Karkala: Shiny Asma Saldanha of Koudur has achieved a significant milestone in aviation by completing her professional pilot training and securing a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), becoming the first woman from Udupi district to earn the qualification.
The daughter of Ashok Jacob Saldanha and Maria Gretna Saldanha of Rangana Palke in Koudur, Shiny completed her schooling and pre-university education at Christ King Educational Institution in Karkala. Her achievement marks an important milestone for the district and is expected to inspire young women aspiring to build careers in aviation.
Dream of becoming a pilot
Shiny developed an ambition to become a pilot and worked towards turning the dream into a professional career.
As part of the process, she appeared for the entrance examination of the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA) in Bengaluru. She successfully cleared the examination and secured an opportunity to undergo professional pilot training at the prestigious aviation academy.
She subsequently joined IGRUA at Fursatganj in Uttar Pradesh for her professional training in August 2023.
Completes professional pilot training
Shiny underwent the various stages of pilot training required to qualify for a Commercial Pilot Licence.
The training involved the rigorous preparation and assessments required for aspiring commercial pilots. After successfully completing the required stages, she obtained her CPL, marking the completion of an important phase in her journey towards a career in commercial aviation.
With the qualification, Shiny has now taken a significant step towards pursuing professional flying opportunities.
Her achievement is particularly notable because she has become the first woman from Udupi district to obtain a Commercial Pilot Licence, according to the information available.
Milestone for Udupi district
Shiny’s accomplishment has brought attention to the growing participation of women in aviation.
While aviation has traditionally been perceived as a male-dominated sector, an increasing number of women are pursuing careers as pilots and in other technical and professional roles within the industry.
Shiny’s journey from Koudur to professional pilot training in Uttar Pradesh demonstrates the opportunities available to students who are willing to pursue specialised careers beyond conventional fields.
Her qualification also represents a source of pride for her family and the wider Karkala community.
Family and community congratulate her
Shiny’s family members, friends and residents of Karkala have congratulated her on completing her training and securing the CPL.
Her parents, Ashok Jacob Saldanha and Maria Gretna Saldanha, have supported her journey from her school years through professional pilot training.
The accomplishment has also been welcomed by residents of Koudur and Karkala, who have expressed pride in her becoming the first woman from the district to achieve the qualification.
Inspiration for young women
Shiny’s achievement is expected to encourage more young women from Udupi district and surrounding areas to consider aviation as a career option.
Obtaining a commercial pilot licence requires extensive training, examinations and practical flying experience. Her successful completion of the process demonstrates the determination required to pursue the profession.
For students interested in aviation, Shiny’s journey also highlights the importance of identifying career goals early and pursuing the necessary academic and professional qualifications.
Her achievement comes at a time when women’s participation in the aviation sector is steadily increasing, creating more opportunities for women to enter the profession.
A new chapter in her career
The acquisition of a CPL marks the beginning of a new phase in Shiny’s professional journey. Having completed her pilot training, she can now pursue opportunities in commercial aviation and work towards building a career as a professional pilot.
Her achievement has placed her among the growing number of women entering the aviation industry and has given Udupi district a notable milestone to celebrate.
From completing her education in Karkala to clearing the IGRUA entrance examination and undergoing professional training in Fursatganj, Shiny has steadily progressed towards her goal.
Her success is a testament to her determination and commitment to aviation and serves as an encouraging example for young women who dream of taking up careers in the sector.