The IAF on Monday announced that Squadron Leader Saanya has become the first woman officer to get the coveted Cat A Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) qualification. In a post on X, the Indian Air Force stated that it is a proud milestone for the Indian Air Force and an inspiration for the aspiring Aviators of the country.
In a post on X, the IAF said, “Excellence takes flight. Squadron Leader Saanya achieved a historic first by becoming the first woman officer to earn the coveted Cat-A Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) qualification.” Highlighting her achievement, the air force said, “Her achievement embodies dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence.
It is the IAF's pride and an inspiration for the youngsters in the country who want to become an aviator. IAF has a grading system to evaluate the teaching skills of its pilots. Cat C is for trainee or probationary instructors, Cat B for instructors able to standard flying instruction and Cat A being the highest of the grading system for the pilot to be able to train other instructors and assess advanced flying skills.
Key Highlights:
- Squadron Leader Saanya becomes IAF’s first woman Cat-A Qualified Flying Instructor
- Cat-A is the highest flying instructor grade in the IAF
- Her achievement marks a major milestone for women in military aviation
Cat-A QFI is an important part in the development of the next generation of fighter pilots. The trainers of this class train young pilots, determine their performance, correct their mistakes, increase their confidence, and prepare them for the highest skills of flying in the fight.
Skill, patience, clear thinking, composure and a strong technical background is required – a rare combination of skills. With this qualification, Squadron Leader Saanya has joined the elite of IAF training system as one of the best flying instructors.
According to public service records, Sq Ldr Saanya was commissioned on June 20, 2015 from the 42 SSC (W) FP Course and has been serving as an officer in the Flying branch. She has been promoted to FLT LT in 2017 and Sqn LT in 2021.
Her success comes at a time when Indian women aviators have been breaking new ground in the IAF in many fields, from flying fighter planes, to transporting passengers, from working in helicopter units to flight testing, from command posts to instructing others, Indian women are making frequent inroads into traditionally male-dominated fields.
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