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War is Hell

Anil Goyal

War is intense armed conflict between states, governments, societies, or paramilitary groups such as mercenaries, insurgents and militias. It is generally characterized by extreme violence, aggression, destruction, and mortality, using regular or irregular military forces. Warfare refers to the common activities and characteristics of types of war, or of wars in general. Total war is warfare that is not restricted to purely legitimate military targets and can result in massive civilian or other non-combatant suffering and casualties. While some scholars see war as a universal and ancestral aspect of human nature, others argue it is a result of specific socio-cultural, economic or ecological circumstances. Whatever be your argument, in this post (a short one) we will…

The Fall

Anil Goyal

17 Oct 2020 is observed as International Day for Eradication of Poverty. Musings or ruminations of Gp Capt Aman Midha (Retd). I do not know when they were penned but shared with me yesterday and I think they are worth every letter. Let us not be deceived by all the technological, economical and financial development human race has made. Anyone who has struggled with poverty knows how extremely expensive it is to be poor. A drive from Aweil to Wau:150km(Both in South Sudan) It was the summer of last decade.‘Desert…

A Day in the Life of a Commercial Pilot

Anil Goyal

For most people around the world, air travel these days is like taking a walk in the park. When people board the aircraft in today’s connected world, the mobile phones, the laptops and the stress of what is to follow at the end of the flight leaves little room for appreciating the beauty of flight itself as they are being transported over thousands of kilometres in a matter of hours. Ever since the Wright Brothers defied gravity in their ‘Wright Flyer’ at Kitty Hawk, advancements in aviation technology have made…

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…

Women Voices in Military Aviation

Anil Goyal

“There’s something so special about a woman who dominates in a man’s world. It takes a certain grace, strength, intelligence, fearlessness, and the nerve to never take no for an answer.  Rihanna  It’s not very often one hears about India trailblazing on issues of gender equality. On the contrary, the country regularly makes headlines for all the wrong reasons when it comes to women: high rape statistics, dowry deaths, and pervasive discrimination. The data collated by the International Society of Women Airline Pilots showed that India had the highest proportion of female…

Flight Deck / Cockpit Windshields

Anil Goyal

When you’re in flight-deck, the only thing separating pilots from the minus 56 degrees centigrade and unbreathable, thin air outside is an airplane cockpit windshield. On one side, there’s a warm, pressurized cabin where you can work and on the other, a world that would kill you in minutes if you were exposed to it. Between the two, just incredibly sturdy windshield. There are two primary purposes for the windshields. Number one, protect the crew from the outside harsh environment and number two allow the crew to see outside. Besides…

Air Shows and Display Pilot!

Anil Goyal

An air show is a public event where aircraft are exhibited. They include a static display, aerobatics demonstrations. The event is also simultaneously held as business ventures, and trade events where the aerospace and defense industry is promoted. Flying displays are some of the most popular spectator events in the world. It is estimated that flying displays and similar events attract over 10 million spectators each year. The companies use the display to entice the public and create an opinion. The display pilot plays a very important role where he/she showcases not only the aircraft profile but…

Intrepid Pilot: Test Pilot

Anil Goyal

In the case of pilots, it is a little touch of madness that drives us to go beyond all known bounds. Any search into the unknown is incomparable exploitation of oneself. Jacqueline Auriol Living on the edge, reaching his limit, seeing the world in rare angles and heights is all too often part of the test pilot job. Today we will meet Gp Capt Sharad Aneja (Retd) an intrepid test pilot who will tell us all about this fascinating world. He spent precious 24 years in the IAF, not to…