Squadron Leader Saanya Becomes IAF’s First Woman Category-A Flying Instructor

Squadron Leader Saanya has become the first woman officer in the history of the Indian Air Force (IAF) to earn the Category-A Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) rating. The milestone was achieved on 18 May 2026.

The Category-A QFI rating is the highest instructional grade in military aviation. An officer who holds it is certified to train new pilots, operational pilots, and even junior flying instructors. To earn this grade, a candidate must complete a tough 22-week course at the Flying Instructors School located in Tambaram, near Chennai. The course involves a large amount of flying practice along with detailed ground training.

Saanya’s achievement is an important step in the expanding role of women in the Indian armed forces. Women officers have been taking on more frontline and specialised flying duties in recent years, and this rating shows that they can also reach the top of the instructional ladder.

For exam aspirants, the key points to remember are the name of the officer, the type of rating she earned, the date, and the location of the Flying Instructors School.