The pilots and crew members of Sarang, the aerobatics team of the Indian Air Force (IAF), took some time off from flying to interact with the public at the air display area on Sunday.
For the thousands gathered near the tarmac at the Air Force Station, Yelahanka, for Aero India 2013, it was a pleasant surprise to see and shoot questions at the members of the world’s only military helicopter aerobatics team, attired in their traditional red uniform.
Team leader Wing Commander S. Pathak answered queries that ranged from new formations and movements to the pilots’ experience of flying the advanced light helicopter.
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It was also an occasion for the team to take stock of their performances at the air display. “It is a glorious feeling to be a part of Sarang and an exhilarating experience,” Wg. Cdr. Pathak said. “We have minute-to-minute communication in place and interact with ground staff and fellow pilots to coordinate our movements.”
Their next performance would be at Pokhran in Rajasthan during Iron Fist, the biggest air power demonstration of the Air Force in the third week of February, he added.
He hoped the interaction and the display would inspire the youth to join the IAF.
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Later, the members distributed memorabilia such as key chains, poster and stickers.