Vijayapura, Karnataka | December 30, 2025
In a remarkable feat that defies age barriers, 18-year-old Samaira Hullur from Vijayapura has earned her Commercial Pilot License (CPL), positioning her among the youngest in India to achieve this milestone. Clearing all six rigorous examinations conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on her first attempt, Samaira's journey from a small-town dreamer to the cockpit exemplifies unwavering determination and familial support.
Born and raised in Vijayapura, a district in northern Karnataka known for its historical grandeur but facing challenges in educational access for girls, Samaira completed her SSLC at just 15 and her 12th standard in science at 17. Her academic prowess was evident early on, having studied at prestigious institutions including Sainik schools, Shishu Niketan, Shanti Niketan, and Kendriya Vidyalaya. But it was a chance helicopter joyride during the Bijapur Utsav—organized by the district administration a few years ago—that ignited her passion for aviation. Mesmerized by the pilot's confident demeanor and the thrill of flight, Samaira recalls, “I always dreamt of being a pilot. My parents supported me in my pursuit.”
At 16, she embarked on her training odyssey, starting at the Vinod Yadav Aviation Academy (VYAA) in New Delhi, where mentors Captain Tapesh Kumar and Vinod Yadav provided crucial guidance. She later honed her skills at the Carver Aviation Academy in Baramati, Maharashtra, logging over 200 hours of flying experience in just one-and-a-half years. This included demanding night flying sessions and operations on multi-engine aircraft, culminating in her CPL issuance this year. Notably, Samaira passed five of the six DGCA exams before turning 18, delaying only the radio transmission technology paper until she met the age eligibility.
Her family's role has been pivotal. Father Ameen Hullur, an interior designer, and her mother, a fashion designer and teacher, pooled resources to fund the expensive training without hesitation. “We saved money and helped her find quality aviation academies,” Ameen shared, beaming with pride over discovering his daughter's record-breaking status. Their encouragement turned what could have been a daunting financial hurdle into a launchpad for success.
Samaira's accomplishment has reverberated far beyond Vijayapura, inspiring a new generation of aspiring aviators, particularly young women from underserved regions. Omkar Kakade, professor and head of the Department of Journalism at Karnataka Akka Mahadevi Women’s University, lauded her as a beacon: “Samaira Hullur’s success will definitely inspire more girls to make courageous and non-traditional career choices. We are proud of her and thankful to her parents for supporting her decision.” He highlighted her significance for backward North Karnataka, where female education rates lag below the state average, noting that she “serves as an inspiration for girls from the region.”
As India’s aviation sector booms, with projections of needing over 300 pilots annually to meet growing demands, trailblazers like Samaira are not just filling seats in cockpits—they're rewriting narratives of possibility. With her license in hand, the young pilot from Vijayapura is now eyeing opportunities with major airlines, ready to navigate the skies while encouraging others to chase their horizons.
This report draws from interviews and official records, with updates on her journey circulating widely on social media and news platforms.
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