A walk in the clouds for women pilots

Business magnate, Mukesh Ambani’s plans to employ only women pilots to fly most of his cargo planes is a case in point that 21st century women are making a mark in the aviation industry that was once considered a man’s domain.
Statistics show that there are around 250 women commercial pilots in the country. It’s sure been a long flight since Sarla Thakral, India’s first woman to fly an aircraft, took to the blue skies! “With parents being more open-minded, more women are taking up the profession. But the figures only add up to around 15 per cent of the total strength of pilots in the country. On an average around 70 students complete their training every year in the city, of which one-fourth are women,” says Captain Mamatha K, the first woman pilot from Andhra Pradesh. Incidentally, she is also the first woman to set up an aviation academy.
With the aviation industry booming in India, the future looks promising for lady pilots. It is considered a lucrative career option. “A fresh graduate begins with a remuneration of about Rs 1.5 to 2 lakhs per month. And those with more flying hours and experience draw about Rs 3 – 4 lakhs per month. The perks are at par with men,” adds Mamatha, clarifying that gender is not an issue here.
With the best flying jobs available in India, pilots are flocking here from across the globe.
For some, the Indian Air Force is an even better pursuit. Though it does not allow women to fly fighter planes, it allows them to serve the forces.
13/07/07 Chitra Sanam/Times of India