“I believe that if one always looked at the skies, one would end up with wings.”
Gustave Flaubert
In autumn 1992, I was 20 going on 21; the “going on” part is important to emphasize for various reasons. I was sixth termer, an ordinary cadet of the prestigious National Defense Academy (NDA), Pune about to graduate in a few weeks. During the 3 years of training at National Defense Academy, we had been turned into “Jack of all trade but master of none”. It was only in the last term (semester) that we were exposed to respective service (army, navy and airforce) training and subjects. As an Air force cadet, I got the taste of aerodynamics, meteorology, airmanship (regulations), airframe structures and engines. During familiarization visit, I had a chance to see real fighter aircraft- mighty ‘MiG -29″ and formidable “Jaguar” aircraft at Air Force Station Pune. Along with 60 or so coursemates (Air Force cadets), I also got 30 launches (rides) in Hindustan Ardhra glider. We were done with academic tests and were awaiting results which were a formality more or less. Before that, we had to undergo one more gruelling test of endurance and specialised training in the form of military camp ‘Torna’.
As part of the camp, all the Air Force cadets had to undergo a final medical examination at Air Force Academy Dundigal, Hyderabad. All Air Force cadets were happy that they would miss the initial few days of the most arduous army camp and would join our army coursemates for the final josh run back to NDA. The excitement of air travel, missing the first few days of camp plus the visit to Air force Academy where we would be spending next one year of life had aroused us to seventh heaven. get a glimpse of what to expect. No doubt, most of us had never been in (real) aircraft.
On the fateful day, we found ourselves at Air force Station Lohegaon in the early evening. As we got down from the 3 tonner truck, we found ourself in front of a tall building which had a revolving beacon on top with alternating green and white flashes. Two twin-engined aircraft were parked on the tarmac at the far side. We soon recognized the pilots in their typical blue overalls as they were walking towards us. We quickly formed up in threes but it was hard to suppress all the discussion about the aircraft and impeding journey. The Captain, who was Flight Lieutenant introduced himself and to our delight was also ex-NDA. The monstrous military aircraft was Russian An-32.
The An-32 is essentially a re-engined An-26. It is designed and optimized for operations from high altitude and unprepared surfaces. The crew familiarized us with specifications and attempted to douse our excitement and a never-ending train of questions. But more than all that we were more anxious and impatient to board the aircraft for flight.
We boarded along with our baggage via the rear ramp. We did not know what to expect. One of the crew demonstrated how to lower and lock the seats and we soon made ourselves comfortable. We were demonstrated on the use of seat belts and most of us required help in attaching them. There were a few small windows on the side from which we could see outside and watch the engine start. As the engine puffed into life, a flight engineer who was speaking in the headset attentively and operating levers and switches deftly, closed the rear ramp. The aircraft filled up with vapours of airconditioned air and yellow dim light. We were frantically watching all the activities as the aircraft taxied out. The engine sound swelled to a roar, the entire aeroplane shook as it moved forward, creeping at first, then gaining speed until the rumbling of the ground ceased and we rose into the air. The furious engines noise and vibrations calmed themselves a bit but nothing close to normal.
“Only from the heart can you touch the sky.”
Rumi
In the course of the climb, we chatted and peeped out of the small window into the darkness. Soon we reached cruising altitude, and Co-Pilot came out of the cockpit and announced that we would be allowed to visit the cockpit one by one. I only remember Captain showing us instruments and all I saw was dim light of cockpit and few needles hanging here and there. It all looked so complicated and weird as compared to Hindustan Ardhra glider cockpit. I did not comprehend or understand anything. This was a different beast which I knew nothing of. I was scared and mortified. Fortunately, it was a short flight and it was time for the descent. The landing gears appeared from the engine empennage and shortly we touched the earth to bring an end to the maiden flight.
The adventure was worthwhile as compared to travelling on airline seat in quiet comfort of Boeing or Airbus more so when considering it was for free.
I could not know it then, but in my life, I was to fly thousands of time sometimes fast and slow, high and low, alone or with people until the sky became my first home and first love. My life was about to change and so was Indian aviation. Few flights, only two airlines to choose from, fixed fares, manual ticketing and check-in process, non-existent airport security set up would give way to multiple private airlines, low-cost carriers to double-digit growth.
Aviation reminds us that all things are possible. It’s a promise for new undertakings and represents the blank slate given by life to craft your life story. Even during the bleak times, aviation provides the reason for optimism because the sky inspires us in many ways. Besides holding ground for the heavens, the sky suggests optimism, dreaming, peace, strength, and a connection with the atmosphere and the universe at large. If you’re a dreamer, you can look to the sky as you search for a better place. You’ll be inspired to march towards your goals and dreams of success while wide awake.
“Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work.”
A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Related posts: My first flight as trainee pilot (flight cadet). click to read.
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