Women were there, but not in cockpit, says first naval pilot Shivangi

india

Updated: Jul 31, 2020 21:12 IST

Sub-Lieutenant Shivangi on Monday became the first women pilot in the Indian Navy as she joined operational duties at the naval base in Kerala’s Kochi.

After earning her wings two days before the Navy Day on Wednesday, Shivangi said she was happy with her achievement.

“It’s a proud feeling for me, my parents and it’s a different feeling. I have been craving for this since a very long time and finally, it is here, I cannot express it ... It’s a great feeling. I am looking forward to completing my third stage of training,” she said while speaking to reporters after joining her duties.

The sub-lieutenant, who was born in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur, will be flying the Dornier surveillance aircraft of the Indian Navy.

“Women were always there in the Navy. They were not in the cockpit. Observers were there. This is something different... Woman in the cockpit for the first time,” Shivangi said.

“It will create more opportunity for other women who want to join defence ... Maybe they will start going for choppers and fighters,” she added.

Before Shivangi, the Indian Air Force’s Wing Commander S Dhami become the first female officer in the country to become the Flight Commander of a flying unit in August.

A flight commander is the second in command of the unit after the commanding officer.