Defying Gravity and Tradition: Anisa Imtiaz Makes History as the First Female Bangladeshi Airline Pilot in America

A Childhood of Dreams and Doubts

Her father, a retired Bangladeshi Air Force pilot, captivated her with stories of courage and adventure in the sky. At the same time, her mother, a compassionate doctor, inspired her with her dedication to helping others. Yet outside their home, the world looked very different. The culture Anisa was raised in was steeped in tradition, and everywhere she turned — extended family, neighbors — there was a chorus of doubts. "Women are not supposed to be pilots," people would tell her. "What if you fail?”

Those "what-ifs" and doubts could have clipped her wings, but Anisa's passion for flying and her parents' belief in her became a sanctuary where her dreams could take shape, even as the world outside tried to keep her grounded.

The First Dream of Becoming a Pilot

The dream began in her father's stories, his eyes lighting up as he recounted the thrill of flight and the beauty of the sky. As a child, Anisa would sit in awe, imagining herself on the flight deck. It wasn’t just the allure of adventure; it was the idea of connecting people, of bringing them safely home to their loved ones, much like her mother did in her hospital, healing and uniting families.

The moment she realized she wanted to be a pilot was a moment of clarity — she tried to blend her father’s legacy of flight with her mother’s gift of nurturance, to become someone who carried courage and compassion across the sky.

Growing Up With a Dream in Bangladesh

Pursuing the dream of becoming a pilot as a young woman in Bangladesh felt like hiding a secret. While her father’s stories made anything seem possible, the culture around her did not see a place for women on the flight deck. For every step she took toward her dream, countless voices were reminding her that she was chasing something forbidden, something unattainable. With so few role models to look up to, Anisa realized she would have to become her own. She walked into the unknown, choosing to trust her passion and determination. She wanted to prove that change is possible.

Why Anisa Chose the United States

America is the birthplace of aviation, where the dream of flight first took shape and soared with the Wright brothers at Kitty Hawk. The skies there are woven with stories of pioneers — Amelia Earhart, Bessie Coleman, Eileen Collins — women who faced impossible odds and still reached for the sky. Their courage blazed a trail for women like Anisa. She saw in their struggles and triumphs pieces of her own story and knew that if she wanted to learn from the very best and push her limits, the United States was where her dream could truly take flight.

The history, diversity and sheer ambition of aviation in America inspired her. There, she found not just the opportunity to fly, but the freedom to become the first in her country to wear those wings in the USA — so that one day, another girl from Bangladesh might see her and believe she too could soar.

The Challenge of a New Country

Moving to the United States was a leap into the unknown. Anisa left behind everything familiar — her family, language and traditions to step into a world where she had to prove herself daily. The biggest challenge was often the quietest: the loneliness that comes from not seeing anyone like her, from constantly explaining and defending her dreams. There were days when doubt crept in, when the weight of expectations and the fear of failure felt overwhelming.

Anisa reminded herself that her journey was about more than her. It was about every girl who told her dreams were too big, bold or impossible. She faced each challenge with the resilience and determination her roots gave her, slowly finding her place in the sky.

The Moment Anisa Realized She Was Living Her Dream

Even though Anisa officially became an airline pilot in 2022, she has never truly felt a final "this is it" moment. The closest she came was during her first solo flight, high above the world, with only the engine's hum and her dreams for company. In that silence, she realized she was no longer just chasing her dream; she was finally living it. Her hands were on the controls, her heart full of gratitude and pride, and she felt momentarily that the sky truly belonged to her.

Yet in aviation, Anisa has learned there is never a finish line. Every day brings new lessons, challenges and opportunities to grow. For her, "making it" is not a destination, but an ongoing daily pursuit. Earning her B.S. in Aeronautics at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University is another step forward in her story.

There is never any stopping — only soaring higher.

Carrying the Honor of Being the First

As the first female from Bangladesh to become an airline pilot in the United States, Anisa says it is a humbling and empowering honor. To be the first is to carry the hopes and dreams of so many — those who came before her and those who will come after.

"Every time I put on my uniform, I remember that I am not just flying for myself, but for every girl who has been told 'no,' for every family who wonders 'what if?'" she says.

It is a privilege that fills her with pride and a responsibility to open the doors wider, speak louder, and lead with compassion and courage.

A Day in the Life of a Pilot

As a First Officer for Republic Airways, Anisa says every day brings a new adventure and an opportunity to make a difference. Her mornings often begin before sunrise, carefully reviewing flight plans, checking weather conditions and preparing for the journey. Crew meetings emphasize cooperation, with every member bringing unique strengths.

Preflight checks are crucial to her routine, ensuring every detail is right before taking to the skies.

"There is a special joy in knowing that I help connect people — bringing families together or helping business travelers reach their goals," Anisa says.

Passengers often express surprise and delight at seeing a young female pilot at the controls — a reaction Anisa treasures. One of her greatest joys is welcoming the younger generation into the cockpit.

Advice and the Future

If Anisa could go back and talk to her younger self, she would tell her: "Don't be afraid of the unknown. The path ahead will be hard, but trust the dream in your heart. You are stronger than you know. Never let anyone else define your limits."

Most importantly, she would remind herself: "It's okay to be scared — what matters is that you fly anyway."

To young women around the world who dream of flying, Anisa has advice.

Even though Anisa's journey began in 2018, she feels she is still just getting started. Her next goal is to become an airline captain and command wide-body aircraft across continents. She also hopes to mentor the next generation of dreamers, especially those who feel unseen or unheard.

“Aviation has always been about connecting people across borders, and Anisa’s story is a powerful example of that connection. She brings a global perspective to our community and reminds us that talent knows no boundaries,” said Dr. Bettina Mrusek, dean of the Worldwide College of Aviation.