER DREAM TO FLY HIGH
Sakshi Kochhar, who wants to make her parents the happiest, told ANI that the aviation course is very expensive and she spent about 70 lacs to get CPL. The determined child will return the money to my parents once she finds a job.
Speaking to ANI, Sakshi Kochhar said, “I am so lucky to have grown up in a loving family made up of my grandparents, parents and an older brother who has always encouraged me to achieve my dreams.” She also revealed that her family supported her dreams after which she became a CPL holder and looks forward to flying.
SAKSHI KOCHHAR’S DREAM FLIGHT
Sakshi Kochhar, who had never been alone in her life, traveled 8,500 kilometers to the US to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot. The not so young dreamer obtained her license as a commercial pilot at the age of 18. Sakshi completed her goal in seven and a half months, making her the youngest commercial pilot in India.
Did you know Dr. AD Manek, the mentor captain of Sakshi Kochhar, the pilot instructor, also trained the youngest commercial pilot at the age of 19? Before Sakshi Kochhar made waves with her phenomenal performance, Maitri Patel, a farmer’s daughter from Surat, held the title.