Becoming a pilot means mastering what once felt impossible, embracing relentless discipline, and pushing forward long before you ever reach the cockpit. Commercial pilot Nikol Šafinová reveals what aviation has taught her about determination, constant growth, and the courage to trust herself even before she had all the answers.
Here, she shares what it really takes to claim your seat at the controls.
Learning to Fly: Nikol Šafinová on Courage and Growth
1. You started as a model, and today you are a commercial pilot. When did you first realise that the cockpit was where you wanted to be?
It wasn’t one particular moment, but rather a growing feeling that there was something inside me that was always looking for extraordinary—something that would challenge me and allow me to grow.
After modelling, I moved into aviation and worked as cabin crew for one of the world’s leading airlines. I loved the environment, the people and the world of aviation, but at some point I reached a moment where I told myself:
“I don’t want to be another pretty face. I want to challenge myself.”
I have always been fascinated by psychology and human behaviour, and I wanted a career that would allow me to understand myself and others on a deeper level, while constantly learning and developing.
At the time, I didn’t know much about aerodynamics or the technical side of aviation. But I knew myself- My discipline, my work ethic and my determination were strong enough to learn what I didn’t know.
So, for me, becoming a pilot was never about proving that I already had all the answers. It was about trusting myself enough to take on something difficult—and being willing to work relentlessly until I could do it.
2. Many people realise after changing careers that what they learned in their previous profession is very useful in their new one. What knowledge or ability from your previous career do you consider most valuable?
I would say cultural awareness, situational awareness, emotional intelligence and professionalism. Working in fashion and travelling internationally exposed me to so many different cultures and personalities. It taught me how to read people, understand what is appropriate in different situations, and respect different manners and etiquette.
It also taught me about leadership, discipline, understanding the chain of command, and knowing when to speak up and when to listen. Most importantly, it taught me that professionalism is not just about how you perform—it is also about your attitude, your morals and how you treat people.
I believe those qualities are just as important as technical knowledge in aviation.
3. What was the biggest challenge during your training or at the beginning of your flying career? Were there moments when you doubted your decision?
The biggest challenge was probably understanding that, as in life, in aviation you meet wonderful people, and you also meet people who are not so pleasant. But I learned that if your vision is clear, your discipline is strong, and you truly believe in yourself, you can overcome a lot.
You have to be willing to learn, accept feedback and turn it into learning points rather than take it personally. Being curious and open-minded is essential, and for me, having strong faith has also been a source of strength.
There were difficult moments, of course, but I never saw them as a reason to give up. I see aviation as a journey of continuous learning. You never stop improving, and that is actually one of the things I love most about it.
4. Looking back at your beginnings, do you think the path to the cockpit is easier for young women today than it was in the past? In what ways yes, and in what ways not yet?
Yes, I think there is definitely more visibility today. Young girls can see pilots and realise that this is not a career reserved for men. At the same time, I think there is still work to do. Sometimes ladies feel that they have to prove themselves a little more.
Personally, I don’t believe we need to become “one of the guys” to succeed in aviation. You can be feminine and strong at the same time. You can be compassionate and decisive. You can have a family and have an ambitious career. I think we should stop presenting these things as contradictions.
5. What would you like people to realise about the work of a female pilot? Is there a stereotype that still surprises you?
I think people often see the glamorous side of aviation—the uniform, the destinations and the beautiful views from the flight deck. And that is certainly part of it, but there is so much more behind it.
Even the cool selfies or pictures from the flight deck that I personally share are never something I post in real time. I share them when I have the time, and very often I don’t even look at my phone during the day. Sometimes it’s literally just a quick click.
Behind every flight there is massive preparation, focus, discipline, determination and professionalism. There is a lot that happens before you ever see that picture.
And honestly, I don’t expect everyone to understand what goes on behind the scenes. Every demanding profession has its own requirements. I’m not looking for validation—I know the work, responsibility and discipline that stand behind what I do.
6. If you could fly anywhere in the world tomorrow—without any work obligations—where would it be and why?
Probably somewhere completely different from my usual routine—somewhere where I could slow down, reconnect and simply enjoy being present.
I would love to explore places like Capadocia or Zanzibar, that are on my travel list. but not just for the luxury. I love beautiful places, but what attracts me most is the feeling of freedom and being disconnected from everyday pressure.
7. After hundreds or thousands of hours in the air, can flying still surprise or amaze you?
Absolutely. I think it always will.
I remember one of my very first flights. An excellent captain asked me how much I had spent on my licence and how much on my type rating. I jokingly told him that I had almost lost track because it was extremely expensive.
He smiled and said, “Then look outside. You paid for this view.”
It stayed with me. It became a little reminder that whenever I look out of the flight deck window, I am looking at something I worked incredibly hard for.
I remember the days when I used to dream about becoming a pilot and thought it was very, very far out of reach. So yes, even today, there are moments when I look outside and feel genuinely grateful. I really did pay for this view 🙂
8. If you could give one piece of advice to women who dream of a major career change but are afraid to take the first step, what would you tell them?
I would tell them: don’t wait until you feel completely ready. Take the first step and trust the process.
Have a clear vision, believe in yourself, and don’t be afraid to start from zero. Strengthen your faith, stay grounded, never stop educating yourself, and never stop evolving.
You will meet people who encourage you and people who make you doubt yourself. Learn from both, but don’t let either define your path. A major career change is not easy, but if you are disciplined, curious, open-minded and willing to keep learning, you can go much further than you think.
Sometimes the life you dream about is on the other side of the decision you are afraid to make.
