25-year-old Ayesha Aziz from Kashmir has become the youngest female pilot in the country. She got her pilot license at the age of just 15 in 2011 and underwent training to fly a MIG-29 jet at Russia's Sokol airbase the following year.
In 2017, she graduated in aviation from the Bombay Flying Club (BFC) and obtained commercial license.
Ayesha, while speaking to ANI, said she believed that Kashmiri women had progressed immensely in the last few years and have done exceptionally well in the field of education.
"I think Kashmiri women are doing very well, especially in education. Every other woman in Kashmir is doing her Masters or her doctorate. People of the Valley are doing great," she said.
Ayesha further stated that she happy to take on the challenge despite the odd timings required by the job and dynamic work environment.
"I chose this field because I have loved traveling since a very young age and was very fascinated by flying. One gets to meet so many people. This is why I wanted to be a pilot. It is quite challenging because this is not like a normal 9-5 desk job. There is no fixed pattern and I have to constantly be ready to face new places, different types of weather, and meet new people," she told ANI.
"In this profession, one's mental state should be very strong because you'll be carrying 200 passengers and it is a great responsibility," she added.
The 25-year-old also expressed gratitude towards her parents, who have supported her throughout her journey.
"I am very lucky that I have parents who have supported me in everything. Without them, I would not have been able to get to where I am today. I am constantly looking for growth, on a professional and personal level. My father is my greatest role model," she said.
