10 Indian Pilots Who Made It Big – And How They Got There

India’s aviation history is rich with remarkable individuals who have conquered the skies through skill, courage, and perseverance. These 10 Indian Pilots represent the heart and soul of the nation’s flying legacy. Each has a unique story — from trailblazing pioneers to modern role models — but all share a familiar spirit: an unshakable determination to reach new heights.
This is not just a list of achievements. It’s a deep dive into their journeys, the struggles they faced, the training that shaped them, and the impact they’ve had on Indian and global aviation.

1. JRD Tata – The Father of Indian Civil Aviation

When we speak of Indian aviation, JRD Tata’s name shines brightest. Born in 1904 in Paris, Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata grew up fascinated by machinery and speed. His love for flying was sparked during his youth in France, where aviation was beginning to evolve.

Early Life & Training
In 1929, JRD became the first licensed pilot in India after earning his licence from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. This was during an era when flying was considered dangerous and experimental.

Career Highlights
In 1932, he piloted the first official mail flight for Tata Airlines, from Karachi to Bombay. This was the humble beginning of what later became Air India.

Challenges
He worked tirelessly to convince authorities and the public that aviation could be safe, reliable, and commercially viable. At the time, infrastructure was almost non-existent.

Legacy
JRD Tata’s foresight laid the foundation for India’s civil aviation. His emphasis on safety, discipline, and passenger comfort became the blueprint for modern airlines.

2. Captain Anny Divya – The Youngest Woman to Command Boeing 777

Captain Anny Divya’s rise to international recognition is the definition of breaking barriers. Born in Pathankot and raised in Vijayawada, she dreamed of flying from a young age despite financial constraints.
Early Life & Training
At 17, she joined the Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics. With the support of her family, she underwent rigorous training to obtain her Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).
Career Highlights
By age 19, she was flying for Air India. At 30, she became the world’s youngest woman to command a Boeing 777, a massive long-haul aircraft.
Challenges
She faced social pressure, language barriers, and the immense challenge of adapting to the high-stakes world of long-haul international flights.
Legacy
Anny’s achievement inspires young women globally, proving that age, gender, and background do not define capability.

3. Captain Zoya Agarwal – The Trailblazer in Long-Haul Flights

In 2021, Captain Zoya Agarwal commanded Air India’s longest direct flight, San Francisco to Bengaluru, with an all-women crew. Born in Delhi, she was fascinated by aircraft from her teenage years.
Early Life & Training
Her determination led her to the Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics, where she trained extensively in simulators and real flight conditions.
Career Highlights
Zoya joined Air India in 2004, quickly gaining a reputation for professionalism. She was selected for prestigious international routes, eventually becoming one of the airline’s top long-haul captains.
Challenges
Breaking through the glass ceiling in a male-dominated profession required resilience, technical excellence, and leadership skills.
Legacy
Zoya is now a UN Women spokesperson, mentoring and motivating young girls to consider aviation as a viable and exciting career.

4. Captain Ritu Rathee Taneja – Merging Aviation with Digital Influence

From the skies to the digital world, Captain Ritu Rathee Taneja has become a role model both in aviation and online. Raised in Haryana, she defied conservative social norms to pursue a career in flying.
Early Life & Training
After completing her CPL, Ritu joined a commercial airline and trained on advanced aircraft types.
Career Highlights
She flies Boeing 787 Dreamliners for Air India and co-runs a successful YouTube channel, Flying Beast, with her husband.
Challenges
She balanced intense flight schedules with content creation, proving that multiple passions can coexist with a demanding career.
Legacy
Ritu has shown that aviation professionals can inspire beyond the cockpit, reaching millions through social media.

5. Air Marshal Arjan Singh – The Flying Legend of the Indian Air Force

Born in 1919, Arjan Singh is a name written in golden letters in Indian Air Force history. His leadership during the 1965 Indo-Pak war is legendary.
Early Life & Training
He joined the Royal Indian Air Force in 1938, training on biplanes before transitioning to fighter aircraft during World War II.
Career Highlights
Rising to Chief of Air Staff at just 44, he modernised the IAF and played a crucial role in strategic operations.
Challenges
Leading the Air Force during wartime required both strategic and diplomatic skill.
Legacy
He is the only officer in IAF history to hold the rank of Marshal of the Air Force.

6. Captain Nivedita Bhasin – Asia’s Youngest Lady Commander

In 1990, Nivedita Bhasin became Asia’s youngest woman commander of a jet aircraft at just 26.
Early Life & Training
Joining Indian Airlines in 1984, she excelled in flight training, specialising in jet operations.
Career Highlights
Her career spanned decades, during which she commanded both domestic and international flights and worked to improve safety standards.
Challenges
She faced gender bias during her early years, proving herself through skill and professionalism.
Legacy
Nivedita remains an active voice for aviation safety and women in flying careers.

7. Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma – From Fighter Pilot to Space Pioneer

Born in 1949, Rakesh Sharma’s career began as a fighter pilot in the IAF. In 1984, he became the first Indian in space.
Early Life & Training
After joining the IAF in 1970, he logged thousands of hours flying MiG-21s before being selected for the Soviet Interkosmos program.
Career Highlights
Aboard Soyuz T-11, he spent eight days in space, conducting experiments and representing India.
Challenges
Spaceflight required intense physical and mental training, adapting to zero-gravity conditions.
Legacy
His famous patriotic response, “Saare Jahan Se Achha,” still inspires Indians today.

8. Captain Devi Sharan – Calm in Crisis

Captain Devi Sharan commanded IC-814 when it was hijacked in 1999, an incident that lasted seven days.
Early Life & Training
A seasoned commercial pilot with Indian Airlines, he trained extensively in emergency procedures.
Career Highlights
His calm leadership during the hijacking minimised panic and ensured passenger safety.
Challenges
He faced life-threatening pressure while negotiating with hijackers.
Legacy
His crisis management is studied as a model in aviation safety courses.

9. Captain Aarohi Pandit – The Atlantic Solo Flyer

Aarohi Pandit became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic in a light sports aircraft.
Early Life & Training
Trained at Bombay Flying Club, she honed her skills on small aircraft before attempting record flights.
Career Highlights
Her transatlantic flight was part of the WE! Women Empower Expedition, aiming to inspire female pilots worldwide.
Challenges
Facing extreme weather, isolation, and technical issues alone mid-flight.
Legacy
She has brought global attention to Indian women in aviation.

10. Captain Gopi Thotakura – India’s First Space Tourist

In 2024, Gopi Thotakura became India’s first space tourist aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard.
Early Life & Training
An experienced commercial pilot, he flew both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters before turning to entrepreneurship.
Career Highlights
His suborbital spaceflight marks India’s entry into commercial space travel.
Challenges
Commercial space travel required adapting to new safety protocols and technology.
Legacy
He represents the future of Indian aviation, blending it with space exploration.

Conclusion

These 10 Indian Pilots have proven that success in aviation requires skill, persistence, and vision. They have faced different challenges — from societal norms to wartime leadership — but all have taken India’s name to new heights. For aspiring pilots, their journeys are a reminder that the runway of opportunity is always open for those willing to take off.

FAQs

Q1. Who was the first licensed pilot in India?
JRD Tata was the first licensed pilot in India, earning his licence in 1929.

Q2. Who is the youngest woman to command a Boeing 777?
Captain Anny Divya holds this record, achieving it at the age of 30.

Q3. Which Indian pilot was the first to travel to space?
Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian in space in 1984.

Q4. Who flew solo across the Atlantic in a light aircraft?
Captain Aarohi Pandit achieved this historic milestone.

Q5. Who is India’s first space tourist?
Captain Gopi Thotakura became India’s first space tourist in 2024.