Category: Aviation knowledge and operations

The Saga of a Fighter Pilot: Training and Missions

Anil Goyal

After graduating from Air Force Academy Dundigal, it is training at a squadron which transforms young aviator into a military pilot. The pilots commissioned in fighter stream undergo specialized training in aerial warfare (air to air combat and air to ground combat). Fighter pilots are one of the most highly regarded and desirable positions of any air force. They possesses an exceptional academic record, physical fitness, healthy well-being, and a strong mental drive. As a combat pilot, successfully completing their missions is paramount, equal emphasis is given on their role…

Mi-26 Halo: Largest Helicopter Flying Experience

Anil Goyal

The quality of person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavour. Vince Lombardi The Mil Mi-26 is a twin-engine heavy transport helicopter designed and manufactured by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, Russia, for both military and civilian roles. It is the largest and powerful helicopter in the world and entered into service in 1985. The Mi-26 can perform a number of tasks, including the transferring of military equipment, namely personnel carriers, and mobile ballistic missiles, to distant locations. Composite material and…

Flypasts

Anil Goyal

Lord of Sea and Earth and Air,Listen to the Pilot’s prayer—Send him wind that’s steady and strong,Grant that his engine sings the songOf flawless tone, by which he knowsIt shall not fail him where he goes;Landing, gliding, in curve, half-roll—Grant him, O Lord, a full control,That he may learn in heights of HeavenThe rapture altitude has given,That he shall know the joy they feelWho ride Thy realms on Birds of Steel. Cecil Edric Mornington Roberts To be a military pilot, you need a pure passion for aviation. You have to…

Beyond Fear and Death

Anil Goyal

You do what you can for as long as you can, and when you finally can’t, you do the next best thing. You back up but you don’t give up. Chuck Yeager In aircraft, an ejection seat is a system designed to rescue the pilot or other crew of an aircraft in an emergency. In most designs, the seat is propelled out of the aircraft by an explosive charge or rocket motor, carrying the pilot with it. Once clear of the aircraft, the ejection seat deploys a parachute. Prior to WWII, the only means of…

Its Time for Airlines to Go Green

Anil Goyal

Air transport connects the world, bringing people and goods together. But the benefits of aviation also have an environmental downside. Emissions, noise, industrial processes, and waste must be managed by the industry, reduced, and where possible eliminated. Reducing climate change is a serious global challenge. Commercial aviation is responsible for about 2% of global carbon emissions. In 2009 the aviation industry put in place an ambitious and robust carbon emissions strategy, with targets and a four-pillar action plan. The aviation industry recognizes the need to address the global challenge of…

It’s Time for Airports to Go Green.

Anil Goyal

The aviation sector is facing increasing pressure to clean up its act when it comes to climate change, but gas-guzzling airplanes aren’t the only culprits. As airports expand, so too does their carbon footprint, with more energy required to power new terminals, ground transport vehicles, and the creation of infrastructure. Building capacity for additional aircraft can also create a backlash amongst environmentalists – see, for example, the frenzy over a potential third runway at the UK’s Heathrow Airport. Many airports across the world have therefore adopted greener elements into their…

Every Job is a Self-Portrait

Anil Goyal

Safety in military/commercial aviation continues to depend on good crew performance. Good crew performance, in turn, is founded on standard operating procedures that are clear, comprehensive, and readily available to the flight crew. Development of SOPs is most effective when done by collaboration, using the best resources available including the end-users themselves, the flight crews.

LANDING AT THE WORLD’S HIGHEST AIRSTRIP AT 16500 FT : DAULAT BEG OLDIE (DBO)

Anil Goyal

Daulat Beg Oldi (also Oldie, DBO) is a historic campsite and current military base located in Ladakh, India on an ancient trade route connecting Ladakh to the Tarim Basin. It is named after Sultan Said Khan (Daulat Beg), who died here on his return journey after the invasion of Ladakh and Kashmir. The Chip Chap River flows just to the south of Daulat Beg Oldi from east to west. Daulat Beg Oldi also has one of the world’s highest airstrips which is one of India’s Advance Landing Ground (ALG), at an altitude of 5,065 meters (16,614 feet).