IAF gears up for Presidents fleet review

Chandigarh, Mar 2 (UNI) With just a few days to go before the President, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam carries out the fleet review of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on March 7, preparations are in full swing at the 12 Wing Air Force here with the air warriors going through gruelling practice sessions of the march-past as well as fly past with various types of aircraft in different formations.

Fully seized of the significance of the event, which last took place in 1976, the IAF promises to put up a scintillating static and air display of IAF's entire fleet.

The highlight of today's preparations were the practice para jumps by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal S P Tyagi who would be jumping on the final day alongwith 74 other air warriors signifying the platinum jubilee of the IAF.

The Air Chief Marshal carried out two smooth jumps from a height of over 5000 feet above the ground level from a MI 17 helicopter, setting an example for the younger officers and inspiring them to maintain highest standards of fitness and mental alertness till the end of their careers.

The practice fly pasts which took place included the Jaguar formation in which 17 aircraft flew in close proximity making a figure of '75' signifying 75 years of IAF's existence. The IAF's SU-30 aircraft also performed the Trishul manoeuvre.

The flying displays also included practice fly pasts by MI-17, MI-26, ALH, Chetak, Cheetah, M-35, HPT-32, Mixed formation of Avro, AN-32&Dorniers, Bisons, Mig-29 and Mirage-2000s.

The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) also carried out their practice fly pasts towards the end of the practice session today.

The full dress rehearsal of the 'Presidential Review' is planned for March five.

UNI