Aarohi Pandit - Every Flight I Do Is Different, Every Flight Teaches Me New Things (Pilot)

Aarohi Pandit

Doing what you do should make you happy. If your work does not satisfy you, I don’t think you should continue doing that. 


1. Tell us about your journey?

I live in Mumbai, India and I’m the first generation pilot in my family. I started flying at 17, right after I completed my 12th grade along with graduation study in Aviation. I was passionate about aviation since my childhood. My love for nature, my love for speed and my love for flying is what keeps me uplifted.

Back in 2018, when the navy blue foundation who were looking for young female pilots approached me with their mission of flight around the world on a light-sport aircraft. I immediately said yes with no hesitation even though I informed my parents about it a bit later.

But eventually, everything worked out, I was ready to take over the globe on a Pipistrel sinus 912 (LSA) aircraft.


2. What qualities make a good pilot and what should one know about this profession?

A good pilot is always the one who never stops consuming knowledge.

The most important part of being a pilot is maintaining calmness no matter what the situation is. And it’s also important to have a pronto decision-making ability with a good physical health.

Being a pilot in challenging especially if you’re too comfortable staying home. Thanks to covid, this is the longest time I have sent in my house/home town since I turned 17.


3. What has been your biggest challenge that you faced as a pilot and how did you overcome that?

I do not have a lot of flying experience. I am still learning each and every day. Every flight I do is different, every flight teaches me new things. So I would say I haven’t faced my biggest challenge yet.

But yes, my flights during round the world specifically the Northern Atlantic flights were challenging. For example, while crossing the Greenland icecaps, all I remember was flying an ultra airplane to 18000 ft and breathing through a portable oxygen for almost 5 hours.


4. What's the best piece of flying advice given to you?

“No pilot alive would have taken any better decisions than you have.” This advice was given to me by a Senior Canadian pilot right after I crossed the Atlantic Ocean during round the world expedition.


5. What advice would you pass on to someone who wants to be a pilot?

The most important thing is to be consistent and patience. These two things take a long way. And also, hard work makes you a much better pilot.


6. What does success look like to you in this job?

I don’t think any successful person in aviation or not will admit that she/he is successful even at her/his highest point.

There should be no limits. Doing what you do should make you happy. If your work does not satisfy you, I don’t think you should continue doing that.

As my personal view, I think I will be successful when I am able to give it back to the society and still be grateful enough.


7. Which is your favourite book and why?

I love reading classic books. It makes me forget my reality and move to my Maria’s world. My, I’m imaginations works at it’s best. One of my favourites is Pride and Prejudice.


- Aarohi Pandit - (Pilot)

Aarohi Pandit

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaarohipandit/?hl=en


Interviewed By Tuhina Rana