23-year-old Kochi native is UK's first Malayali woman commercial pilot

 Sandra Jenson, a 23-year-old Cambridge native with roots in Kochi, made history by becoming the first Malayali commercial pilot in the UK. Sandra acquired a commercial pilot's licence when she was only 21 years old. Now, at 23, she has achieved an incredible feat, flying more than 30,000 nautical miles and 5,000 hours in various aircraft, including the A320.

Sandra, a pilot at the Middle East-based Jazeera Airways, originally hails from Kaladi in Ernakulam, Kerala. She migrated to the UK with her parents when she was just two years old. Sandra is happy and proud that she chose a profession that allows her to fly passengers safely to their destinations.

Sandra says that her desire to become a pilot became stronger after she completed short-term training as an air traffic controller as part of gaining work experience during her A-Levels. Although the dream to become a pilot was quite new, Sandra was always fascinated by the crisp and colourful uniforms and the pleasing attitude of the airline staff.

The strong desire to conquer the skies became the fuel to fulfil her dream of becoming a pilot. However, Sandra confesses that she often felt stressed as her desire to achieve her dream strengthened. Meanwhile, she overcame this difficult phase with her parents' help and unwavering support.

Sandra was able to achieve her dreams through sheer hard work, perseverance, passion, determination and also with the support of her family. She is also studying online for a BSc in Professional Pilot Practice graduate course. Unlike India or other countries, the candidate’s qualification in engineering studies, science, maths or related subjects isn’t considered for pilot training here. Meanwhile, their ability to study, understand concepts, sharp memory, and fast reaction time are some factors considered.

Although studying at a flight school is quite expensive, candidates could achieve an amazing profession within just two years of study. Moreover, the candidate needs to be extremely intelligent, diligent, dedicated, and hardworking to pass the 13 pilot qualification tests.

Sandra’s father, Jenson Paul Cheppala, runs a successful trading business of Asian grocery items, meat and fish called ‘Achayan’s Choice’ at Cambridge. Her mother, Shiji Jenson works as a senior nurse at the Addenbrooke’s University Hospital. Sandra’s elder sister Sona Jenson is a gas industry analyst and younger brother Joseph is a class nine student at Cambridge.

Sandra says that one needs the support and help of their family to complete the pilot training course, especially because it is expensive. Understanding and supportive parents could help you break the societal norms associated with gender stereotypes. Sandra notes that modern workplaces respect human rights and ensure a good work–life balance that allows you to spend time with your family.

For a spectator, an aircraft would be a mere ‘iron bird’ that flies in the sky, and the passenger may be unaware of the hundreds of quick decisions and tactical cross–checks that happen ‘behind the scenes’. However, Sandra describes the A320 as a splendid aviation machine that is known for its strength, reliability and efficiency. She feels the excitement and thrill of a race car driver when she speaks about the fly–by–wire system and the complex cockpit design of the A320.

“A pilot’s job is not just to fly the aircraft. He/she promises to safely fly the passengers to their destination,” says Sandra. Life is like sky, there is no limits or boundaries, you could conquer the skies if you have the motivation and willingness to work hard.