September 2: Harita Kaur Deol is the first woman pilot to fly solo in the Indian Air Force. She flew in an Avro HS-748, when she was 22 years old.[174][175] Jo Salter was declared combat ready by the Royal Air Force flying a Panavia Tornado in 617 Squadron becoming Britain's first female fighter pilot.[176] December: Bahamian Patrice Washington became the first black woman captain of a major US air service.[177][178]