State PCS - Maharashtra (MPSC)

• 21 May 2026

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

Why in News?  

Squadron Leader Saanya created history by becoming the first woman officer in the Indian Air Force (IAF) to earn the prestigious Category-A Qualified Flying Instructor (CAT-A QFI) qualification.  

Key Points

• Historic Achievement: Squadron Leader Saanya became the first woman officer in the IAF to receive the CAT-A Qualified Flying Instructor qualification.  
  • CAT-A QFI is regarded as the highest instructional qualification awarded to military aviators in the Indian Air Force.  
• Recognition: Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh felicitated Squadron Leader Saanya for achieving the milestone.  
• Role: Qualified Flying Instructors are responsible for training pilots, assessing flying standards, and maintaining operational safety in the Air Force.  
• Grade: The Indian Air Force follows a structured grading system to assess the instructional expertise of its pilots.   
  • Cat-C: Assigned to trainee or probationary instructors. 
  • Cat-B: Given to instructors qualified to provide standard flying instruction. 
  • Cat-A: The highest instructor category, enabling pilots to train other instructors and evaluate advanced flying skills. 

Read More:  Indian Air Force (IAF)