Sneha Baskaran, a 24-year-old international student pilot from Tamil Nadu in India, who has been training at the academy based at the Oamaru Airport since January last year, won the trophy.
The rally, which took place at Ashburton Airfield from May 31 to June 3, this year was hosted by the Mid Canterbury Aero Club.
The Morane Saulnier Rallye Trophy competition is a challenging feat that tests pilots’ skills in a simulated forced landing on to a designated grid.
The competition requires precision, skill and staying calm under pressure and highlights practical skills required in aviation by challenging participants to perform under simulated emergency conditions.
Miss Baskaran landed accurately on the grid which earned her the top spot in the competition.
Miss Baskaran said she was "exhilarated and thrilled" to win the trophy.
"Participating in a flying competition for the first time and winning the trophy is truly a special moment for me.
"I am looking forward to participating in more competitions and to get more active in aviation activities as a hobby," she said.
Founded in 1959, the NZAWA has a storied history of promoting, supporting and celebrating women in the aviation industry. The annual rally serves as a cornerstone of the organisation, providing a platform for female aviators to showcase their skills, engage in friendly competition and build a supportive community.
"I am also grateful for the opportunity given to me by NZAWA and NZAAL.
"I am glad for this recognition which will definitely bring a great impact in my aviation career," Miss Baskaran said.
NZAAL co-director and academy co-founder Celroy Mascarenhas said they were "so proud" of Miss Baskaran.
"It’s amazing."
Mr Mascarenhas said five of the academy’s female trainers competed in the rally and the competition was "tough".
"It was a really hard test and most people didn’t come close to getting on the grid."
He said Ms Baskaran was a "motivated individual" and already has a degree in genetic engineering.
Mr Mascarenhas said that NZAAL was proud of the fact that it had 33% female pilots, the highest ratio of female trainers at a training academy, which was a "world-record".
Ms Baskaran hopes to finish her commercial pilot training this year at NZAAL and to become a pilot for an Indian airline.
