stars in the sky – Sky is not the limit

 

Priya Sathe 

 

23/5/2021

“It’s not about being the first to do something, but being the first to do it well” Didac Lee.

Squadron Leader Aashritha V Olety, Indian Air Force, has become the First Female Flight Test Engineer of the country.

stars in the sky

She is the daughter of Sri. O. V. Venkatesh Babu and Smt. O. V. Vani, Kollegal, Karnataka.

Squadron Leader Aashritha graduated from the prestigious Air Force Test Pilot School (AFTPS). AFTPS is amongst the  handful of test pilot schools in the world that produce Test Pilots and Flight Test Engineers who subsequently distinguish themselves various Test Programs. For instance, indigenous aircraft such as Light Combat Aircraft, Advanced Light Helicopter of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and Airborne Early Warning & Control of Defense Research and Development Organization were first flown by the test crew trained here. 

The first Indian in space, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma Ashok Chakra (Retired), is an alumnus of AFTPS as well. Recently, four Test Pilots, all alumni of AFTPS, were selected to undergo training in Russia for the Gaganyaan program.

AFTPS is integral to the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), one of the premier units of the Indian Air Force.

As of May 2020, 297 test pilots and 135 Flight Test Engineers have passed out from AFTPS since its inception in 1973. stars in the sky

These officers are considered to be a part of the prestigious and elite club of “the few and the proud”. 

Aashritha Olety becomes the First female officer in the history of Indian Air Force to ever clear this course after 48 weeks of rigorous and multi- discipline training curriculum.

It is indeed a great moment of pride for her. She will surely be an idol for many young girls aspiring to be a part of the Indian Air Force.