Full Circle: Air Chief Marshal AP Singh Flies Final Sortie With First Instructor
In a poignant moment, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flew his final sortie in the Kiran aircraft with his first-ever flying instructor.
In a rare and poignant moment of professional symmetry, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, completed his final flying sortie in an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft on Tuesday. The flight, conducted in an HJT-16 Kiran Mk-1 trainer aircraft, served as a symbolic bridge between the beginning and the end of a distinguished flying career.
A Reunion in the Skies
The 55-minute flight was far more than a routine exercise. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh shared the cockpit of the aircraft, bearing tail number U 707, with the man who first taught him how to fly—Wing Commander V S Kochar (Retd). This reunion brought together the student and the mentor, returning to the very roots of the CAS's journey in the skies.
Speaking to the press following the landing, the Air Chief expressed deep emotion, describing the experience as a "dream come true." He highlighted the unique nature of this milestone, noting that he might be the only Chief of the Air Staff to retire while the basic aircraft he first trained in is still in active service.
"I started my journey with the same aircraft... I'm very grateful to my instructor, Wing Commander Kochhar sir, who taught me flying in the beginning, in this place itself. I just wanted the circle to be complete," Air Chief Marshal AP Singh stated.
Four Decades of Aviation
The history behind this flight dates back over 40 years. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh undertook his very first flying sortie on January 28, 1984, at the same location and in a Kiran aircraft, guided by Wing Commander Kochar. By choosing to conduct his final sortie in uniform with the same instructor and the same aircraft type, the CAS brought his professional flying journey full circle.
The Legacy of the Kiran Aircraft
The HJT-16 Kiran is an iconic trainer aircraft that has been instrumental in shaping generations of IAF pilots. The use of this specific aircraft for the final sortie underscored the enduring traditions of the Indian Air Force and the critical role that flying instructors play as lifelong mentors to aircrew.
Transition of Leadership
This final flight marks the conclusion of a distinguished chapter of active flying for the CAS, characterized by decades of discipline and commitment to the nation's aerial defense. As Air Chief Marshal AP Singh prepares to step down, the IAF is set for a change in leadership, with Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit scheduled to succeed him as the Chief of the Air Staff on October 31.