First female US F-16 demo commander out

Capt Zoe Kotnik, who became the first female pilot to lead the US F-16 Viper demonstration team just last month, has been relieved of duty.

The Air Force said she had been removed on Tuesday by Col Derek O'Malley due to a "loss of confidence in her ability to lead and command".

Officials have not offered details into what prompted the decision, but Col O'Malley noted she had made "mistakes".

Capt Kotnik's predecessor Maj John Waters has resumed command of the team.

US Air Force (USAF) Capt Alannah Staver, chief of public affairs at Shaw Air Force Base, confirmed to the BBC that Capt Kotnik was relieved from command on 11 February but could not provide any further details.

Source: bbc