(July 11, 2025) For Muskan Begum, the date 11-11-22 will always remain special. Her dream of flying an aircraft came to fruition that day. The trainee pilot, under the supervision of her instructor, flew a Cessna 172 aircraft in Cape Town, South Africa for over 40 minutes. The vibration of the engine when she switched it on, the smooth lift-off getting her airborne and the sight of the world shrinking below — are memories that will forever be etched in her mind. “Experiencing the controls for the first time was pure joy. It was my dream flight “ smiles Muskan Begum, in a chat with Global Indian.
At 21, Muskan is one of the youngest pilots from Hyderabad, who earned her commercial pilot license from a reputed flying school in Cape Town recently.
Muskan Begum
Inside the Cockpit: Muskan’s Journey Through Intensive Pilot Training
Muskan began her aviation journey with a six-month training at V2 Aviation Academy in Hyderabad. Armed with grit and discipline, she went on to clear the Indian DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) exams — her first big leap into the skies.
In November 2022, she took off for Cape Town after enrolling in 4 Aviators pilot training school for her CPL (commercial pilot’s license) training. Over the next year, she steadily worked through her exams and flying hours, inching closer to her dream of becoming a commercial pilot. “Our day usually started at 6:30 AM with a pre-flight briefing or a theory class. We studied subjects like air law, meteorology, general navigation, aircraft technical knowledge, and human performance,” says the youngster.
Muskan recalls how the ground instructors were extremely thorough, ensuring the trainees understood every concept, instead of merely memorising it. “Cape Town, with its diverse weather and challenging terrain, was perfect for building real-world skills. The sheer beauty of flying over the South African coastline cannot be described,” says Muskan.
Her training, primarily on the Cessna 172 and 175 aircraft, included cross-country navigation flights across South Africa—touching down in places like Oudtshoorn, George, Port Elizabeth, and Beaufort West.
Licensed to Fly: The Journey from Student to Commercial Pilot
Earning a commercial pilot’s license is no easy feat. “I had to clear about 18 exams in subjects like Air Law, Navigation, Meteorology, Radio Telephony, and Technical General,” she says. These exams conducted by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), made the process all the more demanding.
She put in months of focused study, and passed all her theory papers in the first attempt. Then came the flight tests, which included ground evaluation and the final CPL skill test with a designated flight examiner. “It was nerve-wracking at first, but by then I had over 250 flying hours, so I felt prepared.”
The test covered everything from standard maneuvers to emergency procedures and simulated IMC conditions. “I passed successfully and officially became a licensed commercial pilot. There’s a sense of pride, but also humility, because I know this is just the beginning,” she says, describing it as a big accomplishment and a huge responsibility.
Post her achievement, Muskan is flooded with messages from juniors, neighbours and even strangers asking how she did it. “That recognition feels rewarding—but also motivating. It makes me want to work even harder.”
Beyond the Cockpit: Lessons in Life
Living on her own in a different country taught her life lessons. “It wasn’t easy moving to another country, adapting to a new environment, and handling everything on my own. But it made me stronger,” she says.
Muskan says she couldn’t have learnt it any other way. “Responsibility, independence, and the importance of time management, I learnt it all,” says Muskan.
Roots, Dreams, and Runways: How a Hyderabad Girl Found Her Calling in the Skies
Born in March 2004 in Hyderabad, Telangana, Muskan grew up in a modest yet supportive family that always encouraged her to chase her dreams. Her father works in Doha, Qatar, while her mother is a homemaker.
After completing her schooling from Narayana e-Techno high school, Hyderabad, she pursued her intermediate studies at Sri Chaitanya Junior College. With a natural inclination towards science and mathematics, Muskan consistently maintained above-average grades. “But more than just academics, I had this unshakeable fascination with airplanes and I knew I had to give my 100 per cent to my studies,” says the pilot.
Muskan’s fascination with airplanes began when she was just nine years old. She would often accompany her mother to the airport to see off her father.
“I would stand near the glass wall and watch the plane take off. It was absolutely mesmerising, that moment stayed with me,” says Muskan, who, from then on, dreamt of becoming a pilot.
That childhood dream only grew stronger with time. She fondly recalls an early encounter that left a lasting impression. On a flight back from Doha, young Muskan mustered the courage to ask the cabin crew if she could see the cockpit. To her delight, they let her in after landing. “The pilot showed me the cockpit and also allowed me to speak on the mic. He smiled and told me that someday I would sit there (in the cockpit). That still gives me goosebumps.”
Anchored by Family, Inspired by Her Mother
So when she eventually told her family about her dream of becoming a pilot, they were surprised—but not dismissive. “They took time to understand the path, the investment, the risk. Eventually, they supported me wholeheartedly,” says Muskan.
Her mother Tasleem begum is her biggest inspiration. “She’s the strongest woman I know. I’ve seen her face life’s challenges with grace, patience, and quiet strength. No matter what life throws at her, she moves forward with a calm determination that continues to inspire me every single day.”
Grace Under Pressure: Building Confidence One Flight at a Time
Now, with over 250 hours of flying experience, Muskan has come a long way from those early dreams. While there have been a few nerve-racking moments in the air, she says, “nothing extreme”—a sign of the confidence she’s built through years of preparation and passion. “During a navigation flight, I encountered unexpected turbulence and a sudden change in wind direction. It shook the aircraft a bit, and I had to quickly adjust my heading and altitude,” she recalls.
It was a great lesson in staying calm and sticking to her training. “Not every flight you take will be perfect, all experiences matter.”
She says staying calm under pressure is absolutely essential in aviation. “For me, it comes down to both mental preparation and inner peace. I rely a lot on thorough preparation, knowing my procedures, checklists, and staying current with my knowledge gives me confidence in the cockpit,” informs Muskan.
Faith in Flight: Finding Calm Above the Clouds
Equally important was managing her mental and emotional state. “I find immense peace and strength in my faith. I make time for prayer (salah) regularly, and I often read the Quran, especially when I feel overwhelmed or need clarity,” she says.
Muskan says there is something deeply grounding about turning to faith. “It gives me a sense of purpose and calm that nothing else can.
In high-stress situations, that inner spiritual anchor really helps me remain focused and composed.”
Eyes on the Horizon: Gearing Up for the Next Big Leap
Soon after the completion of her commercial pilot training, Muskan returned to Hyderabad for a brief period. Now, she is back in Cape Town preparing for instructor training and multi-engine rating as building experience will add value to her qualification.
“I’m looking to fly with local flying clubs to maintain my proficiency. I also spend time reviewing my manuals, keeping up with aviation news, and preparing for airline entrance exams,” says Muskan, who plans to join a commercial airline.
In the long term, she wants to fly international routes and eventually become a Type Rated First Officer, and then a Captain. “I’m open to any opportunity that gives me the chance to grow and learn,” says Muskan, who is looking forward to begin her professional flying career soon.
Capturing the World, One Flight at a Time
Muskan loves traveling and photography. “I enjoy documenting my experiences, I’ve done it with
my time in South Africa,” says Muskan, who likes exploring new cultures, trying out different cuisines, and connecting with people from around the world.
She is also passionate about mentoring other young women who are considering aviation as a career. “Sharing knowledge and experience is one of the most powerful tools for change,” she says, hoping to be an inspiration for other young girls and show them that no dream is too big and no sky is too high.
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