IAF’s First Woman Cat-A Flying Instructor

Squadron leader Saanya has made history – and opened the door for women in Indian military aviation.

Squadron Saanya has done something no woman has done it before her- she has achieved a historic milestone after becoming the first woman officer in the Indian armed forces to earn the Cat-A Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) qualification. The Indian Air Force shared the news on Monday with the words “Excellence takes flight”.

This is a big deal. Cat-A is highest level a flying instructor can reach in the IAF’s training system. An officer has to show outstanding flying skills, strong teaching ability, and the right judgement to train pilots under pressure. Getting this qualification puts squadron leader Saanya among the best flying instructor in the IAF.

The IAF follows structural grading system for its flying instructors. Cat- C is assigned to trainee or probationary instructors, Cat-B is meant for those qualified to provide standard flying instruction, While Cat-A authorizes pilots to train and evaluate advanced flying capabilities. It is the hardest to earn and most respected.

“Her achievement embodies dedicated, perseverance and the relentless pursuit of excellence in military aviation. A proud moment for the IAF and an inspiration for aspiring aviators across the nation.”

-         IAF officer words

What does the Cat-A QFI actually do?

A Qualified Flying Instructor sits in the cockpit with student pilots and teaches them how to fly properly. They watch mistakes, correct them, and build student’s confidence step by step. A Cat-A instructor does all this at highest standard- they train pilots for most complex and demanding missions in the air combat.

Think of a QFI as the coach behind every IAF pilot. Every officer who goes on to fly fighter jets, aircrafts, or helicopter was trained and shaped by instructor like Squadron leader Saanya. Her new role means she will directly influence the next generation of IAF pilots.

The position demands an exceptional blend of expertise, patience, precision, composure and in-depth technical understanding. Squadron leader Saanya has these attributes that qualified her for this post.

Her journey so far

Squadron Saanya has building this moment from a decade-

2015 joined IAF through the 42 SSC(W) FP course in flying branch

2017 elevated to the rank of Flight Lieutenant

2021 promoted to Squadron Leader

2026 first woman ever as Cat-A Qualified Flying Instructor in IAF

Why this matters

Women in Armed forces have been breaking barriers for years- as today women officers are increasingly undertaking, commanding, strategic, and decision-making responsibilities across three forces – marking a new era of inclusivity, professionalism, and strengthen operational capability in Indian defence system.

As a Cat-A flying instructor is a different kind of milestone. It means a woman officer is now at the top of the teaching chain. She is the one setting the standard for other.

The flying Instructor School at Air Force Station Tambaram, where QFI’s are trained, is one of the most respected aviation training institutions in Asia. It trains instructor not just for India, but for others countries too. Earning a Cat-A rating there is a mark of global excellence.

For young girls and women who dream of flying in the Indian Air Force, Squadron Leader Saanya ‘s story sends simple and powerful message: Dreams can come true. They just need hard work, passion, and the confidence to break through every obstacle along the way.

The IAF has not just gained its first woman Cat-A Qualified Flying Instructor. It has gained a role model for every aspiring aviator in the country.