For the first time in Bhutan’s history, a woman is at the controls of a helicopter, soaring above the country’s rugged mountains. Junior First Officer Kuenga Wangmo has etched her name into Bhutanese aviation history, becoming the nation’s first female helicopter pilot—a milestone that symbolizes more than just personal achievement. It represents a powerful step forward for gender representation in a field long dominated by men.
Only a month ago, the 28-year-old earned her wings, officially joining the ranks of the Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services. Her journey from a civil engineering graduate to a pioneering pilot was far from predictable.
“I never once thought flying would be in my future,” she recalls. “I had never driven a car, and I had certainly never been inside a helicopter.”
But one decision changed everything.
In 2017, fresh out of college with a Diploma in Civil Engineering, Kuenga stumbled upon an announcement for a pilot training programme. It wasn’t part of any grand plan—just a leap of curiosity.
“It sounded cool and exciting, so I applied,” she says with a laugh. “Looking back now, it was the best decision I ever made.”
A Steep Learning Curve
Her training took her to Canada, where she faced a world completely unfamiliar to her. From mastering technical aviation knowledge to understanding air law, every aspect of flying was new—and daunting.
“The learning curve was very steep,” she admits. “At times, I was the only woman in the room, which felt intimidating. But my instructors were supportive, patient, and understanding.”
Returning to Bhutan brought its own set of challenges. Flying in the Himalayan kingdom means dealing with unpredictable weather, high altitudes, and some of the world’s most difficult terrain. Yet, with steady support from her management and colleagues, she persevered.
“My progress was slow, but the management never pressured me,” she says. “Their patience gave me the confidence to keep going.”
Flying for a Purpose
Today, Kuenga Wangmo flies across Bhutan on critical missions—medical emergencies, passenger transport, and supply runs to remote areas. She doesn’t yet see herself as a trailblazer, saying she wants to grow further before taking on more complex missions.
But for many Bhutanese girls, she already is one. Her presence in the cockpit proves that gender need not define dreams.
A Message of Courage
For those hesitant to chase their ambitions, Kuenga has simple advice:
“I didn’t know how to drive or what a helicopter cockpit looked like when I started. If I can do it, you can too. You don’t need to have everything figured out. What matters is trying, struggling, and having the resilience to keep going. It won’t be easy, but it’s worth it.”
Changing What’s Possible
As Kuenga lifts off on her flights, she carries more than passengers—she carries hope, inspiration, and the promise of change. Her achievement has already redefined what is possible for women in Bhutan, one flight at a time.
