Air Chief Marshal AP Singh Completes Final Flying Sortie in Kiran Trainer Aircraft
The sortie, undertaken in aircraft bearing tail number U 707, marked the culmination of the Air Chief’s flying journey in the IAF, bringing him back to the aircraft in which he began his flying career more than four decades ago.
Air Chief Marshal Singh undertook his first flying sortie on January 28, 1984. His final sortie alongside 73-year-old Wing Commander Kochar (Retd), who trained him during his early flying days, symbolised the enduring bond between a flying instructor and his student.
The occasion highlighted the role of flying instructors in training generations of IAF pilots and serving as mentors throughout their professional careers.
The Kiran, an iconic trainer aircraft used to train IAF pilots, added special significance to the sortie, reconnecting the Air Chief with the beginnings of his flying journey.
Upon the aircraft’s return, a water cannon salute was accorded to the Air Chief as a mark of respect.
Air Chief Marshal Singh took over as Chief of the Air Staff on September 30, 2024.
Having begun his flying journey in the Kiran, he brought it to a symbolic close in the same aircraft alongside the instructor who had been part of its beginning.
