Aircrafts Don't Recognise Gender: IAF Wing Commander Khushboo Gupta

On the eve of Indian Air Force Day, celebrated with great pomp and pride on 8th October, SheThePeople sat for an exclusive conversation with a trailblazing figure who has not only defied stereotypes but also soared to new heights in the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Meet Wing Commander Khushboo Gupta, a helicopter pilot whose journey from the bustling streets of Delhi to the soaring heights of the Siachen Glacier, the highest battleground in the world, is a classic example of her unwavering determination and dedication.

Through this conversation, let's delve deep into her experiences, challenges, and aspirations, offering a glimpse into the life of a remarkable woman in uniform.

A Journey of Courage and Opportunity

Wing Commander Khushboo Gupta's journey in the Indian Air Force commenced on June 16, 2007, when she was commissioned as a helicopter pilot. She has flown Chetak-Cheetah helicopters throughout her career, conquering the North East and Ladakh regions, including the daunting Siachen Glacier, the highest battleground on Earth.

Reflecting on her journey, Wing Commander Gupta emphasises the pivotal role of the organization in her success. "Throughout my service career at various stages, the organization provided me with opportunities that allowed me to evolve and excel," she shares. 

Breaking Barriers with Grace

Her trajectory in the IAF is a testament to the power of unwavering determination and the belief that gender should never be a limitation. 

As a Woman Officer, we do stand out in the crowd, but at the same time, I took it as a challenge to venture into a field hitherto dominated by males," she reflects on the challenges she faced.

As the first woman officer and flying pilot to be posted at the prestigious 114 Helicopter Unit, Wing Commander Khushboo Gupta found herself in a realm traditionally dominated by men. Her journey took her to the high-altitude battleground of Siachen, where she bore the responsibility of upholding military bearing and demeanour as the sole woman officer. 

"It is a matter of great pride that due to my performance, I have always been provided equal opportunity, and I personally never felt any partiality or bias in the workplace," she asserts.

Addressing gender equality in the IAF, Wing Commander Gupta affirms, "Firstly, there is no bias in IAF with regard to gender. There are equal opportunities for both men and women in IAF. The Human Resource Policy is the same for men and women, meeting the qualifications."

The Fulfilling Skies

For Wing Commander Gupta, the essence of her role in the IAF lies in the pure joy of being a helicopter pilot.  Her career's pinnacle has been the demanding operations in Siachen, where she engaged in casualty evacuations and relief operations under the most challenging conditions.

What truly ignites the fire in her heart is being a helicopter pilot. "I get to fly low and slow, I have landed at places where it is practically difficult to reach, undertaking casualty evacuations and relief operations from inhospitable terrain. Undertaking operations in Siachen has been the high point in my career and most satisfying."

Memories Carved in Skies

Recalling memorable moments from her career, Wing Commander Gupta shares two touching anecdotes. In Siachen, while offloading rations, a jawan froze in amazement at seeing a woman pilot. With a tap on his shoulder and a smile, she reminded him of the task at hand. 

She recalls with a sense of astonishment, "Another memorable and satisfying experience was while undertaking shuttles to Amar helipad—the highest helipad in the world—at 21,000 feet. The army soldiers requested Kerosene oil from the drum. That day I realized even the most trivial thing like a pipe is of so much importance there."

Balancing Act: Professionalism and Personal Life

Balancing a demanding professional life with personal aspirations can be a challenge, especially in a profession where last-minute temporary duties can take you away for days on end. But Wing Commander Gupta knows the art of time management and prioritization. "I disengage myself from work during leave and invest my energy in distressing and unwinding myself. It is all about time management and priorities, both in the profession and personal life."

Keys to Success in the Military

As a role model for young women aspiring to join the IAF, Wing Commander Khushboo Gupta has a simple yet powerful message:  It doesn't matter if you are a woman in the IAF, the aircraft or that machine does not know who it is working with.

She adds with the hope that "All young women must step out of their comfort zone and should take the step to join the IAF. IAF is the best organization to work with."

Wing Commander Khushboo Gupta wants more women to experience the life of a soldier, technical officer, pilot, or education officer, as they become part of a legacy of discipline, values, and service. She also emphasises that the key to success in the military boils down to the right attitude. 

It is all about the right attitude to gain altitude in a military career. A positive attitude coupled with zeal and courage to undertake daunting tasks and keeping service before self is all that is required.

Calm Amidst the Storms

Staying motivated and focused in a high-pressure environment is a challenge she tackles with passion.

I enjoy what I do, I am very passionate about flying, and I absolutely love the machine that I fly. It is very satisfying when someone thanks you for saving their lives or you land in inhospitable terrain and weather, seeing SOS written on the ground.

As the Indian Air Force celebrates its day of glory, Wing Commander Khushboo Gupta stands as a shining example of courage, dedication, and the unyielding spirit of service, proving that the sky is not the limit—it's just the beginning.

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