In a recent string of firsts for the male-dominated U.S. military, Maj. Rachael Winiecki became the first female F-35 pilot to complete a test mission at Edwards Air Base in California.
Winiecki, of the 461st Flight Test Squadron, said while aviation is mostly male, the number of women conducting flight tests is on the rise in addition to women serving in support roles such as maintenance.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to become part of the diverse team at the 461st. There are countless dedicated personnel working hard to ensure we execute safe, secure, effective and efficient flight tests,” Winiecki said in a press release.
As a member of the 461st FLTS, Winiecki is part of a team that oversees developmental testing of all variants of the F-35, the defense department’s next-generation fighter jet — and one of its priciest programs.
Lt. Col. Tucker Hamilton, the 461st FLTS commander, said Winiecki’s experience with the A-10 was one of the factors in her being selected as an F-35 test pilot.
“Maj. Winiecki was selected to become an F-35 test pilot based on her exceptional flying ability and the important voice she brings to the F-35 development as a prior A-10 pilot,” Hamilton said in a statement.
The F-35 jet made its American combat debut in September when it was deployed against a Taliban target in Afghanistan. Israel was the first country to use the F-35 fighter in combat in May, targeting Iranian military infrastructure in Syria.
Women have seen a steady growth in their profile among the military’s combat positions. Ground combat jobs such as infantry and cavalry are recent opportunities for women. In 2018, the first woman qualified for special forces training, making it through the green beret’s grueling selection program. In the same year, the Army’s rigorous Ranger School saw at least 12 women graduates.
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