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My Experience as First Lady Pilot Crew in Cockpit
It was one of those north indian winters when I was preparing for my forthcoming annual exams
when I first saw one of the aircraft from Karnal Flying Club over my head soar into the blue sky and
faded into the white cloud. I kept watching the flight till I could and sat thinking for a while. Suddenly
it struck to me that it was my eureka movement for what I wanted to do when I grew up – fly high into
the sky with the freedom of a bird.
I went back to my father and told him, I think I found my ‘lakshya’. From there on it was a dream
and the dream culminated into my first maiden flight with only lady cockpit crew on 30 Apr 12 when I
flew as first pilot with Asst Comdt Reema as my copilot from Port Blair for a maritime reconnaissance
sortie.
The day was certainly special because I was told that it will be first of its kind in the Indian Coast
Guard history-two lady pilots flying together a maritime surveillance sortie in a Dornier. I had a feeling
of excitement and lot of expectations from us, a bit of nervousness was also there but the
professionalism and good preparation of flight faded away the nervousness.
I prepared for the sortie like any other sortie, did the preflight briefing and sat in the crew room
amidst all the hype around. In a few minutes I went to the aircraft, did my preflight checks and
strapped up in the cockpit, started in the engine and then taxied the aircraft towards the runway. The
weather also appeared favourable to undertake the mission. After all clearances from the ATC we
took off and flew over the Bay of Bengal. After successful accomplishment of the mission it was time
to bring back the bird to its nest.
On our return the weather had started deteriorating. It had started raining over and around
Port Blair and the visibility was also depleting. But with the professional knowledge and experience we
could negotiate with weather and landed safely. The mission was thus completed like any other mission.
On our landing ATC congratulated us for making the maiden history in Indian Coast Guard and also
appreciated our approach and landing in marginal weather.
After that what happened was certainly unexpected and surprising to say the least. There was a
rousing welcome with garlands followed by a small tea party and flurry of congratulations and cheers
from colleagues. That is something I will cherish all my life. Moments are unforgettable and that will
motivate me to touch the day with pride and glory.
In the end, I can say, yes dreams come true, you just have to
see them with open eyes.
Jai hind
Asst Comdt Akshi
745 Sqn
Port Blair
62