Aero India 2015: Sukhois are the best, say display pilots

Bengaluru, Feb 21: The ground crew was readying a mighty Sukhoi (Su-30 MKI) at the northern side of the runway at AFS Yelahanka when OneIndia was invited for an interaction with the display team.

"We have an early slot during post-lunch display," said Flight Lieutenant Navjot Singh. Along with him are Wing Commander A N Karulkar (Commanding Officer), Wing Commander C U V Rao and Flight Lieutenant Prashant Sharma.

The Sukhois have been topping the showstoppers' list during every air shows and this time to it was no different.

The loop, tumble, yaw, tail slide, minimum radius turns, rolls, high and low speed runs are some of the sky stunts being executed by the Sukhoi flying display team.

"My favourite combination is the one which has the loop, tumble and yaw together. You have to make quick turns on the aircraft," says Navjot. However, for Prashant the yaw is the favorite number.

"The Sukhoi is the only fighter in the world which is capable of doing the yaw," he added.

When asked whether as a pilot he is aware of the responses being made by the people watching the displays, Navjot said: "Not even once. We are focused on the job and have no clue what the people are doing. Our job is to fly safe," Navjot said.

He says most of the manoeuvres are also used in operations. "It's all part of our training pattern," he added.

At Aero India, the Sukhois are allotted two slots (10 minute in each in the morning and evening).

"This is the first time I am performing at Aero India and I am really happy to have come to Bangalore. I love the weather and even the Air Force Station has inspired me. Sukhois ate the best -- my all-time favourite. It was my dream to be in a Sukhoi squadron and I am happy I achieved it," Navjot added.

Photos: A Veeramani

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