Nealius Posted August 24, 2018 Posted August 24, 2018 Article in Japanese My unprofessional translation follows: Inspired by 'Top Gun'....Japan's First Female Fighter Pilot is Born A female JSDF member became Japan's first female fighter pilot after completing F-15 training at Nyutabaru Airbase in Miyazaki Prefecture. On August 23rd at Nyutabaru Airbase in Shintomicho, First Lieutenant Misa Matsushima (26) quickly climbed into an F-15 and started her checks immediately after receiving her diploma. 1st Lt. Matsushima, who is 159cm tall, initially aimed for a cargo pilot slot. But three years ago when the Ministry of Defense lifted the male-only requirement for becoming a fighter pilot, she decided to aim for a fighter slot and began fighter training a year later. Fighter pilots can experience up to 9 times the force of gravity in flight, and they need strong arms to grip the control stick, but 1st Lt. Matsushima did fine during training. "Ever since I saw 'Top Gun' as an elementary school student, I wanted to become a fighter pilot. I want to do my best and fulfill my duties for women who follow after me," said 1st Lt. Matsushima. According to the JASDF, there are currently three more female trainees undergoing fighter pilot training.
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