Reem Filmban: The First Saudi Female Helicopter Pilot

History was made as Reem Filmban became the first Saudi female to pilot a helicopter. Her journey began with a childhood dream of flying and piloting aircraft. She immersed herself in documentaries and developed a passion for aviation.

After completing high school in Saudi Arabia, Reem traveled to the United States to pursue studies in aviation and obtain a pilot license. It took her a year of thorough training and education to achieve her goal.

“The field is very fine and has a lot of challenges and difficulties.”

Reem believes that women are just as capable as men in piloting jobs and encourages girls with a passion for aviation to pursue it as a career. She acknowledges that the field comes with challenges and difficulties but finds it fulfilling and exciting nonetheless.

Having worked hard to fulfill a childhood dream, Reem Filmban eventually became the first Saudi female to pilot a helicopter and one of the world’s youngest pilots in the field.

Since her early years, Reem has dreamed of flying and piloting aircraft, a passion that spurred her into watching documentaries about aviation and plane piloting. Reem Filmban’s achievement as the first Saudi female helicopter pilot serves as a motivation for aspiring female pilots in the country and around the world. Her story showcases the power of determination and the potential for women to excel in traditionally male-dominated fields.

“I felt excited, enthusiastic, and motivated to fulfill my wish of becoming an air pilot one day,” she told the Saudi news portal Sabq.

“I spent one year in studies and training. This differs from one person to another. The weather also plays a role in the duration of training and studies. If the weather is fine, I can fly,” she said, adding that she had flown for 255 hours during that year.

Saudi Arabia has been making significant efforts to empower women in various aspects of life. In 2018, the country lifted the ban on women driving, allowing them to drive for the first time in history.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia has appointed female ambassadors, highlighting the progress being made in gender equality.