Attitude Towards Women in Fighter Flying among Fighter Pilots of the Indian Air Force

Introduction: Attitude towards women in any cohort determine acceptance of women in untraditional roles like fighter flying. Indian Air Force (IAF) allowed women in fighter flying since the year 2015. There were eight women in fighter flying in IAF as of July 2019. The study was conducted to understand the attitude towards women among the IAF fighter aircrew. The aim of the study was to assess the attitude towards women in fighter flying among fighter aircrew. The objective of this study was to obtain a baseline data for use in the future for evaluating any change in attitude towards women due to change in policy by allowing women in fighter flying. Material and Methods: Short version of Attitude towards women scale (AWS) and fifteen validated in-house prepared questionnaires related to views on women in fighter flying in IAF (IAF Questionnaire- IAFQ) was used to assess the attitude towards women in fighter flying among fighter aircrew. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 20 with confidence interval 95% and significance level set at p<0.05. Results: 16% of male fighter pilots and 38% of female fighter pilots of the IAF participated in the study. The mean Attitude Towards Women Scale score (MAWSS) was 63.95 ± 7 (ie 85.3%). The responses to IAFQ were significantly associated with the AWSS. Discussion: IAF is known for its progressive, professional and a responsible attitude globally. However, this has been assessed objectively for the first time in the form of attitude towards women using short version of AWS. The results are in line with general perception and has brought out objectively that fighter aircrew of IAF are egalitarian and profeminist. The decision to allow women in fighter flying is likely to be a great success as there will be full support from the male fighter aircrew in IAF. Conclusion: The study has strengthened the view that fighter pilots of the IAF are egalitarian and profeminist. Their prevailing attitude towards women in fighter flying will allow seamless integration of women fighter pilots in the fighter squadrons of IAF.