Prem Mathur
Prem Mathur is the first Indian woman commercial pilot and started flying for Deccan Airways. She obtained her commercial pilot's licence in 1947.[1][2][3] In 1949, she won the National Air Race.[4]
Early life[edit]
Mathur was born on 17 January 1910.[5]
Career[edit]
Mathur was rejected by eight airlines before she got a job at Deccan Airways in Hyderabad in 1947.[5] She was offered the job at the age of 38 where she became the first Indian woman to fly a commercial plane. She received her license from the Allahabad Flying Club. She flew her first plane as a co-pilot. During her career at Deccan Airways, she flew high-profile people like Indira Gandhi, Lal Bahadur Shastri and Lady Mountbatten.[5][6]
Mathur wanted the full command of the cockpit but was denied the same by Deccan Airways, even after fulfilment of the required flying hours by her.[6] Soon after, she moved to Delhi where she became G.D. Birla's private jet pilot.[5] After that she joined Indian Airlines in 1953 and worked there for the rest of her career span.[5][6]
Awards[edit]
In 1949, Mathur won the National Air Race.[5]
Personal life[edit]
Mathur married Hari Krishna Mathur who hails from Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh and they had six children together. Mathur died at the age of 82 on 22 December 1992.[5]
References[edit]
- ^ Kumar, Ganesh (2010). Modern General Knowledge. Upkar Prakashan. ISBN 9788174821805.
- ^ KRISHNASWAMY, MURALI N. (1 November 2011). "One hundred years of flying high". The Hindu. Retrieved 22 March 2013.
- ^ Neelam Raaj, Amrita Singh (17 June 2007). "Women in the cockpit". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 26 April 2013. Retrieved 22 March 2013.
- ^ "Strong Indian women". 10 December 2012. Retrieved 22 March 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Prem Mathur, India's Badass First Female Pilot, Was Licensed Back In 1947!". iDiva.com. 1 March 2018. Retrieved 8 March 2019.
- ^ a b c "Navrang India: First indian woman commercial pilot - Ms. Prem Mathur". Navrang India. Retrieved 8 March 2019.