Do you remember the first time you saw an airplane soar through the sky, leaving behind a trail of condensed water vapor that seemed to stretch on forever? Perhaps it was on a family vacation, or a solo trip, or simply a lazy summer afternoon spent gazing up at the clouds. Whatever the context, the sight of that plane likely left an indelible mark on your imagination.
As children, we're all fascinated by the magic of flight. Who hasn't pressed their nose against the windowpane of a plane, fascinated by the cockpit's intricate controls and the pilots' crisp uniforms? And who hasn't, at some point, pretend to be pilots ourselves, soaring through the skies, exploring new horizons, and feeling the rush of adrenaline as we banked and turned
For most of us, those childhood fantasies eventually give way to the pragmatism of adulthood. But for some, the dream never fades. It only intensifies, fueling a passion that cannot be ignored.
For most of us, those childhood fantasies eventually give way to the pragmatism of adulthood. We pursue more 'practical' careers, ones that promise stability and security. But the dream of flying never entirely fades. It lingers, a constant reminder of the sense of freedom and exhilaration we felt as children.
Minelle Farouqi is one of the lucky ones. From a tender age, she was captivated by the magic of flight. And as she grew older, her fascination only deepened. Fast-forward some years, and Minelle's dream has become a reality. At just 18 years old, she's etched her name in history as Pakistan's youngest commercial pilot – not just the youngest female pilot, but also the youngest pilot, period.
"It's beyond an honor for me," says Minelle, reflecting on her achievement. "To represent my country and make our country proud. It gives me an opportunity to make more people aware about aviation, and its beauty."
What drives Minelle to pursue her dreams? "For me, flying is more than a dream and a passion," she says. "I believe my DNA has aviation cells. It's something that naturally came to me."
Minelle's remarkable journey is a testament to the power of firm dedication and unrelenting passion. It's a reminder that, no matter how elusive our dreams may seem, they are always within reach – if we're willing to chase them with unbridled enthusiasm and unshakeable commitment. It's a story that will inspire you to rekindle your own childhood passions, to pursue your dreams with renewed vigour, and to never give up on the magic of flight.
The making of a pilot
The journey to becoming a pilot is not for the faint of heart. It demands focus, passion, and a commitment to learning that borders on obsession. For Minelle, this journey began with a spark of curiosity that ignited a fire of determination.
As she recounts, "I've had a passion for flying since I was a child. My home is below Karachi Airport's runway approach path. So, takeoffs and landings are something I've been seeing my entire life." This unique vantage point, coupled with an innate fascination with flight, set Minelle on a path that would ultimately lead her to realize her dreams.
But the road to becoming a pilot is not smooth and paved with challenges, and Minelle faced her fair share. "Flying training is all about focus and commitment," she explains. "You need to be passionate to learn something new every day. And apply that, during each flight you take. Balancing flying and exams together is tricky. But once you do something for yourself, you'll excel at it."
One particularly harrowing experience during her training stands out in Minelle's mind. "The first time I almost had an engine failure," she recalls. "And our RPM dropped on takeoff. We had to abort the landing. Our engine almost failed when the RPM dropped.”
“The minimum RPM is 2400 on takeoff, but ours dropped to below 1000. So, we got back on the runway and the plane landed. It's called a bounce. It bounced back up,” she recalls. “And when we got back on the runway, a commercial aircraft, Emirates' 777, was landing behind us. So, we had to expedite taxi out of the runway and we had to take the aircraft off the runway into the dirt."
Desipite this distressing experience, she didn’t left flying, but continued to follow with the same passion. This was not only because she had this dream but also people who backed her up at every stage. For Minelle, her family played a crucial role in supporting her during this journey. While not everyone was initially on board with her decision to become a pilot, Minelle's determination and focus eventually won them over.
"Many people in my family supported me, many people didn't," she admits. "I have a simple rule in my life: have a few close ones whose opinions matter to you. As for the rest of the world, what they say should go in one ear and out the other." This confidence and self-assurance would serve Minelle well as she navigated the challenges of pilot training and beyond.
The flying dancer
As Minelle's passion for flying continued to soar, she found herself drawn to another unique pursuit - breakdancing. The two may seem worlds apart, but for Minelle, they share a common thread - a desire to push beyond the ordinary and achieve something extraordinary.
"For me, whatever I've done in life needs to be unique," explains Minelle. "Just like flying, breaking is also a unique sport. My breaker name 'Aviatrix' is also aviation-related." This fusion of her two passions is more than just a coincidence - it's a reflection of Minelle's boundless energy and creativity.
Minelle's introduction to breakdancing was a turning point in her life. She was drawn to the dynamic movement, the rhythmic music, and the sense of community that came with it. As she honed her skills, Minelle began to compete in local breakdancing competitions, eventually earning a spot in the prestigious Red Bull BC One. And in her first appearance in the event she won the title of B-Girl and went to global event to represent Pakistan.
"It's an honor for me to represent my country to the best of my ability," says Minelle, reflecting on her experience. "Whether as a breaker or a pilot, I want the best image of our country to be portrayed. And remove the false stigma about Pakistan." Minelle's pride in representing Pakistan is palpable, and her determination to showcase the country's positive image is inspiring.
So, how does Minelle balance her two passions? "Both of these are my life," she says simply. "When I'm flying, I'm not breaking. And when I'm not flying, I'm training for breakdance." This dichotomy may seem challenging, but for Minelle, it's a natural part of her life.
Minelle has a serious look on her face but, don't let the expression fool you - whether she's soaring through the skies as a pilot or spinning on her head as a B-Girl, her intense demeanor is just a part of who she is. It's a look that's often misinterpreted as focus or concentration, but in reality, as she puts it, "it's just my day-to-day face."
"I'm always myself, whether I'm dancing at a local jam or an international competition, or even flying a plane," explains Minelle. Her expression isn't just about breaking or flying - it's about telling a story through her movements and sharing a piece of herself with the audience."
As Minelle navigates the demands of being a pilot and a B-Girl, she's discovered that her experiences in breakdancing have had a profound impact on her approach to flying. "Being a B-Girl and doing a sport like breaking has only built my confidence and made me stronger," she explains. "Not only for flying but many things in life. It's therapy in the form of an art." This synergy between her two passions has created a powerful dynamic, one that fuels Minelle's pursuit of excellence in all that she does.
Breaking stereotypes
As Minelle soared to new heights as a pilot and a B-Girl, she inevitably faced challenges that came with being a young woman in a male-dominated field. But Minelle's determination and resilience in the face of these obstacles serve as a powerful inspiration to others.
"I believe men and women both have their own challenges," reflects Minelle. "However, in every field, you'll always find those who respect passion and appreciate it. As for the rest, set your boundaries and know what to do and say where." Minelle's pragmatic approach to overcoming biases and stereotypes is rooted in her confidence and self-assurance.
So, how did Minelle overcome these challenges? Her advice to other women facing similar obstacles is straightforward; "I would simply tell all women, make your boundaries in your head clear, and never cross them, even by an inch. Doing so will always make sure you're well-respected everywhere." Minelle's emphasis on setting boundaries and maintaining self-respect is a valuable lesson for women navigating any male-dominated field.
As Minelle's presence on the social media platform continues to grow, she's committed to using her influence to support and empower others. "Not only for women, my platform, social channels, are open to both men and women to ask me any questions they have," she explains. "Whether as an older sister or younger sister, I'm there for everyone." Minelle's generosity of spirit and willingness to mentor others serve as a powerful example of leadership and community-building.
Through her remarkable achievements and her commitment to empowering others, Minelle is shattering stereotypes and making the way for future generations of women in aviation. Her legacy will undoubtedly inspire countless others to pursue their dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem.
Sky high dreams
As Minelle's breaks down all the stereotypes and career takes flight, she's also looking to the future, with ambitious plans to take her career to even greater heights. But what does the future hold for aviation in Pakistan, and how can the industry overcome its biggest challenges?
For Minelle, the long-term goal is clear: "My long-term goal is to be commercially flying with an airline. And hopefully, fly the Airbus A350 one day." The Airbus A350 holds a special allure for Minelle, with its cutting-edge technology and sleek design. "Internally, its cockpit is really beautiful, and technology-wise, it's a really up-to-date aircraft," she explains. "And exterior-wise, the outer side of the cockpit has a black stripe around it throughout the cockpit windows. So that's just something that really makes it unique and looks different from any other aircraft."
But despite her personal aspirations, Minelle is also aware of the broader challenges facing the aviation industry in Pakistan. "The biggest challenge in the aviation industry in Pakistan is the lack of acknowledgment of merit," she notes. "And more focus on who has more 'power'." This emphasis on personal connections over competence can stifle innovation and hinder progress, believes Minelle.
So, what message does Minelle want to convey to young women and girls who are inspired by her story? Her advice is simple yet profound; "For young women and men, or older women and men, follow your passion and don't let anyone stop you. Allah looks at the work you put in and your niyyat (intention) towards that. If both are clear, doors will open for you." Where the skies meet the horizon, a new generation of dreamers is taking shape, and Minelle is leading the way.
Minelle’s story leaves behind a trail of inspiration, a reminder that with hard work, determination, perseverance, and a passion that knows no bounds, anything is possible. Minelle's journey is a demonstration to the power of chasing one's dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem. And as she takes to the skies, her wings beating strong and sure, she carries with her the hopes and aspirations of a nation, inspiring countless others to spread their wings and soar.
For Minelle, the sky is no longer the limit – it's just the beginning.