Avani Chaturvedi Becomes India’s First Woman To Fly A Fighter Jet Solo

Avani Chaturvedi Becomes India’s First Woman To Fly A Fighter Jet Solo

Indian women have been busy. From shutting down patriarchy to shattering glass ceilings, and changing notions about women not being funny, to thwarting silly beliefs that women can’t play sport. We are proving naysayers wrong, and we are doing it in style. And now, we are conquering the skies too! 

On February 18, 2018, Avani Chaturvedi became the first Indian woman ever to fly a fighter aircraft solo. She took to the skies in a MiG -21 bison from IAF’s Jamnagar base. Avani’s feat is even more impressive because her flight was on a MiG- 21 bison, a beast that has virtually the highest landing and take-off speed in the world at 340 kmph. With this, India became one of the few countries in the world that has women in the air force in combat positions. 

In 2015, the Indian Government opened up fighter pilot positions to women. Avani Chaturvedi, Mohana Singh, and Bhawana Kanth were commissioned as flying officers in July 2016. Her colleagues will also be doing their maiden flights once training is complete. 

Kudos, Avani! You truly inspire us! 

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