Squadron Leader Sanya Becomes IAF’s First Woman Cat-A QFI

Indian Air Force Squadron Leader Sanya has become the first woman to achieve the Cat-A Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) qualification in the Air Force.

The Cat-A Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) qualification is one of the most prestigious flying instructor certifications in the Indian Air Force. It is awarded to pilots who demonstrate exceptional teaching ability, flying expertise, and professional competence.

Furthermore, Qualified Flying Instructors play a vital role in training future military pilots. The Cat-A category represents the highest standards in flight training.

The Indian Air Force honored Squadron Leader Sanya with the distinction by Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh.

The IAF uses a systematic system to rank the training expertise of its pilots.

Cat Training

Cat-C is for trainee or probationary instructors, Cat-B is for instructors who are capable of delivering standard flight training, and Cat-A is the pinnacle of the grading system, allowing pilots to train other instructors and evaluate advanced flying skills.

Cat-A QFI plays a vital role in preparing the next generation of fighter pilots. She was commissioned into the IAF's flying branch on June 20, 2015. She was promoted to Flight Lieutenant in 2017, and subsequently to Squadron Leader in 2021.

Although women have been flying for the IAF since 1994, Squadron Leader Sanya's achievement marks a major milestone in the field of military aviation. It demonstrates the continued pursuit of excellence by women in India's armed forces.

Some important facts about women in the Indian Army

'Lady Cadet No. 001' - Major Priya Jhingan was the first woman to join the Indian Army, earning the rank of 'Lady Cadet No. 001'. On March 6, 1993, she was commissioned into the Judge Advocate General (JAG) department, paving the way for women's entry into the armed forces.

First Female Cadet (Officer): Major Priya Jhingan was a pioneer who enrolled as the first female cadet in 1992 and was commissioned in 1993.

First Female Jawan: Shanti Tigga made history by becoming the first woman to enlist as a Jawan (Soldier/Sapper) in the Territorial Army.

First Female Paratrooper: Captain Ruchi Sharma was the first woman in the Indian Army to become an operational paratrooper and earn the coveted Maroon Beret.

First Woman Subedar: Champion shooter Preeti Rajak became the first woman Subedar in the Indian Army.

Three-Star General: Lieutenant General Punita Arora and Lieutenant General Madhuri Kanitkar achieved the highly coveted 'three-star' rank, reaching the pinnacle of military leadership.

Havildar Preeti Rajak, a renowned trap shooter, has created history by becoming the first woman to be promoted to the rank of Subedar in the Indian Army.