Shalija Dhami becomes India’s first female flight commander

Wing Commander Shalija Dhami has scripted history by becoming India’s first female officer of the Indian Air Force (IAF) to become the Flight Commander of a flying unit. She took over as flight commander of a Chetak helicopter unit at Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. Chetak is a single engine turbo shaft, light utility helicopter with capacity of 6 passengers and has maximum speed of 220 km/hour. Flight Commander is the second in command of the unit. The helicopter is suitable for commuting, cargo / material transport, casualty evacuation, Search & Rescue (SAR), Aerial Survey & MAybePatrolling, Emergency Medical Services, Off-shore operations and Under slung operations.