Air Marshal C Harikumar of the EAC inaugurate the Air Fest 2016

Shillong, October 01: The Mi-17 V5 helicopter is the latest acquisition in the IAF and forms the backbone of the Medium lift helicopter fleet. The aircraft is a state of the art platform equipped with advanced avionics and has proved to be an asset to the IAF in various operations and exercises.

On 01 Oct 2016 flying in a Mi-17 V5 helicopter was a father and son duo at the Shillong ALG. The father Air Vice Marshal Manavendra Singh AVSM VrC VSM and son Flight Lieutenant Siddharth Singh flew as pilots in a Mi-17 V5 helicopter for the first time. AVM M Singh being one of the senior most helicopter pilots in the IAF has to his credit over 6700 hrs of flying.

The Air officer is a qualified flying instructor and has instructed on various types of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft in a career spanning nearly 35 years. Having flown in challenging sectors like the Northeast, Uttrakhand, Siachen, Western deserts and Democratic Republic of Congo, the officer has vast experience in helicopter operations in the IAF. Flt Lt Siddharth Singh following his father’s legacy was commissioned in the year 2011 in the helicopter stream. The youngster has flown Mi-17 V5 and has represented his unit in various Air Force level exercises.

Air Vice Marshal Manavendra Singh is presently the Senior Officer in Charge Administration HQ EAC and son Flt Lt Siddharth Singh is a unit pilot posted in one of the Mi-17 V5 helicopter unit under HQ EAC. Being one of the few second generation families in uniform, it was a momentous and proud occasion for them. To witness this special flight, Father of the AVM and wives of the two officers were also present. Post flight both officers were felicitated by Air Marshal C Harikumar AVSM VM VSM.

As  part of Air Force Day celebrations, “Headquarters Eastern Air Command” at Upper Shillong is organising an Air Force Festival called  ‘AIR FEST 2016’ from 30 Sep 16 to 02 Oct 16. The festival was inaugurated at the Shillong Advance Landing Ground (ALG) by the AOC-in-C, Eastern Air Command, Air Marshal C Hari Kumar AVSM VM VSM.

The Air Fest  2016 kicked off with a fly past of Mi-17 Helicopters and Su-30 MKI aircraft. This was followed by the breathtaking display by the Indian Air Force ‘Air Devils’ team which carried out sky diving and free fall parajumps. There was also a demonstration on slithering operations by ‘GARUD’, the elite commandos of the Indian Air Force. Aero modeling, static display of Aircraft and performance by the Military band are some other highlights of the festival.  This was stated by Group Captain Amit Mahajan spokesperson for ministry of Defence

IAF has set up various stalls which include IAF Publicity stall, Souvenir stall and delectable food stalls. Various adventure activities such as Zorbing ball, Rappelling and crawling were also offered.  A large number of people, especially students from various schools and colleges witnessed the festival and acquired information regarding career opportunities in the IAF.

 

 

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