Sky One - Your Trusted Aviation Expert

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IN TALKS WITH CAPTAIN AAROHI PANDIT
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www.skyone.aero
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Introduction
Captain Aarohi Pandit received a warm and
enthusiastic welcome as she successfully touched
down in her plane Mahi VT NBF, a Pipistrel Sinus
weighing only 330 kg, at Juhu Aerodrome, Mumbai,
Indias first Civil Airport recently. The young
captain took off at 930 am from the Bhuj runway
that the women of Madhapar rebuilt within 72
hours during the Indo-Pak war to a moving letter
signing and flag-off ceremony by the women on the
runway they built 50 years ago. Without current
technology like GPS, autopilot or computerised
equipment, Aarohi always flew below 7000 feet
above mean sea level. Operating the same route
from Kutch to Mumbai, with less than 60 litres of
petrol for an estimated 5 hours of flying over
the 500 nautical mile distance, Aarohi brought a
special letter from the 1971 Indo-Pak war women
heroes of Madhapar village in Gujarat to the
young women of suburban villages, in Mumbai,
Maharashtra, in recalling the 25 kg of mails that
JRD Tata carried on his flight. Here is an
exclusive interview with Captain Aarohi Pandit,
where she shares her experience.
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Could you describe your journey to become the
worlds first woman to fly solo across the
Atlantic?
I embarked on this historic adventure 2018,
flying a small light-sport aircraft called Mahi
for over 20,000 miles from India. For this
journey, preparation had a keen role. My team and
I meticulously planned the route to prepare for
this challenging flight, obtained the necessary
permit clearances and ensured the aircraft was in
top condition. Flying across the Atlantic
presented numerous challenges, including long
stretches of open water, unpredictable weather
and the need for precise navigation. I had to
overcome these challenges with skill and
resilience. This required piloting skills and
mental strength to cope with the isolation and
long hours in the cockpit. On May 13, 2019, I
completed my solo flight across the Atlantic,
landing in Iqaluit, Canada. Sky One FZEs Pier
Seven Aviation is renowned for its exceptional
training programs.
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What distinguishes Pier Sevens training from the
rest and how have your world-record flying
experiences enriched your ability to provide this
training?
My experience with the Pier Seven training
institute was both educational and practical. I
enrolled in their program to gain hands-on
experience in operating complex machines. The
instructors were knowledgeable and patient,
guiding me through simulations mimicking
real-flight scenarios. The training institute
provided simulators that closely replicated the
equipment we would encounter in our future
careers. This immersive experience helped me
build confidence and improve my skills without
the risks associated with live machinery.
Overall, my time at Sky One FZEs Pier Seven
Aviation was invaluable in preparing me for my
chosen profession. I left with a strong
foundation and a sense of readiness to tackle the
industrys challenges.
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Why do you want to become a commercial pilot for
an Airbus A320? What prompted you to choose this
training facility?
The Airbus A320 is a popular choice due to its
career prospects, technological advancements and
efficiency in the aviation industry. Choosing the
right training facility is crucial for a
successful career as an Airbus A320 pilot, so
thorough research and consideration are key.
PIER7s reputation and student feedback are what
made me choose the institute. The
qualifications and experience of their
instructors, the training curriculum, including
simulator hours, ground school, flight training
and the facilitys location for convenience and
accessibility.
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Can you share how the training at Sky One Pier
Seven Aviation has prepared you for the future?
Simulator flight training is a valuable part of
pilot education. Training with Sky One FZEs Pier
Seven Aviation provided me with a safe and
controlled environment for practising various
flight scenarios and procedures. The training
included various methods and conditions,
including adverse weather, system failures and
emergencies, which helped me develop critical
decision-making skills and learn how to handle
unexpected situations. Overall, simulator flight
training is an essential component of modern
aviation education. It offered me an environment
for honing skills, building confidence and
preparing for real-world flying experiences. The
Indian Women Pilots Association says India has
the worlds highest number of women pilots.
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What do you think is the reason for this and what
advice do you have for young females who want to
become pilots?
The high number of women pilots in India may be
attributed to increasing awareness, changing
societal attitudes and supportive policies.
Indias high number of female pilots is a
testament to the changing landscape of the
aviation industry. With dedication and support,
young females can achieve their aspirations of
becoming pilots and contribute to the growing
diversity in this field. My advice for young
females aspiring to become pilots will be to be
determined, focus on education, research training
programs, network with professionals, prioritise
physical fitness, stay persistent and stay
informed about the industry.
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What is your message to the youth in India? What
can they learn from your life?
Youth in India must believe in their dreams and
never be limited by their gender or
circumstances. My journey to become the worlds
first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic was
filled with challenges, but its proof that you
can achieve the seemingly impossible with
passion, perseverance and hard work. Embrace
opportunities in aviation or any field youre
passionate about and let nothing hold you back.
From my life, youngsters in India can learn the
importance of determination, resilience and
breaking through barriers to achieve their goals,
regardless of gender or any other obstacles they
may encounter.
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Thank You
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