'Dream come true’: IAF chief AP Singh flies last sortie in uniform in Kiran aircraft

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh completed his flying career with a last sortie in a Kiran aircraft. He flew alongside his former instructor, Wing Commander V S Kochchar, who trained him four decades ago. The flight took place at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal near Hyderabad, marking a significant moment for Singh. Singh expressed gratitude for Kochchar's guidance during his early flying days at the academy.

NEW DELHI: Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Tuesday flew his “last sortie in uniform” in a Kiran aircraft at the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal near Hyderabad, completing a full circle in his flying career alongside the instructor who taught him to fly four decades ago.

According to news agency PTI, Singh flew with Wing Commander (retd) V S Kochchar, who trained him at the academy in 1984. Recalling his first flight on January 20, 1984, Singh said, “I started my journey with the same aircraft. I think I must be the only Chief who is retiring on the basic aircraft he flew is still serving.”

Expressing gratitude to his former instructor, Singh said, “I am very grateful to my instructor Kochchar sir who taught me flying in the beginning, in this place itself. So, I just wanted the circle to be complete.” Singh was given a water cannon salute as he landed at the academy. He graduated from the AFA in 1984 with a Sword of Honour.

The IAF chief had flown his last fighter jet sortie aboard the indigenous Tejas on October 12 during Exercise Tarang Shakti at Jodhpur Air Force Station. Tuesday's flight in the Kiran marked his last sortie in uniform, days before his expected retirement later this month. Kochchar, 73, described Singh as the “brightest pupil ever” and the “best chief”, adding that getting “one more trip” with his former student was a dream come true.