[1] After completing High School in Kasur,[2] he studied civil engineering at the University of Nottingham[3] and took flying lessons at the nearby Hucknall Aerodrome.

[citation needed] In November 1929, keen on promoting aviation, the Aga Khan, 48th Iman of the Ismailai sect of Muslims,[5] announced a £500 prize[5] for the first Indian to fly solo between India and England, in either direction, within a one-month time frame.

[6] Unable to cover the cost of participating, Chawla teamed up with 17-year-old Aspy Merwan Engineer, who had recently received his flying licence and a de Havilland Gipsy Moth aircraft as a birthday gift.

[8][9] After losing their way a number of times, they were received at Croydon by a welcoming crowd and presented with garlands of flowers by the Mayor of London and rewarded with 7,500 rupees from the Indian government.

[12] Aspy Engineer shortly returned to Karachi and won the prize, beating J. R. D. Tata by a few hours and winning over Man Mohan Singh due to a technical issue.