Expert Aviation Consultant - Jaideep Mirchandani Dubai Services

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Meet Aarohi Pandit, First Indian Woman Pilot to
Fly Solo Over The Atlantic
www.skyone.aero
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Introduction
Aarohi Pandit flew a light sports aircraft over
the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans to become first
Indian Woman Pilot to fly solo and has now
completed her Airbus A320 training. Captain
Aarohi Pandit, an Indian aviator, is known for
redefining the boundaries of womens achievements
in the aviation industry. Having made history as
the first Indian woman to accomplish a solo
flight across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans,
Captain Pandit has now successfully completed her
A320 type training. At just 26 years of age,
Captain Aarohi Pandit holds an impressive array
of accomplishments and has now transitioned from
flying light-sport aircraft to an Airbus A320,
completing her training from Pier Seven Aviation
Academy, a division of Sky One. We got in touch
with Aarohi Pandit, to understand more about her
journey and more.
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Journey to become worlds first woman to fly solo
across the Atlantic
I was a mere 21 years old when the Navy Blue
Foundation selected me for an extraordinary
expedition. At that time, I had just obtained my
commercial pilots license, with only a handful
of flying hours under my belt. However, when the
opportunity presented itself, I couldnt turn it
down. I embarked on two months of rigorous
expedition training with Pipistrel in Serbia,
starting from the very fundamentals of ultralight
flying. And a few months later, I found myself
ready to embark on a journey around the
world. Initially, I had no idea of the
remarkable records I would set during this
expedition. My love for flying was the sole
reason I agreed to be a part of it. Later, as I
became aware of the significance of my journey, I
felt an overwhelming sense of pride in putting my
homeland, India, on the global aviation map. The
flights were undeniably challenging, both
physically and mentally. I endured long hours in
a cramped seat without the luxury of a restroom.
My most extended flight stretched to 6 hours,
taking me from Iceland to Greenland, where I
encountered treacherous weather and rain.
Nevertheless, it stands as one of my favorite
flights from the expedition because it afforded
me the unparalleled experience of flying in close
proximity to glaciers and skimming low over the
Atlantic Ocean.
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How did you prepare yourself mentally and
physically for your solo flights?
The initial few flights proved to be challenging,
and in retrospect, I believe I may have
overprepared for them. As I previously mentioned,
my flying experience was quite limited when I
embarked on this expedition, and I found myself
crossing international borders on a daily basis.
Navigating through the diverse VFR (visual flight
rules) requirements of each country and landing
on vast international runways was an entirely new
experience for me. Fortunately, I have an
exceptional team by my side, providing invaluable
support every step of the way. Undoubtedly, an
expedition of this magnitude places significant
demands on ones mental and physical fitness.
Maintaining peak physical condition is imperative
for enduring the rigors of long-haul flights,
especially when confined to a small seat and
flying solo. Moreover, the solitude of the skies
can become monotonous, making it essential to
engage in activities to stay alert and avoid
nodding off. To combat the monotony and stay
sharp, I adopted a routine of evening runs and
indulged in comedy shows to rejuvenate after each
flight. And, of course, relishing good food and
coffee became essential rituals during this
incredible journey.
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Why become a commercial pilot for an Airbus A320?
Ive harbored a lifelong aspiration to pilot
large jets. My fascination with this field was
ignited by the sight of an Air India jumbo jet,
specifically the Boeing 747, which is when my
passion for aviation truly took flight. While
Ive enjoyed my experiences with ultralight
flying, my ultimate aim has always been to
venture into commercial aviation. My decision to
opt for Airbus as my preferred aircraft type is
rooted in several compelling reasons, including
its significant demand within the Indian aviation
industry and its well-established reputation for
being the safest and most efficient choice.
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How was the A320 simulator training at the Sky
One Pier 7 Aviation?
Prior to my journey to the UAE for training, I
was filled with apprehension. Transitioning from
handling aircraft weighing 500 kg to a colossal
77 tons was a daunting prospect. However, my
anxiety was quickly alleviated by the exceptional
arrangements made by Pier Seven Aviation. The
accommodations provided were exceptionally
comfortable, and our package included all
essential amenities such as food and
transportation. Upon commencing our ground
school on the first day, we were warmly welcomed
and given a comprehensive tour of the
state-of-the-art simulator training center. The
ground classes proved to be exceptionally
informative, equipping us with invaluable
knowledge about the Airbus A320. We embarked on
this journey from the very basics, thoroughly
preparing us for the upcoming simulator training
sessions. Of course, the most thrilling aspect of
our training was the hands-on experience in the
simulator. I consider myself fortunate to have
been assigned flying slots with my simulator
trainer, Captain Christofedas, an Airbus veteran
with an astounding 35 years of experience. His
guidance and wealth of knowledge were
instrumental in helping me progress in my flying
training. My training experience at Pier Seven
with Sky One was nothing short of exceptional.
Captain Abhishek and his dedicated team were
consistently available and supportive throughout
the entire process.
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Key factors to consider while choosing a pilot
training academy
The most important thing is to choose a training
facility with transparency. It is important to
know every detail regarding the academy and the
facilities provided by them. Aviation is an
expensive field. Its necessary to put your money
in the right place and to gain as many benefits
as possible. The training environment also plays
an important role. The flight training academy
should have its own training facility with all
the necessary equipment, like a classroom,
briefing rooms, and simulator training rooms.
Well-trained and experienced instructors. Who
will be a guiding light during your journey to
becoming an excellent aviator.
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Thank You
971 6557 9577
info_at_skyone.aero
www.skyone.aero