Mirian Gom 
18-year-old Nigerian pilot Mohammed Aminu Sani after earning FAA licence
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria has produced one of its youngest-ever commercial pilots, 18-year-old Mohammed Aminu Sani, who earned a United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Multi-Engine Pilot Licence.
Sani completed his training at Phoenix East Aviation in Daytona Beach, Florida, in just ten months — without a single checkride failure, a rare feat even among seasoned trainees.
“Becoming a pilot has always been my childhood dream,” Sani said in a statement on Wednesday. “It’s been an incredible journey filled with hard work, discipline, and passion. I hope my story inspires others to chase their dreams.”
Born and raised in Abuja, Sani graduated with distinction in Economics Foundation from The Regent College before enrolling at Phoenix East Aviation, one of the world’s most respected FAA Part 141 schools.
His training included night flights, cross-country missions, and instrument-rated navigation under low-visibility conditions. He logged over 50 hours on multi-engine aircraft and 30 hours of cross-country flight time.
Sani’s accomplishment underscores the potential of Nigerian youth to excel globally through determination and quality education.
He hopes to join a leading international airline and continue representing Nigeria proudly among the world’s elite aviators.
Nigeria’s Youngest Pilot Earns U.S. Licence at Just 18
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Hussaini Ibrahim 
Chukwu Obinna 
Koko Maxwella 
Otamere Gladness