Ballet in the sky, with grit and determination
   Date :09-Nov-2019

The jaw-dropping manoeuvres and formations by Sarang helicopter aerobatic team enthralled the audience on the Day One of Air Fest-2019 at Vayusena Nagar on Friday. The show is organised to mark 65th anniversary of Head Quarters Maintenance Command (HQMC) and 87th Air Force Day.
 
The flying displays by Sukhoi Su-30 fighters, Mi-17 V5 choppers, HS 748 (Avro) transport plane, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), gliders and Hawk trainers were appreciated by one and all.
 
Though poor visibility because of fog affected the clear view of Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) that flew past the venue on Friday, it did not affect the spirit of the team and Nagpurians. “Safety of our team comes first. The visibility was just 2 kms in the morning which restricted us to perform before the people of Nagpur. We just managed to fly past the venue,” said a team member of SKAT.
 
The impressive air show commenced with a beautiful formation by Mi-17 V5 helicopters. Dr Rajesh Joshi and his team displayed aeromodeling manoeuvres. School and college students, National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets, Indian Air Force (IAF) officers, air warriors and their family members witnessed the air show on Day One.
A jam-packed parade ground made the statement about popularity of the air show among Nagpurians. Those who could not enter Vayusena Nagar premises for want of passes/ invites, enjoyed the air show from Dabha ground, Futala lakeside, and Amravati Road where the local administration and City Police had made proper arrangements for the public.
 
A team of four Sarang ALHs displayed different manoeuvres in the sky. Their some pet manoeuvres like entry in wineglass formation, India Astern Formation, Diamond Formation, Synchronised Stall Turn, Cross Over Break, Double Arrow Cross, etc., thrilled everyone. Sarang formation display commentary was done by Sq Ldr Arpita Mukherjee, who is also a proud member of the team. India’s premier military parachute display team Akash Ganga was another major attraction of the show. The team members jumped from 30,000 ft from an IAF aircraft, and landed on the parade ground with precision. But, in between, they exhibited how proficient they are. The formations they made in the sky and the precision landing told the story of their hard work and practice. When the national flag waved in the air, the audience cheered with joy.
Slithering operation from a Mi-17 helicopter by Garud commandoes was one more attraction of the event. Eight Garud commandoes jumped from the chopper with the help of a rope. It was one of the riskiest part of the display.
Air Marshal R K S Shera, an officer decorated with Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal, and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, HQMC was the chief guest of the event. A large number of students from Bhavan’s B P Vidya Mandir, Centre Point School, Narayana Vidyalaya, Kendriya Vidyalaya-CRPF, Kendriya Vidyalaya-Vayusena Nagar, Air Force School, Sandipani School, VNIT, Shri Ramdeobaba College of Engineering and Management, Bhonsala Military School, etc., witnessed the air show. All the students were excited and cheered at the manoeuvres.