Squadron Leader Saanya became first woman Cat-A Qualified Flying Instructor of Indian Air Force (IAF)

Key facts

• Squadron Leader Saanya became the first woman officer to achieve the Category-A (Cat-A) Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) qualification in the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• Cat-A is the highest grade in the IAF instructional expertise system, enabling the pilot to train other instructors and assess advanced flight skills.
• The IAF instructional ranking system includes Cat-C for trainee or probationary instructors and Cat-B for those capable of standard flying instruction.
• Squadron Leader Saanya was commissioned into the Flying branch on June 20, 2015, from the 42 SSC (W) FP Course.
• She was promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant in 2017 and to Squadron Leader in 2021.