My aviation journey began long before I even knew what aviation really was.

It started in 2012, right after my 10th standard. Like most students in India, I was confused about my future. I knew one thing for sure — I did not want to become a doctor or engineer, but at the same time, I had no idea what else I could do with my life.

As usual, like most students around me, I joined Intermediate MPC, simply because all my friends were doing the same. I even joined the same college where most of my schoolmates went. Those two years felt extremely monotonous — the typical routine of 6 AM to 9 PM classes, especially in the IIT coaching branch. Despite spending so many hours in classrooms, I honestly felt like I learnt nothing.

But something unexpected changed my direction.

Discovering Photography

One of my seniors used to post amazing DSLR photographs on Facebook, and that caught my attention. Slowly, I developed an interest in photography and editing. What started as curiosity soon became a passion. I bought a camera and started experimenting. Back then, I was not thinking about money or freelancing — I was simply doing it because I loved it. Over time, people started liking my work. It felt great to see people appreciate my creativity. But I had no idea that photography would lead me to something even bigger.

One day, a few of my friends and I went for a photoshoot near Hyderabad Airport.

While we were shooting, I noticed airplanes taking off and landing. For the first time in my life, I felt something different — something I had never experienced before.

I was fascinated. I kept watching the aircraft, wondering:

How does it fly? Who is flying it?

That moment sparked something inside me. For the first time in my life, aviation caught my heart ❤️

The First Step Toward Becoming a Pilot:

After returning home, I spoke to my father about it. Today, finding information about flight schools is easy, but back then it required effort.

My father and I visited IGRUA to understand the process and costs of flight training. We even collected the quotation for pilot training.

But reality soon stepped in.

I was preparing for EAMCET and JEE, and like every typical Indian family situation, relatives and elders started advising my parents. Aviation seemed risky, expensive, and uncertain. The pressure slowly pushed the conversation back toward engineering.

At that time, right after my 12th standard, I couldn’t stand strong on my decision.

I joined Engineering and completed my Bachelor's in Mechatronics Engineering.

Engineering Changed Me, Although aviation was still somewhere in my heart, I never hated engineering.

In fact, those years transformed me as a person.

During college, I used every opportunity available. My photography passion continued, and eventually I became the Head of Director of Photography in my university.

We organized college festivals, cultural events, and technical events, and those experiences taught me important life skills:

Communication, Leadership, Teamwork, Decision making and shaped my personality in ways I never expected.

But one question still remained unanswered: What next after B.Tech?

The Usual Dream: Masters in the USA , Like many of my friends, I started preparing for Masters in the United States.

I joined coaching for IELTS and GRE, applied to universities, and even received admits.

But deep inside, I still had one regret.

I often asked myself:

"Why didn’t I stand strong for my dream of becoming a pilot after my Intermediate?"

This time, I knew I had to make a decision.

Convincing my parents now was extremely difficult.

Switching from engineering to aviation was a massive transition, especially financially and emotionally. Initially, my parents simply wanted me to get a job and live a comfortable life.

It was 2020 — the COVID batch year, when I finished my B.Tech.

Unlike earlier days, there was now a lot of information available on WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and Telegram aviation groups.

But I still wanted real answers.

So I used to travel 25–30 kilometers to Hyderabad Airport, hoping to meet pilots near the parking area or terminal exits. Most of the time they were busy and didn’t respond, but I kept trying.

The First Major Setback

In 2019, I applied for the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program.

But then COVID hit in 2020, and the program was shut down.

Suddenly everything stopped and the world was shutting down. On top of that, my DGCA Computer Number was rejected twice.

It felt like every door was closing. But I never gave up.

I continued preparing for DGCA exams, mostly on my own, with guidance from a couple of aviation friends who supported me during the toughest phase of my journey. I will always remain grateful to them.

More Opportunities… More Obstacles

When the IndiGo cadet program did not reopen, I started exploring conventional flying training.

Later, I applied for:

SpiceJet Cadet Program, Air Arabia Cadet Program and I cleared both of them.

But another problem appeared — finances.

Loan complications and land-related issues delayed everything. What should have taken months ended up delaying my journey for almost two more years.

During that period, it felt like life had paused.

But I kept moving forward by clearing DGCA theoretical exams.

The Unexpected Email, Then something unbelievable happened.

In 2023, IndiGo reopened registrations for their Cadet Pilot Program.

I applied again.

Many people around me had already assumed that I would fail. After so many delays and setbacks, they had lost belief in my journey.

But this time, things changed.

I cleared the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program selection. My parents were finally proud and happy.

I received my Letter of Intent (LOI) and was selected for training at L3Harris Aviation Academy( Acron ) in the USA, in the first batch after COVID.

But even after selection, challenges did not stop.

The Long Wait Before Flying, After getting my LOI, I had to wait in India for more than 8 months due to:

Visa delays, Loan approvals, Financial arrangements

It tested my patience again.

But I kept reminding myself of one thing:

Everything happens for a reason.

The Dream Finally Takes Flight

After years of struggles, delays, failures, and patience, my journey finally took shape.

In January 2026, I successfully completed my Commercial Pilot Training in the United States.

I returned to India as a Commercial Pilot.

Seeing my parents, family, and loved ones proud of me was the most rewarding moment of my life.

What Aviation Really Taught Me:

Aviation is not just about flying airplanes.

It tests you in every possible way:

Patience, Time, Money, Weather, Mental strength, Physical endurance, Financial stability, Emotional resilience

This journey pushes you to your absolute limits.

But if you truly believe in your dream, it will eventually take you where you belong.

After 13 years of believing in a dream, I can proudly say:

Age does not matter. Time does not matter.

What matters is how strongly you believe in your dream.

Today, with gratitude in my heart and pride in my voice, I can finally say:

Thank you to everyone who was part of this journey — whether you supported me or doubted me.