A former RAF pilot and PhD researcher in rocket science is shattering stereotypes after successfully reaching the semi-finals of the prestigious Miss England competition.
From the Cockpit to the Catwalk
Maleha Khan, a 26-year-old from Southampton, is balancing her pageant ambitions with her demanding work as a doctoral researcher at Cranfield University, where she focuses on hydrogen-fuelled rockets for spacecraft. She holds a Master's degree in Spacecraft Engineering and remarkably earned her pilot's licence before she could legally drive a car.
Ms Khan, who also works as a civilian pilot, stated her mission is to inspire women in aviation and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). She wants to demonstrate that women can thrive in male-dominated industries without sacrificing their femininity or personal style.
She revealed, ‘When I was growing up I thought choosing aviation and engineering meant I would have to give up a lot of that, painting my nails and having long hair. I thought I wouldn't fit in with all the men and that was a worry for a long time. I want to break that stereotype.’
A Distinguished Aviation Career
Ms Khan's passion for flight ignited at the age of 15 while watching the Red Arrows perform at a D-Day celebration. Her dedication was immediate, and she joined the air cadets, working her way up through sheer determination.
Her exceptional talent was recognised early when she was awarded four prestigious flying scholarships from the Royal Air Force, the British Women Pilots Association, and the Honourable Company of Air Pilots. Since then, she has piloted five different aircraft and helicopters.
Her leadership skills shone during her time as the commander of an RAF University Air Squadron, where she led 75 personnel and made history with the longest tenure in that role.
Influencing the World of Space and Science
Ms Khan's expertise extends beyond the atmosphere. In her role at the UK Space Agency, she engaged with major global entities including NASA, the European Space Agency, UK Space Command, and British astronauts.
She has also shared her knowledge internationally, teaching rocket science to some of the world's brightest students, including the top one per cent of academically talented women in Saudi Arabia. It was during this work that she had the honour of meeting the nation's first female astronaut.
Reflecting on her unconventional career path, she said, ‘I am from a family of doctors and I was always supposed to do that but it just didn't give me that butterfly feeling in my stomach. Flying is still my first love and main passion.’
She continues to work towards her dream of becoming a commercial pilot, having already logged over 100 flight hours and possessing the licence to fly single-engine aircraft anywhere in the world, having taken friends and family on trips to France and Amsterdam.
Ms Khan decided to enter Miss England precisely because people have consistently told her that her ambitious goals were unattainable. ‘People thought I was crazy for becoming a pilot and doing rocket science, but I proved people wrong,’ she stated.
Her ultimate dream is to combine her two great loves: flying and space. ‘I want to show that curiosity and determination can take you anywhere—literally and figuratively,’ she added.
The Miss England final is scheduled for November 20 and 21 at Wolverhampton’s Grand Station. A spokesman for the competition praised Ms Khan, saying, ‘Maleha’s journey is nothing short of inspirational—blending beauty, brains, and bravery in equal measure.’
