In a remarkable achievement, Sonalika Mishra from Narasinghpur, Odisha, has earned her Commercial Pilot License (CPL) after successfully completing 200 hours of flight training.
Passing all required examinations under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Sonalika is now set to embark on a promising career in aviation.
Despite the relatively lower number of female commercial pilots in Odisha compared to their male counterparts, Sonalika’s accomplishment is a milestone for her hometown and the state. She is the daughter of Nirmalendu Mishra and Debyani Mishra, and the granddaughter of late Bhagirati Mishra and retired Principal Binodini Mishra, who were prominent figures in Narasinghpur.
Sonalika pursued her education at the Government Girls’ High School in Narasinghpur before studying Aircraft Maintenance Engineering at Utkal Aerospace Engineering College, Bhubaneswar. She also underwent six months of on-the-job training with Air India in Kolkata. Her rigorous flight training was completed at the Redbird Flying Training Academy, marking her readiness to serve as a First Officer (Co-Pilot) in a commercial airline.
Her journey stands as an inspiration to aspiring pilots, especially young women in Odisha. With determination and persistence, she has proven that dreams can take flight.
