The first Greek woman to pilot an F-16 fighter of the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) is here and her name is Chrysanthi Nikolopoulou.
A 28-year-old from the northern Greek city of Kavala, Lieutenant Commander Nikolopoulou has engaged in aerial combat training and experienced the very high G-forces over the Aegean, alongside missions in international exercises like “Iniochos” for three years, involving numerous foreign units.
None of this would be possible without extensive training, which Nikolopoulou has had four years of at the Hellenic Air Force Academy, describing it as “unique” and “paramount” to the role.
“Flying a F-16 is, in itself, a unique experience, as each flight offers different emotions,” Nikolopoulou said.
Serving in the 110 Combat Wing, known as the “Ghosts,” the Greek officer upholds the motto “Machimotatoi oi ischýontes” from Aristotle’s “Nicomachean Ethics,” meaning “The brave are fearless.”
The F-16 pilot has also initiated a new legacy for females who are wanting to become a pilot or are already in training to do so.
“It is an honour for me, and I feel particularly proud to be the first woman in the F-16s”, Nikolopoulou added.
“I would advise girls who aspire to become fighter pilots to believe that they can become and achieve what they dream of. If they don’t dare in their lives, they will never reach what they truly love…”
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