Breaking Barriers and Soaring High: The Story of Sneha Baskaran, New Zealand's First International Student to Win the Morane Saulnier Rallye Trophy

The Morane Saulnier Rallye Trophy competition is not for the faint of heart. It challenges pilots to perform a simulated forced landing, where the aircraft engine is intentionally powered down from an altitude of 2500 feet. The pilot must then land the plane in a way that the aircraft’s wheels touch a specific, designated grid on the runway. 

The task sounds simple, but it is anything but. Pilots must execute a series of manoeuvres with precision, managing a sequence of factors including the aircraft’s glide path, the wind, and of course, the clock ticking down on a potential emergency landing. The ability to maintain composure and focus under pressure is crucial—and it was this skill that Sneha demonstrated in abundance. In fact, she was the only participant to successfully complete the forced landing to perfection. 

For Sneha, winning the trophy was an exhilarating and deeply meaningful achievement. “I’m thrilled to have won,” she said, describing the feeling of completing such a challenging task. “I am truly grateful to have been included in the competition. The fact that they didn’t just see me as an international student but as a competent pilot means a lot.” 

Sneha’s journey to becoming a commercial pilot didn’t begin in a cockpit but in the classrooms of Tamil Nadu, India. Born and raised in the southern state, she developed an early fascination with aviation.

“During a casual conversation with my dad, we talked about various topics, and aviation came up. When we started discussing about pilots, I noticed his eyes light up. That’s when I knew what I wanted to do. Later I interacted with a pilot, that made me feel I was on the right track.” 

 After her graduation, Sneha decided to follow her true calling. 

"The pilot I met shared his experience with me, and it was that conversation that made me realise that flying was what I truly wanted to do,” she explains. “After graduation, I made the decision to pursue my dream of becoming a commercial pilot."

While the aviation industry had traditionally been male-dominated, Sneha felt that her natural ability to manage mental and emotional stress would serve her well as a pilot.

she says, smiling. 

Sneha’s dream took flight when she enrolled at the New Zealand Airline Academy (NZAA) in Oamaru in January of 2023. The Academy has become a hub for international students seeking top-tier aviation training. Sneha, eager to take on the challenge, was one of the many international students who sought their commercial pilot license at the academy. 

A few months into her training, she earned her commercial pilot’s license after completing the flight test in August. During her flight test, Sneha received two epaulettes to mark her achievement—a moment she will never forget. “The feeling of accomplishment was overwhelming,” she shares. 

Now that she has completed her training, Sneha is ready to return to India, where she plans to convert her New Zealand commercial pilot’s license into an Indian one and begin her career as an airline pilot in her home country. 

One of the standout features of the New Zealand Airline Academy is its commitment to encouraging women to pursue careers in aviation. According to Jonathan Manuel, the Academy’s Chief Executive Officer and Director, at least 33 percent of their trainee pilots are women, a number that surpasses the global average of female pilots in aviation. 

"This is largely because we offer a supportive environment, including a dedicated girls' wing in our student accommodations," Manuel explains. The global percentage of female pilots remains alarmingly low at just 6 percent, though in countries like India, where women make up 14 percent of the pilot workforce, the numbers are higher. 

By fostering an inclusive, supportive atmosphere, the NZAA continues to help break down the barriers that often make aviation seem like an inaccessible field for women. 

New Zealand’s reputation for producing top-notch pilots is well-established, and a big part of this is due to the country’s open airspace policy, which is rare in much of the world. This policy allows student pilots the freedom to train in diverse and expansive airspace, providing them with an unparalleled opportunity to gain real-world flying experience. 

“They get to train in all kinds of conditions—mountainous terrain, coastal areas, and ever-changing weather—which helps them become confident in any flying situation.” 

Not to mention the scenic beauty of New Zealand itself. From the rugged mountains to the pristine lakes, students at the NZAA are treated to some of the most breathtaking views in the world — views that can only be fully appreciated from the cockpit. 

While Sneha and other students like her may return to their home countries after completing their training, the impact of the NZAA on the local economy in Oamaru is significant. Every year, over 120 students graduate from the Academy, many of whom will go on to work for major commercial airlines in their respective countries. 

“The presence of the Academy brings a steady flow of students from countries like India, Vietnam, Malaysia, and others, helping support local businesses and tourism in Oamaru,” Manuel says. “The community benefits from the influx of students and their families who visit them, and they often travel throughout New Zealand’s South Island to explore the sights and attractions.” 

What’s more, the Academy’s fleet of modern, quiet aircraft ensures that students can train without disturbing the peace of the local town, which is a point of pride for the institution. 

Of course, being a trainee pilot doesn’t mean that life is all about study and practice. Sneha, like many of her peers, made sure to enjoy the relaxed New Zealand lifestyle during her downtime. From the rolling hills and beaches of Oamaru to the larger cities nearby, there was plenty to explore. 

“I love being close to nature here,” she says.

One of Sneha’s favourite experiences was discovering New Zealand’s summer offerings, including picking fresh berries on farms.  “I absolutely love real fruit ice cream made from fresh summer berries, can never have enough of it!”  

Sneha’s success in winning the Morane Saulnier Rallye Trophy and becoming a licensed commercial pilot marks only the beginning of what promises to be an incredible journey. As she prepares to return to India and take her place in the airline industry, she’s already inspiring others with her story of perseverance, dedication, and the courage to follow her dreams. 

For young women in India and around the world, Sneha is a shining example of what is possible when you dare to aim high—and, of course, fly high.