In a profession still largely dominated by men, Captain Poonam Devrakhyani has defied convention by rising from humble beginnings in rural Bhopal to a high-ranking position as a Flight Operations Inspector with India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Her journey is a story of persistence, excellence, and a deep-rooted passion for flying.
Poonam’s inspiration struck during childhood as she stood on the terrace of her home in Bhopal, watching aircraft pass overhead. At the time, becoming a pilot seemed like an unattainable dream. But years later, with quiet determination and family support, she pursued aviation training, committed to making that distant dream her career.
Over time, she accumulated over 7,000 flying hours, a significant milestone that reflects not only experience but credibility in an industry where precision and decision-making are paramount. Her flying career took her through multiple commercial operations, where she managed complex routes, trained under demanding schedules, and responded to real-time emergencies with professionalism.
As a Flight Operations Inspector at DGCA, she is now responsible for assessing pilot standards, evaluating simulator training programs, certifying aircraft readiness, and ensuring adherence to safety regulations across India’s expanding civil aviation sector. Her field experience as a commercial pilot gives her a unique perspective in reviewing operational protocols and mentoring younger pilots.
Throughout her career, Poonam has also had to handle emergency situations that tested her composure and training. She recalls several instances where technical failures required her to remain calm, make split-second decisions, and work in sync with her crew to safeguard passengers. These experiences laid the foundation for her role today in ensuring others meet the same high safety standards.
Her journey is especially meaningful to young women across India who aspire to careers in aviation or other technical fields. Coming from a rural background, she faced challenges not only in training but also in proving herself in a demanding and competitive profession. Her success represents the possibilities that emerge when individual ambition meets institutional opportunity.
Captain Poonam Devrakhyani’s appointment to a senior regulatory position marks more than just personal achievement. It signals the growing role of women in India’s aviation landscape and the importance of including diverse voices in safety oversight and policy development. Her career continues to inspire a new generation of pilots and serves as a model for what is possible—regardless of where you begin.
