Mette Grøtteland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mette Grøtteland
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|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Jet-Mette |
| Born | 1969 (age 55–56) Sandnes, Norway |
| Allegiance |  Norway |
| Service/ |
 Royal Norwegian Air Force |
| Years of service | 1991– |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | No. 332 Squadron RNoAF No. 331 Squadron RNoAF No. 330 Squadron RNoAF |
Mette Grøtteland was born in 1969. She made history by becoming the first female fighter pilot in the Royal Norwegian Air Force. This happened after she successfully completed her training to fly jet fighter planes in 1992.
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Early Life and Training
Mette Grøtteland was born in 1969 in a city called Sandnes in Norway. She decided to join the military and began her training in 1991. At that time, she held the rank of second lieutenant. She traveled to the United States to learn how to fly fighter jets.
Becoming a Pioneer Pilot
When Mette returned to Norway on March 3, 1992, she officially became Norway's first female fighter pilot. This was a very important moment! People even gave her a cool nickname: "Jet-Mette."
Flying Fighter Jets
After her training, Mette Grøtteland joined a special group called No. 332 Squadron RNoAF. This squadron was based at Rygge Air Station. Her first fighter plane was the Northrop F-5. Later that same year, in the autumn of 1992, she started flying a more advanced jet called the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Moving to New Squadrons
In early 1993, Mette moved to a different group, No. 331 Squadron RNoAF, which was located at Bodø Air Station. By the year 2000, she had earned the rank of captain. She was also back at Rygge Air Station around that time.
From Jets to Helicopters
In 2006, Mette Grøtteland decided to learn something new. She trained to fly helicopters! By 2007, she was working as a pilot for the Westland Sea King helicopter. She joined No. 330 Squadron RNoAF at Sola Air Station. At that time, she was one of only three women in Norway who flew rescue helicopters.
