In this powerful and emotionally rich episode of TUFFStory, we speak with Abhinav Singh, Founder and CEO of Hercules Aviation Training School, as he shares his extraordinary journey from growing up in Porte Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, to training across the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, and eventually building one of India’s most respected helicopter pilot training institutes.The conversation opens with Abhinav’s raw memories of basic military training, learning how all three forces operate together—firing drills, defense theory classes, and discipline. He shares his thoughts on how helicopter flying isn’t natural—“a helicopter doesn’t want to fly, it’s your willpower that makes it do so.” From this poetic metaphor, we step into deep personal territories.We talk about his service in Siachen, how it shaped his mental toughness, and how his parents responded when he told them he was heading to one of the most dangerous military posts in the world. He explains how society often reacts more than families themselves and reflects on the balance between emotional resilience and external expectations.Abhinav also discusses the current crisis in Indian aviation training, highlighting that India needs at least 100 flight schools to match upcoming demand, especially for helicopters. He gives insights into the gap between commercial aviation and defense-grade training, and how Hercules Aviation bridges that divide through simulator-based programs, certified DGCA-compliant curricula, and a vision to shape world-class pilots.We dive into his early life, moving from Agra and Delhi to Port Blair, and how growing up in a remote island town shaped his outlook. He fondly recalls how his father, a government journalist with All India Radio, took a transfer to Port Blair for adventure—and how 12 years of life on the island gave Abhinav his values, discipline, and sense of identity. He humorously recounts being mistaken for a foreigner and how the Cellular Jail (Kala Pani) became a constant reminder of India’s past.His education at Kendriya Vidyalaya, and watching his mother work as a school teacher, taught him the value of structure and public service. These influences led him to build an institution where pilots are not only trained technically, but also ethically.We also explore deeper themes of: • The emotional toll of leadership • Facing criticism for staying optimistic during difficult times • Why most people fail at aviation exams and how to fix it • The importance of mindset in survival and flying • Why India needs more homegrown aviation leaders • How Abhinav balances his time between ground operations, mentoring cadets, and growing Hercules AviationAbhinav doesn’t shy away from hard truths—about safety lapses in the industry, the role of luck in life and career, and the reality of entrepreneurship in the aviation sector in India.This episode is more than a career story—it’s a deep dive into what it takes to serve, survive, and soar. Whether you’re a student dreaming of flying, a defense aspirant, or an entrepreneur looking for inspiration, this is an unmissable conversation.