Bhubaneswar, Sept. 4 (UDN): A dream that took flight after Class XII has now turned into a historic achievement for Tanisha Agrawal, who has become the first woman from Odisha’s Baragarh district to earn a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Tanisha’s aviation journey began with curiosity rather than a childhood plan. While exploring career options after completing school, she discovered commercial aviation and became increasingly fascinated by the profession.
Speaking to a regional television channel, she said her interest grew as she researched the aviation industry, eventually convincing her that becoming a pilot was the path she wanted to pursue after completing her higher secondary education.
After finishing Class XII in 2021, Tanisha began pilot training the following year. She completed the initial theoretical phase in India before travelling to California, United States, for advanced flight training.
Over the next one-and-a-half years, she trained on small aircraft, completed the mandatory flying hours and fulfilled the requirements needed to qualify for a commercial pilot licence. After returning to India, she secured her DGCA-issued CPL, marking a milestone for both herself and her home district.
With the licence now in hand, Tanisha is preparing for the next chapter of her aviation career—Airbus training with IndiGo, where she will transition from flying training aircraft to operating commercial passenger jets.
She described the shift as a significant challenge, noting that handling a large Airbus requires a completely different level of training and responsibility compared to the smaller aircraft used during pilot instruction.
Tanisha credited her parents for standing by her throughout the demanding journey, saying their unwavering support made it possible for her to pursue an ambitious career in aviation.
Her achievement has drawn appreciation from friends, relatives and well-wishers across Baragarh, turning her success into a moment of pride for the district.
As she prepares to enter commercial aviation, Tanisha hopes her journey will inspire more young women to pursue careers in fields traditionally dominated by men, proving that determination and perseverance can open doors to the skies.
Leave a Reply