Tamanna-E-Lutfy becomes BAF’s first female pilot to fly solo

Tamanna-E-Lutfy has become the first female pilot to fly “solo” in Bangladesh Air Force, the military media wing says.

The Inter Service Public Relations Directorate said she completed her first “solo flight” by ‘Bell-206’ helicopter in the BAF Base Bir Sreshto Matiur Rahman in Jessore on Thursday.

It was part of her flying training.

ISPR termed it a “historical achievement” and said it would “not only play vital role in woman empowerment, but also remain as a source of inspiration for Bangladesh Air Force as well as nation”.

The BAF started combat flying training to two female officers for the first time on Sep 23. The two officers are flying officer Nayma Haque and pilot officer Tamanna-E-Lutfy.

They were given basic helicopter conversion flying training in 18 Squadron of BAF Base Bir Sreshto Matiur Rahman.

ISPR said the BAF set “a milestone” by enrolling female pilots in combat flying training that carried “professional risk and challenges”.

Women pilots are usually seen in civil aviation in Bangladesh.