Gitika Sharma - Be Prepared for Your Flight. While the Primary Purpose Is to Learn, Being Prepared Significantly Enhances Confidence and the Quality of Training (Commercial Pilot)

The people you are comparing yourself to are not going to come and fly your plane, so concentrate on what you are doing, no matter how long it takes.

1. Tell us about your journey?

My pilot journey was full of ups and downs, resembling a rollercoaster, but an enjoyable one. With numerous challenges and continuous learning experiences, I harbored a persistent desire to keep improving. As someone wisely stated, "Practice doesn't make you perfect; it makes improvement."

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

To be a proficient pilot, one must embody a combination of various attributes. Effective collaboration with the co-pilot, determination, patience, discipline, and adept decision-making skills collectively define a skilled pilot.

3. Where did you do your training and which institute would you recommend?

I completed my training at 2fly Airborne in the USA. While there are many reputable institutes worldwide, choosing the right flight school involves considering factors such as fee structure, accommodation, fleet size, and the prevailing weather conditions of the city. In my opinion, flight schools in Florida, USA, such as 2fly Airborne, Phoenix East Aviation, Treasure Coast Flight Training, and L3 Harris, are among the most suitable options.

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

The best advice I received was, "The people you are comparing yourself to are not going to come and fly your plane, so concentrate on what you are doing, no matter how long it takes. It will all be worth the effort." This perspective significantly altered my approach to progressing through my training.

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

The advice I would pass on is always to be prepared for your flight. While the primary purpose is to learn, being prepared significantly enhances confidence and the quality of training.

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

For me, achieving success as a pilot entails making wise decisions in emergency situations. Many individuals tend to panic, exacerbating situations not only in aviation but also in life.

Bio

I am Gitika Sharma. I am a commercial pilot. I am 21 years old. I love flying planes. I am really excited to fly for an airline, hopefully soon. I really love animals too so someday I want to volunteer for an animal rescue project. 

Interviewed by - Ashmeet Kaur

Edited by- Arunangshu Chatterjee