The daunting but rewarding life of a commercial pilot

Many Bangladeshi children grow up mesmerised by the sight of aircraft overhead and the thunderous roar as they take off. When asked what they want to become, young voices reply, "I want to be a pilot." Yet as reality encroaches, most abandon that dream in favour of paths they see as more secure, such as BCS (Bangladesh Civil Service), business, engineering or overseas opportunities. But there are those rare few who cling to their goal and see it through.

From an early age, Naim Shahriar's heart was set on the sky. "Ever since childhood, I was captivated by the sound of aircraft engines and the sight of planes taking off near the airport," he says. While friends steered toward university programmes in commerce and technology, he quietly resolved that his future would be written among the clouds.

Today, Captain Naim Shahriar sits in the left seat of an ATR 72-600 with US Bangla Airlines as the captain of the aircraft. He completed his flight training at the Academy of Aviation in New York over fourteen intense months. Returning to Bangladesh in 2016, he joined US Bangla Airlines and steadily worked his way up with more than nine years on the job.

The investment required: Embarking on a commercial pilot career in Bangladesh demands both patience and considerable resources. "While the average CPL (commercial pilot licence) programme is expected to take one and a half to two years," Captain Naim explains, "many cadets find it takes closer to four years due to aircraft shortages and delays from the Civil Aviation Authority." He adds that costs have risen dramatically. "It was around four to five million taka just a few years ago. Today it is over Tk 7.5 million. Whereas abroad it takes more than 12 million taka."

Most trainees begin right after their 12th-grade exams and fund their own training. "Financial challenges frequently delay progress," he notes. "Many depend on family support, bank loans or personal sacrifices to continue flying." Recently, US-Bangla Airlines introduced a scholarship programme that sends selected students abroad for CPL training and offers them career opportunities within the airline. "That programme has given many young aviators a clear path forward," he says.

Charting the course- inspiration and first steps: "What inspired you to pursue a career in aviation?" he was asked. His answer draws on both wonder and conviction. "The speed, the power and the purpose behind it all sparked a fascination that stayed with me," he recalls. A later visit to the United States provided his first closeup look at flight schools and simulators. "That trip reignited my passion and helped me realise that flying wasn't just a dream; it was my calling."

Within a year of that journey, he convinced his family to support his ambition. He enrolled in flight school, passed each rigorous exam and logged every required hour. "That moment changed my life," he says simply.

Turbulence and triumphs- a pilot's toughest tests: No career narrative is complete without its crucibles. For Captain Naim, one flight stands out. In what was supposed to be a routine Dhaka to Rajshahi sector, a cyclone named Sitrang was closing in. "Airports were shutting down one by one," he remembers. "We were the last aircraft cleared to depart."

Moments after takeoff, the storm engulfed them. "Rain lashed the windscreen. Thunder cracked like gunfire. Flashes of lightning lit up the cockpit." The autopilot struggled and then disconnected. He took manual control through what he calls "some of the most terrifying turbulence I have ever seen". For fifteen relentless minutes, he battled violent updrafts and downdrafts. In the cabin, passengers cried and prayed as the aircraft shook.

When they emerged above the storm, the silence was surreal until it broke into spontaneous applause. But the ordeal was not over. Rajshahi was battered by crosswinds at night. "We touched down safely but then faced a choice," he says. "The weather in Dhaka was worsening. I walked into the cabin and said: For your safety we are going to cancel the flight and have to stay in Rajshahi tonight."

Some passengers protested, but most applauded. "That flight taught me what it truly means to be a pilot," he reflects. "To carry responsibility not only for a flight plan but for every soul on onboard."

Safety above all- protocols and practices: Safety underpins every decision in the cockpit. Captain Naim describes his preflight routine: "I review weather, aircraft status, and flight plans with my crew. We discuss alternates, fuel reserves and any potential threats." During flight, he relies on Crew Resource Management. "Clear communication is always a priority. For example, on a recent approach in poor weather, my first officer noticed a drop in visibility and spoke up immediately. That prompt communication led us to initiate a go-around early and avoid unnecessary risk."

He also employs threat and error management. "On another flight, we noticed a late runway change just before descent. Instead of rushing, we identified it as a threat, briefed again, and reconfigured calmly. Recognising and managing these threats before they become problems is what keeps every flight safe."

The joy of flight and life in the cockpit: Despite intense challenges, being a pilot brings tremendous reward. "Every flight is a mission where safety, precision and teamwork come together," he says. "There is also the sheer joy of flight itself. The feeling of lifting off, navigating through ever-changing skies and seeing the world from above never gets old."

He treasures early morning departures when "the sun rises just as you are climbing through the clouds. That view from the cockpit is indescribable." And nothing matches the satisfaction of a smooth landing at a challenging airport, especially under difficult conditions. "When passengers thank us for a safe and comfortable flight, it is a reminder that behind every flight number are people who trust us to get them home safely."

Prospects in Bangladesh's aviation sector: As Bangladesh's aviation sector expands, demand for skilled professionals in commercial aviation is rising alongside competitive pay. First officers typically earn between Tk 150,000 and 250,000, while captains earn around Tk 350,000 to 550,000. Cabin crew salaries range from Tk 50,000 to 100,000, in addition to various allowances. These figures are estimates based on online sources and industry insights, and actual salaries may vary depending on several factors. Other roles, such as maintenance engineers and air traffic controllers, also offer attractive packages with additional benefits.

Balancing family life and flight schedules: A pilot's rosters rarely follow a nine-to-five pattern. Early-morning departures, overnight layovers and variable days off test personal relationships. "I have missed family events due to flight schedules, which can be tough," he admits. Yet with careful planning and clear communication, he finds balance. "When I am home, I make every moment count. My family understands the nature of my job, and their support makes it easier."

Charting your course: Captain Naim Shahriar's story showcases that becoming a pilot in Bangladesh demands commitment but offers extraordinary rewards-technical skill, global exposure, and a sense of leadership-that few careers can match. For students who still gaze at planes overhead and feel that spark of wonder, his path shows how to turn childhood fascination into a lifelong vocation. With the country's aviation sector growing, scholarship pathways opening and new routes launching, the sky truly awaits the next generation of pilots.

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