Squadron Leader Avani Chaturvedi is an Indian pilot from Rewa district, Madhya Pradesh. Born on 27 October 1993, she was declared as the first female combat pilot in India along with two of her cohorts, Mohana Singh Jitarwal and Bhawana Kanth. They were inducted into the Indian Air Force fighter squadron in June 2016. Chaturvedi’s achievement has put India on the list of countries where women are allowed to fly fighter jets. She completed her Bachelors in Technology from Banasthali University, Rajasthan, and was inspired to join the Indian Air Force by her elder brother, an officer in the Indian Army.
Aviation, Exploring new cultures, Inspiring others
Avani Chaturvedi Relationship Journey
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Details
Marital Status
Married to Vineet Chikara, a Flight Lieutenant (November 2019)
Children
No children
Relatives in Military
Father is an executive engineer in Water Resource Department of M.P. government, elder brother is an army officer, and maternal uncle is an Indian Army Colonel
Avani Chaturvedi Career Journey
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Details
Career
Selected to train at Hyderabad Air Force Academy
Completed training at the age of 25
Became a fighter pilot in June 2016
Completed Stage III training at Bidar, Karnataka
Qualified to fly fighter jets like Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Tejas
First Indian woman pilot to take a solo flight in a MiG-21 (2018)