A Lifelong Commitment

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A Lifelong Commitment

It was in 1979 that MAJ (RET) Vasanti Ayadurai made history in the RSAF. She graduated as part of the first batch of female Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) trained locally in the then Seletar Air Base. Some 40 years later, MAJ (RET) Vasanti continues to teach and inspire our future generation of airmen and women at the Air Force Training Command (AFTC). MAJ (RET) Vasanti shares more about her lifelong career in the RSAF. 

What was your experience like as one of the first female Air Traffic Controllers in the RSAF?

Back in the 1970s, there were no female Air Traffic Controllers. I vividly remember my first control session - the aircraft were recovering, and I passed my first instructions to the Pilots. You should have heard the shocked silence. 

The Pilots were shocked at hearing a female voice on the radio. What was wonderful was that they responded warmly, and that’s how I started my career as an Air Traffic Controller.
 

MAJ (RET) Vasanti was one of the pioneering female Air Traffic Controllers in the RSAF.

How was it like working in a traditionally male-dominated environment? 

Working in a male-dominated environment, I am always professional in my approach. I do not expect any favours or privileges, and I earn that respect from my fellow colleagues. 

How has training transformed over the years?

When we first started, I was trained using a pinboard. Today, we have a state-of-the-art simulator, which provides the trainee with more realistic training.
 

MAJ (RET) Vasanti’s students are the fuel for her passion to continue serving in the RSAF.

What spurs you on to continuously serve in the RSAF? 

You have to be transformed in the heart and mind before you can be trained as a competent professional. I continue to train the next generation because my students give me motivation to do so, and I still have the passion for it. It is also a very enriching experience when the students take ownership of their learning. 

Check out the video below to see MAJ (RET) Vasanti in action!