Country's first 'all women crew' flies the Mi-17 V5 helicopter

Adding yet another laurel to its crown, the Indian Air Force (IAF) had the country's first 'all women crew' flying a Medium Lift Helicopter on Monday, May 27 2019. The 'all women crew' comprising of Flight Lieutenant Parul Bhardwaj (Captain), Flying Officer Aman Nidhi (Co-pilot) and Flight Lieutenant Hina Jaiswal (Flight Engineer), flew a Mi-17 V5 helicopter for a Battle Inoculation Training mission, the IAF stated in a press statement.

Hailing from Mukerian in Punjab, Flight Lieutenant Parul Bhardwaj is incidentally also the first woman pilot to fly the Mi-17 V5. While Flying Officer Aman Nidhi, who hails from Ranchi, is also the first woman IAF pilot from Jharkhand; Flight Lieutenant Hina Jaiswal hails from Chandigarh and is the first woman Flight Engineer of the IAF.

Hailing from Mukerian in Punjab, Flight Lieutenant Parul Bhardwaj is incidentally also the first woman pilot to fly the Mi-17 V5. While Flying Officer Aman Nidhi, who hails from Ranchi, is also the first woman IAF pilot from Jharkhand; Flight Lieutenant Hina Jaiswal hails from Chandigarh and is the first woman Flight Engineer of the IAF.

#Congratulations #Milestone : IAF Hails #WomanPower - F/L Parul Bhardwaj, F/O Aman Nidhi, F/L Hina Jaiswal became the first 'all woman' crew to fly a medium-lift IAF helicopter. S/L Richa Adhikari gave the pre-flight certification to the helicopter. https://t.co/C1EOrGCV7j pic.twitter.com/yG2SUCqMPf

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) May 27, 2019

The statement released by the IAF also informed that the women pilots had undergone their basic Flying training at the 'Helicopter Training School' at Air Force Station Hakimpet which was followed by advanced training at Air Force Station Yelahanka.

The statement released by the IAF also informed that the women pilots had undergone their basic Flying training at the 'Helicopter Training School' at Air Force Station Hakimpet which was followed by advanced training at Air Force Station Yelahanka

The helicopter was certified airworthy by Squadron Leader Richa Adhikari the unit Engineering officer, the release stated.

This is yet another achievement of women officers in the IAF. Just a few days back on May 22, 2019, Flight Lieutenant Bhawana Kanth became the first operational woman fighter pilot during the day etching a significant moment in India's military history. Since the IAF opened up combat flying stream for women in 2016 after a directive by the Modi Government, women have only been enhancing their list of achievements in the Indian Armed Forces' air arm, IAF.