Trailblazing Altitude: Bhawna Chaudhary Becomes BSF’s First Woman Flight Engineer

Image Source : The Tribune

Inspector Bhawna Chaudhary has become the BSF’s first woman flight engineer after completing a two-month training program. Awarded her flying badge on October 10, she joins four male officers in this milestone achievement. Her induction marks a historic moment for BSF aviation and paves the way for greater gender inclusion in defense.

In a historic breakthrough for India’s paramilitary aviation, Inspector Bhawna Chaudhary has become the first woman flight engineer in the Border Security Force (BSF) air wing. Her achievement marks a significant milestone in the BSF’s 50-year history, reflecting the growing inclusion of women in high-skill operational roles within national security forces.

Milestone Highlights

Inspector Bhawna Chaudhary completed a rigorous two-month in-house training capsule conducted by BSF air wing instructors.
She was awarded her flying badge alongside four male officers by BSF Director General Daljit Singh Chawdhary on October 10.
The training involved 130 hours of skill development and real-time operational exposure, including sorties during recent flood relief missions in Punjab and other states.
This marks the first time a woman has qualified as a flight engineer in the BSF’s aviation unit, which has been operational since 1969 under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Training And Operations

The specialized training began in August and focused on helicopter operations, technical diagnostics, and mission readiness. Chaudhary and her fellow officers were trained “ab-initio,” meaning from the ground up, by BSF’s internal aviation experts. Their hands-on experience included flying missions supporting paramilitary and special forces such as the NSG and NDRF.

Symbol Of Progress

Chaudhary’s induction into the BSF air wing is being hailed as a symbol of progress and empowerment. Her accomplishment not only breaks gender barriers but also sets a precedent for future women officers aspiring to serve in aviation roles within India’s armed and paramilitary forces.

Institutional Legacy

The BSF air wing has long played a critical role in national security and disaster response. With this landmark achievement, the force reinforces its commitment to merit-based inclusion and operational excellence. Chaudhary’s success story is expected to inspire more women to pursue careers in aviation engineering and defense services.

Sources: MSN India, Deccan Chronicle, Times of India, ThePrint

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