AP Singh Completes Flying Journey in Kiran Aircraft, Calls Final Sortie ‘Dream Come True’

Hyderabad, Oct 20 (TNT): Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Tuesday described his final sortie in a HJT-16 Kiran Mk-1 trainer aircraft  with his former instructor, retired Wing Commander V S Kochar, as a “dream come true”, saying the flight completed a full circle in his flying career that began in the same aircraft at the Air Force Academy here in 1984.

Speaking after receiving a water cannon salute upon landing, the Chief of the Air Staff said he was grateful for the opportunity to end his flying journey in uniform in the aircraft in which he had taken his first flying lesson.

“I started my journey with the same aircraft, and I think I must be the only Chief who is retiring while the basic aircraft he flew is still in service,” he said.

Air Chief Marshal Singh recalled that his first sortie in the Kiran aircraft took place on January 28, 1984, at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad, with Wing Commander Kochar as his instructor.

“Today, I did my last sortie in uniform with him in the same Kiran aircraft. I am very grateful to my instructor, Kochar sir, who taught me flying in the beginning at this very place,” he said.

The sortie marked a symbolic conclusion to his flying career, bringing him back to the aircraft and instructor associated with the beginning of his journey in the Indian Air Force.

the 73-year-old Wing Commander Kochar (Retd), also expressed happiness at getting another opportunity to fly with his former student, describing the experience as a memorable moment.

The occasion highlighted the enduring bond between an instructor and his student, as well as the legacy of mentorship in the Indian Air Force.

TNT TS