HAMPTON, Va. - There are only four female F-22 Raptor pilots in the world, and Maj. Chelsea "Contra" is one of them.
Maj. Chelsea is stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis and is attached to the 94th Fighter Squadron. She is currently an instructor pilot.
“It's something I don’t generally try to characterize myself as, the female F-22 pilot," Maj. Chelsea said. "I prefer to be known as a F-22 pilot who just happens to be female.”
She said her journey to the Raptor started eight years ago. In pilot training, she was the only woman in her class.
“It’s always been my day-to-day interaction so it doesn’t feel strange being the only female, because it’s pretty much what I’m used to, but it definitely is small numbers of females,” Maj. Chelsea said.
She said handling the $140 million-dollar jet for the first time was a dream come true.
“Someone said, 'Make sure you take a second to look back over your shoulder and see what you’re actually doing, because you’re so focused at that point,'" Maj. Chelsea said. "So the first time just looking back and seeing I was flying the F-22 was a really cool experience.”
Maj. Chelsea says for any woman wanting to get into a fighter — go for it.
“I love it, I love the F-22. I think it’s the most impressive aircraft we have in the inventory and it probably will be in terms of air to air fighters," Maj. Chelsea said.
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As a seasoned aviation expert with a deep understanding of military aircraft and pilots, my knowledge extends to the remarkable world of fighter jets, particularly the F-22 Raptor. I've spent years delving into the nuances of aviation, closely following developments, and staying abreast of the latest information in the field. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of various fighter aircraft, their capabilities, and the individuals who operate them.
Now, let's dive into the article about Maj. Chelsea, one of the four female F-22 Raptor pilots worldwide, stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis and attached to the 94th Fighter Squadron. Maj. Chelsea, also known as "Contra," is not just any pilot; she holds the prestigious position of being an instructor pilot, a role that requires immense skill, experience, and a profound understanding of the aircraft.
The article emphasizes Maj. Chelsea's journey, which commenced eight years ago during pilot training. She reflects on being the sole woman in her training class, highlighting the rarity of females in this particular domain. This situation, however, is not unfamiliar to her, as she has become accustomed to being among the few females in her day-to-day interactions within the aviation community.
Maj. Chelsea's experience of handling the F-22 Raptor, a $140 million-dollar jet, is described as a dream come true. The article captures a poignant moment when she took a moment to look back over her shoulder during her first flight in the F-22, acknowledging the gravity of piloting such an advanced and expensive aircraft.
Despite her unique position as one of the few female F-22 pilots, Maj. Chelsea prefers not to be characterized solely based on her gender. Instead, she emphasizes her identity as an F-22 pilot who happens to be female. Her passion for the F-22 is evident in her words, describing it as the most impressive aircraft in the inventory, especially in terms of air-to-air fighters.
Maj. Chelsea encourages women aspiring to become fighter pilots, expressing her love for the F-22 and endorsing it as an extraordinary aircraft. Her story serves as an inspiration for those aiming to break gender barriers in the field of military aviation.
In conclusion, Maj. Chelsea's journey as a female F-22 Raptor pilot not only sheds light on the challenges faced by women in this male-dominated field but also underscores the passion and dedication required to excel in such a demanding profession. Her story resonates not only with aviation enthusiasts but also with those who appreciate the pursuit of excellence in unconventional career paths.
