Four women make history as first female police air wing pilots

BY: Patrick Beech

Four police inspectors have won their wings as the first female pilots of the police air wing (PGU).

They are Wan Aulia Hami Fariheen Wan Azulkefeli, 31, Yeoh Yee Chee, 31, Siti Nabila Abdullah, 33, and Nur Hidayah Aisa, 33.

The official pinning of honorary wing badges on the recipients was carried out by Deputy Inspector-General of Police Comm Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay during the wing’s training base 44th-anniversary, recently.

The four women had served on the police force for several years in different departments and states before applying for the air wing programme.

“This is the first time in the history that PGU has recruited female officers to be trained. These officers and personnel are qualified to perform flight operations with the existing flight crew,” said Ayob Khan.

The four female police officers were selected to participate in the PPL course after strict screening of 36 participants.

Ipoh-born Nur Hidayah, who was named the best flight trainee, said the batch of female pilots would have to prove their skills and abilities as much as men.

Siti Nabilah, who has been in the police force for the past six years, said the most terrifying moment for her was during her solo flight training.

“‘During the first solo flight, I was excited, but at the same time nervous, as part of the training was to take off and land safely.

“Since our training is over now, those of us in a relationship can start thinking about marriage, and having a family,” she quipped.

For Yeoh, on the other hand, it is a source of inspiration to the community and police by proving that women can also be in aviation as women are rarely represented in this field.