It was a day of fun and learning for about 10,000 students of city schools who took a ride to Air Force Station (AFS), Hakimpet on Thursday. The station as part of 70 years of Indian independence celebrations had invited students to take a look at the Air Force history and practice for the benefit of students who could later be interested in flying for the country.
While the event was inaugurated by Air Commodore Hardeep Bains, Air Officer Commanding of the station, students were taken round the station by Anju Bains, President of Air Force Wives Welfare Association. The students who were shown a film on Air Force operations could also witness aircrafts and helicopters Kiran and Chetak flyby. The guided tour also had a static display of aircrafts for the students to take a look at.
The different planes and helicopters on display included Chetak helicopters, Hawk an advanced jet trainer aircraft, Pilatus PC-7 Turbo trainer aircraft, Kiran MK-1 a twin-seat jet plane.
Children were also taken to the Air Force museum to give them glimpses of the Air Force history. “This experience is meant to help students understand how the Indian Air Force functions. It helps them understand what it is to be an Air Force pilot or what it is to stand up for one’s country. The exercise not just instils nationalism in the country’s youth but also helps create a group of people who are dedicated to serving the country,” said Mr. Bains.
“The aim of the event was to familiarize and motivate the youngsters to join an exciting and challenging career in the Indian Air Force,” he added. The tour lasted for three hours. Flight instructors and ground staff including women were present at the event to instruct students.
