Open Skies cover art

Open Skies

My Life as Afghanistan’s First Female Pilot

 Preview

Get 30 days of Premium Plus free

£8.99/month after 30-day free trial. Cancel monthly.
Try for £0.00
More purchase options
Buy Now for £12.99

Buy Now for £12.99

About this listen

The true story of Niloofar Rahmani and her determination to become Afghanistan’s first female air force pilot.

In 2010, for the first time since the Soviets, Afghanistan allowed women to join the armed forces, and Niloofar entered Afghanistan’s military academy. Niloofar had to break through social barriers to demonstrate confidence, leadership, and decisiveness - essential qualities for a combat pilot. Niloofar performed the first solo flight of her class - ahead of all her male classmates - and in 2013 became Afghanistan’s first female fixed-wing air force pilot.

The US State Department honored Niloofar with the International Women of Courage Award and brought her to the United States to meet Michelle Obama and fly with the US Navy’s Blue Angels. But when she returned to Kabul, the danger to her and her family had increased significantly.

Rahmani and her family are portraits of the resiliency of refugees and the accomplishments they can reach when afforded with opportunities.

©2021 by Niloofar Rahmani and Adam Sikes (P)2021 by Blackstone Publishing Military & War Women Military Air Force Aviation War
All stars
Most relevant
A disturbing and revealing account of life in Afghanistan for women that is both moving and inspirational. Just the courage and determination of this young woman shows that there is a way ahead for civilisation and that women are key to achieving the tolerance needed to make extremism unacceptable to all mankind.

May Open Skies open Minds

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I wish the pilot many safe journeys May life bring her joy and happiness in her new life in America.I have shed a tear for the innocent brother that does not deserve any of the treatment he has injured. An excellent book more girls in Afghanistan should follow in her footsteps .Congratulations for being supported by her family especially the Dad.This book should be made into a film.

Superbe and very touchy

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.