Full Circle: Air Chief Marshal AP Singh Flies Final Sortie With First Instructor
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh concludes his flying career with a poignant final flight alongside his first instructor in a Kiran trainer aircraft.
In a moment steeped in nostalgia and military tradition, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal AP Singh completed his final flying sortie on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The mission, which took place at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Telangana, served as a poignant bookend to a distinguished career that spanned over four decades of service to the nation.
A Sentimental Return to the Basics
While most senior commanders conclude their careers with high-performance jets, Air Chief Marshal Singh chose a path of deep personal significance. He took to the skies in an HJT-16 Kiran Mk-1 trainer aircraft, specifically the one bearing tail number U 707. The flight lasted 55 minutes and was far more than a routine exercise; it was a tribute to his beginnings.
Adding to the emotional weight of the occasion, the CAS was accompanied by Wing Commander V S Kochar (Retd). In a rare and touching gesture, Wing Commander Kochar—who served as Air Chief Marshal Singh's very first flying instructor—joined him in the cockpit for this final journey.
Coming Full Circle
The choice of aircraft was no coincidence. Air Chief Marshal Singh’s journey in the skies began on January 28, 1984, in an identical Kiran trainer. By returning to the same aircraft type for his final flight, the CAS experienced a true "full-circle" moment, bridging the gap between a young cadet and the head of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Reflecting on the experience, Air Chief Marshal Singh described the sortie as a "dream come true" and expressed his heartfelt gratitude toward Wing Commander Kochar for being part of the milestone.
A Rare Aviation Milestone
During the event, the Air Chief noted a unique aspect of his retirement. He remarked that he might be the only Chief of Air Staff in history to retire while the basic trainer aircraft he originally learned to fly on is still in active service with the IAF.
Upon landing, the aircraft was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, a high honor marking the conclusion of his active flying duties.
The Final Countdown to Retirement
This trainer flight was the final piece of a series of farewells in the air. Just over a week prior, on October 12, 2026, Air Chief Marshal Singh completed his final fighter jet sortie. That mission took place during Exercise Tarang Shakti at the Jodhpur Air Force Station, where he flew the indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft.
As he prepares for his official retirement at the end of October 2026, the IAF looks toward a new chapter of leadership. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has been designated to succeed him as the next Chief of the Air Staff.