Aerobatics and Fun!

Aerobatic flight means manoeuvres intentionally performed by the pilot that involve
(a) bank angles in excess of 60 degrees; or
(b) pitch angles in excess of 45 degrees, or otherwise abnormal to the aircraft type; or
(c) abrupt changes of direction angles of bank, angles of pitch, or speed.

Should Group Exercises be Part of Pilot Recruitment Process?

I qualify pilots as respectable professionals as good as doctor, engineers or lawyer. They are life long learners who endure long years of training and experience to qualify and excel in their professions. While a CV and an interview were enough in earlier times, most airlines discovered that this wasn’t the most effective way of selecting the right candidate because there were many instances in which they missed the negative traits and also forgot to credit positive skills at times. Hence apart from checking skill and knowledge, Aptitude, psychometric, an English Proficiency test is also carried out for non native speakers. But what is lacking in the selection process is group test to evaluate team work, leadership and other human factors while under stress .

Beyond the Control: Is Helicopter Operation More Risky?

The preliminary finding of the tri-service investigation into the fatal crash of the Mi-17V5, which led to the death of all 14 who were on board, including Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, has ruled out mechanical failure, sabotage or negligence as the cause of the accident. The inquiry team said the accident was a result of the helicopter entering into the clouds due to an unexpected change in the weather conditions in the valley in Tamil Nadu, where it crashed. The change of weather led to spatial disorientation of the pilot resulting in a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT), a statement issued by the defence ministry has said.

The Sabji Courier

During the summer, one of the key tasks of the Indian Army is to stock up its high-altitude border posts with tents, clothing, food, ammunition and fuel for the harsh winter ahead. The heavy stocks are moved by roads while essential and high-value assets are mobilised by air. This is the just first step. Subsequently, all supplies are moved to forward bases through tough terrain with the help of locals, mules or aircraft. A soldier at these outposts is fighting three elements – the enemy, the weather and his own health. The cost of keeping each soldier at those altitudes, equipping him, feeding him and providing him with wherewith all for fighting is humongous and require Herculean effort. The story highlights the human side of the problem.

The Unknown Sikh Soldier in the Kargil War

 ..in the Kargil war I remember it as if it was yesterday. It was the 23rd May 1999, the Kargil conflict was ongoing. My crew and I were in Awantipur to pick up 24 casualties (20 sitting & 4 on stretchers) the casualties were seriously wounded. The age of the passengers ranged between 19-27 years. Some had deep bullet wounds, where the bullet had gone through, but he still had his legs and could sit, stand, walk, and wasn’t on a stretcher. The men who were on a stretcher were the badly…

Para Jumping

The Para Training School (PTS), run by the Indian Air Force at Agra, conducts the parachuting and combat military free-fall training. The squadron insignia depicts a deployed parachute bringing down a supply container with wings attached. This signifies the role the squadron is involved in. The School was established under 50th Para brigade in 1941 at New Delhi. After the Independence, the school was permanently shifted to Agra. Earlier the Dakota, Hudson and Halifax Aircraft were used for Paratroopers Training. The School has participated in many operations of Indian Armed…