The first woman airline pilot was

The correct answer is Durga Banerjee.

Key Points

• Durga Banerjee was the first woman airline pilot in India and also one of the earliest female commercial pilots globally.
• She joined Indian Airlines in 1956, breaking gender barriers in the male-dominated aviation industry.
• Durga Banerjee was a trailblazer and served as an inspiration for aspiring female pilots in the country.
• She earned her commercial pilot license (CPL) in an era when very few women pursued careers in aviation.
• Her pioneering contributions have paved the way for many women in Indian aviation, fostering gender equality in the sector.

Additional Information

• History of Women in Aviation:
  • Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932, becoming an aviation icon.
  • Jacqueline Cochran was another pioneer, being one of the most accomplished female pilots and the first woman to break the sound barrier in 1953.
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL):
  • It is a certification required to operate aircraft commercially and is issued by aviation authorities like DGCA in India.
  • A candidate typically undergoes rigorous training in flight schools to acquire theoretical knowledge and practical flying experience.
• Indian Airlines:
  • Indian Airlines was a state-owned airline in India, operational from 1953 to 2007 before merging with Air India.
  • It played a significant role in connecting various domestic destinations and fostering aviation growth in India.
• Women in Modern Indian Aviation:
  • India has one of the highest percentages of female pilots globally, with women constituting over 12% of commercial pilots.
  • Efforts like scholarships, training programs, and awareness campaigns have contributed to increasing female participation in the aviation sector.