About Me
My name is Bhumika, and I am a teen pilot who saw a problem I had to fix. When I started flying, I realized that for many families, the dream of a career in aviation looked defeated after they asked about the cost. My passion was sparked because I believe that a child's income situation should never prevent them from following their dreams.
That's why I created this initiative: Pilot Her Way.
My Journey to the Cockpit: I started my pilot training as frequently as I could, focusing on flying planes and doing ground study to learn all the necessary theory. This training has been a continuous process throughout my Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior years.
Beyond Flying: I have pursued my interest in business and leadership through programs like the Columbia Business Summer Program and by attending the Bold Conference, where I learned from successful women in business and networked. I also gain practical experience managing sales, inventory, and operations in a work environment.
My Mission
Aviation has always represented freedom, confidence, and possibility. However, for many girls, the idea of becoming a pilot or working in aviation can feel distant or unrealistic. Pilot Her Way was created from a passion for aviation and a belief that girls deserve to see themselves in the skies. By sharing real experiences and opening doors to opportunity, we aim to inspire young women to dream bigger and believe that aviation is a space where they belong
Despite progress, women remain significantly underrepresented in aviation, especially in pilot and leadership roles. Many girls lack access to mentors, resources, and exposure to aviation careers, which can make these paths seem intimidating or unattainable. Without guidance and representation, talent and potential often go unrealized, reinforcing the gap that exists in the industry today.
Pilot Her Way works to bridge this gap by providing mentorship, education, and hands-on exposure to aviation. Through community events, outreach programs, and storytelling, we create supportive pathways for girls to explore aviation with confidence. Our goal is to empower the next generation of female aviators by giving them the tools, encouragement, and community they need to succeed.
My Leadership
1 / Pilot Training (The Core)
Engage in flight training as frequently as possible throughout the year, doing both ground study and flying. This continuous commitment ensures I can provide relevant, up-to-date guidance to aspiring pilots.
2 / Black Pilots of America (BPA)
Hold a Leadership position, volunteering and giving speeches and tours of pilot schools/airports. This is where I witnessed first-hand the excitement—and subsequent defeat—of kids and parents learning about the cost of training
Featured In
South Asian Herald
“Girls Cannot Choose Aviation Careers They Never See”
My op-ed on why exposure, not interest, keeps girls out of aviation, and how schools, airlines and mentors can open the door earlier.
Read the article →
Research
Business Models of U.S. Pilot Training Schools
With Dr. Rachael M. Rudolph, Nichols College Graduate School
I wrote a 10,000-word paper on the training costs, revenue, accessibility and operating limits of U.S. pilot training schools. I reviewed collegiate programs, Part 141 and Part 61 schools, accelerated academies and airline-affiliated pathways, drawing on GAO reports and peer-reviewed aviation education studies. I also studied how instructor shortages, limited access to FAA practical tests and high costs affect the pilot pipeline. (Journal submission in progress)
My Certifications
FAA Student Pilot Certificate
Federal Aviation Administration
Boating Safety Certificate
Certified
CPR Certified
October 2026
My Honors and Awards
Youth Aviation Advocate, G100 USA Wing:
Advisory Member, Education, Employment & Scholarships (International, Grades 11–12)
National Youth Leadership Forum for Business Innovation:
1 of 4 students selected from Old Bridge High School (National, Grade 11)
FBLA State Leadership Conference Qualifier (2025, 2026)
Bronze Medal, 50+ hours of service
Science, Math & English Honor Societies:
Academic excellence and volunteer service (Grades 11–12)
My Activities
01
Regards Wholesale Store
Leverage my background in business management, overseeing inventory, completing sales, and taking calls on weekends.
03
FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America)
Participate in the State Leadership Conference (SLC) every year.
02
Wrestling Manager
For my Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior years, I worked as a manager, handling player stats, inventory, and scores.
04
Swimming
Dedicated training in competitive swimming since age 3. Training includes a focus on freestyle and breaststroke techniques.
Programs & Conferences
01
Columbia University Summer Business Program:
Case studies and team projects in strategy and entrepreneurship.
03
NJPTA Conference:
Workshops on leadership, advocacy and community engagement.
02
Harvard BOLD Conference:
Workshops and speaker sessions on business, leadership and entrepreneurship.
Stories & Resources
Sharing stories, resources, and inspiration for young women pursuing aviation.
Interviews
Get in Touch
Every pilot starts with one question.
At 13, I handed my dad a stack of flight-lesson receipts and cried at the total. I almost stopped flying. What kept me going wasn’t money. It was someone believing I belonged in the cockpit.
Email: bhumikachopra.09@gmail.com