A determination to take flight: J&K’s young captain Rohaneet Singh owns multi-engine aircraft

Jammu: It won’t be perhaps wrong to say that pure will and grit can take you far and this has been proved by young captain Rohaneet Singh Raina, who now owns six seater multi-engine aircraft.

Captain Rohaneet Singh Raina started flight school in the young age of 18 and was exceptionally well in the training, which was evident from the fact that he achieved solo flying in just 17 hours.

” I was always very fascinated by aircraft and all the things happening at airports – I guess I’ve always been dreaming of becoming a pilot since childhood,” said Captain Rohaneet, adding he set eyes upon Modiluft and Jet Airways.

He maintained that he faced very difficult time when he returned back to India.

“During 2012, aviation industry was plunged into steep recession and it directly hit me hard,” said Captain Rohaneet, adding that he never lost hope and kept on exploring various possible and potential avenues in aviation.

In 2018, Captain Rohaneet got an offer to start his own venture under the name of Kashmir Air Services (KAS).

“Some close associates approached me with an idea to start own venture. I found it interesting despite having no prior experience in the field,” said Captain Rohaneet Singh Raina, adding that instead of stepping back owing to apprehensions, he went ahead with the project and received huge love and support.

He stated that he also received ample support in taking approval on Non Scheduled Operator Permit (Air Taxi Permit; which enables them to provide air services) from DGCA & MOCA.

“I am thankful to everyone, who extended warm support in getting approval on NSOP,” said Rohaneet.

While talking about the KAS project, Captain Rohaneet said that earlier the business model for KAS included purchase of Super King Air B200 (10 seater corporate jet), however, could not purchase due to unavailability in India. To counter this, purchased Piper Seneca (PA-34), a six seater multi-engine aircraft.

Talking about his struggles, Rohaneet said that he lives in Delhi alon with his grandma.

“Although my mother has played a significant role in making me reach this far, but I consider my grandma as my biggest inspiration,” said Rohaneet, adding that his sister lives in UAE, an HR Executive at a prominent hotel.

“During my free time, i enjoy golfing in Royal Spring Golf Course, Srinagar, on the contrary, I do not get time to tend to hobbies,” he said and added that since he was born in Jammu, he received huge support from everyone in Jammu and Kashmir.

Believing that there are two sides to a coin, to reach glory, he has received great advise, support & criticism as well.

“All of these things have helped me along the way & being confident in myself,” said captain Rohaneet, adding that he intends to do social work and reach out to society.