Not in his 20s: How this pilot took the leap in his 30s, restarted his career and made it to the cockpit
Becoming a pilot often involves significant financial investment, years of training, and a clear understanding of the profession’s demands. The journey of Akshay Kumar Gupta reflects this reality. After spending over a decade as an aircraft maintenance engineer, he transitioned into flying in his 30s, eventually joining Akasa Air as a First Officer. His experience offers a practical perspective on career shifts within aviation and what it takes to move from the ground to the cockpit.
Gupta did not follow the conventional path to the cockpit. He spent over a decade as an aircraft maintenance engineer, starting his career in 2009 and working closely with airplanes on the ground. But even as he built technical expertise, the desire to fly never left him. “I was already deeply connected to airplanes, but from the ground. I still wanted to fly the aircraft I had spent years servicing,” he told Moneycontrol.
The turning point came in his 30s, a stage when most professionals seek stability and not risk. Choosing to pursue flying meant stepping back into the role of a student, alongside younger aspirants, and investing heavily in training. It was, as he describes, a “calculated risk,” involving financial commitment, career reset, and uncertainty. Yet, for Gupta, it was about aligning his profession with a long-standing passion.
“The transition wasn’t easy. Moving from a position of experience and authority to being evaluated from scratch required a mental reset. It was extremely humbling,” he admitted. “Letting go of seniority and embracing beginner’s discipline became key to my progress. Instead of comparing timelines, I focused on consistency as I believe is essential in aviation, where reliability matters more than proving oneself.”
For aspiring pilots, one of the biggest barriers remains cost. Training can run into lakhs or even crores, making the dream feel inaccessible. Gupta acknowledges this concern but urges candidates not to be discouraged by the initial numbers. “Don’t let the first number define your ambition,” he says, pointing to alternative pathways like education loans, modular training, and airline cadet programs that are slowly opening doors for more candidates.
28/04/2026 Pathi Thadhagath/Moneycontrol