FOR the first time in the history of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), a Filipina has joined the ranks of jet fighter pilots.
PAF Spokesperson Colonel Maynard Mariano said First Lieutenant Jul Laiza Mae Camposano-Beran was checked out as the first combat-ready female pilot and wingman.
She flew using the SIAI-Marchetti AS-211 light jet combat aircraft, which the PAF also uses in attack and surveillance missions.
Mariano said Beran has accumulated over 150 flying hours since she started flying solo using the said aircraft on December 5, 2020.
She underwent a two-year training. Once she completed her 300 AS-211 flying hours, she will be transferred to the FA-50PHs, the PAF's primary jet fighter capable of speeds of Mach 1.5 and was acquired from South Korea in 2015 up to 2017, said Mariano.
Beran, who hailed from Tulunan, Cotabato, is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Salinlahi Class of 2015.
She became the fifth female in the academy to receive the Athletic Saber Award. She also graduated from Military Pilot Training in 2017 from the Philippine Air Force Flying School.
“As we celebrate the National Women's Month this March, the Philippine Air Force joins in recognizing the significant role of women in our organization and society. Salute to all women!” PAF said. (SunStar Philippines)