Yael Rom

Yael Rom (; 1932–2006), born Yael Finkelstein, was one of the first female pilots of the Israeli Air Force and the first trained and certified by the force. She was co-pilot of the lead C-47 at the parachute drop at the Mitla Pass which launched the 1956 Suez War.

Biography

Military career

Although often referred to as the IAF's first female pilot, this was not the case.

Born in Tel Aviv in 1932, Rom graduated high school in 1950 and was soon drafted into the Israel Defense Forces Youth Corps. Along with 29 other members of the corps she passed the IAF pilot examinations and along with six other cadets continued on to the basic pilot's course, alongside Rina Levinson and Ruth Bokbinder, finishing second in her class. Initially trained on the Stearman Kaydet, Rom went on to fly twin-engined aircraft and was certified as a flight instructor. Rom received her wings on December 27, 1951, graduating the IAF's 5th flying course. She was then transferred back to the Youth Corps to instruct future cadets. For six months she petitioned the IDF to return to the air force, meeting with considerable resistance, before her request was finally granted. In 1953 Rom joined the ranks of the 103rd "Flying Elephants" Squadron, flying the Douglas C-47 Skytrain.

After her discharge from the IDF, Rom continued to fly as a reserve pilot. She was called up in October 1956 to participate in Operation Machbesh (Press), the Israeli parachute drop that launched the Suez War. Later in life she initiated and developed ORT's "Young Women in the 21st Century" program which encourages young women to pursue careers in engineering.