Baroda-based 16 year old Varija Shah flew a Cessna aircraft, hovering over the city for a full 20 minutes. Not even licensed to drive on the road, the teenager has probably become the youngest person in the state to hold a student pilot license and fly a plane.
"I flew Cessna 152 for the first time and it was an awesome experience once we were in air. I could see the entire city below. The instructor gave me all directions about speed and also gave me control of the plane at the high altitude," Varija said. Fascinated with flying planes since she was in Class VII, she said, "My dad always dreamt of becoming a pilot and that's how I got fascinated with flying. My parents were supportive of my decision, so I joined Gujarat Flying Club last year. It was a one-year course that included ground training, theory classes and flying plane on simulator." Her aim is to be an Indian Air Force pilot.
Chief flight instructor at the Club, Group Captain (retd) said, "Varija is a smart and bright student. She will now have to fly regularly to get expertise in flying planes."
