India, Dec. 5 -- Passengers hoping to hitch a hot-air balloon ride in Delhi will be greeted by Rita Yadav, who is the first Indian woman to have acquired the hot-air balloon and hot-air airship license.

"I am excited to show Delhi from a unique perspective that of the bird's eye view," says the 46-year-old. The Haryana-born was the pilot on the November 25 trial run with the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi (see left).

"In our earlier meeting, he did say it was nice to see a woman pilot," she shares, adding, "In fact, a lot of passengers say that seeing a woman pilot puts them at ease instantly. Being a woman has worked in my favour."

Rita acquired her licence in 2010 after extensive training in Italy and Switzerland. She has also been cer...