Sky's the Limit for French Female Pilot

Laila Azzeh - Jordan Times

AMMAN -- Anticipation gripped the audience before the Patrouille de France (PAF) took to the skies over Mafraq on Sunday.

But for Major Virginie Guyot, the first woman assigned to the aerobatic team of the French Air Force, death-defying stunts have become routine.

The 33-year-old was only 12 when she experienced her very first flight. From that moment on, Guyot said, she knew she was meant to be a pilot.

Being a woman in a man's field is not a daunting experience, she said, stressing that she never saw flying as a men's-only domain.

"If a woman has a passion, she must pursue it, no matter where it takes her," she told The Jordan Times, noting that there are no "physical barriers" preventing women from becoming top pilots.

"Flying nowadays requires fitness more than physical force," she said, added that a pilot should complete 1,500 flight hours before joining the aerobatic team.

In another accomplishment in her impressive record, Guyot's will become commander of the PAF starting next year. As part of her new position, Guyot will fly the lead aircraft at the head of all PAF formations, she said.

The PAF, whose current regional tour will see it perform in Jordan, Qatar, Dubai and Oman, was accompanied in Mafraq's show by the Royal Falcons.

The event, which was attended by HRH Prince Feisal, deputising for His Majesty King Abdullah, saw the two teams perform stunning formations and feats.

Major Benjamin Souber Bielle, PAF leader for 2009, said the air display team depends on the cohesiveness of nine pilots chosen for their competence, in addition to social and team skills.

"Working together as a team is essential in avoiding mistakes and maintaining the group's cohesion during the aerobatic demonstration," Bielle said.

With each show running from 20 to 25 minutes, the PAF, also known as the "Cavaliers of the Sky", performs 50 displays each year in front of millions of spectators.

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