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Hyderabad, October 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Tuesday flew a HJT-16 Kiran Mk-1 trainer aircraft at the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal, near Hyderabad, undertaking his final trainer sortie and bringing a memorable chapter of his flying career to a close.
Air Chief Marshal Singh flew alongside his first flying instructor, Wing Commander VS Kochar (retd), in a 55-minute sortie that carried deep personal and professional significance. The IAF chief returned to the same type of aircraft in which he began his flying journey, accompanied by the instructor who first taught him, in an aircraft bearing the tail number U 707.
“The occasion marked a poignant reunion between instructor and student, reconnecting the CAS with the beginnings of his flying journey in the Indian Air Force,” an IAF official said.
Air Chief Marshal Singh undertook his maiden flying sortie on January 28, 1984. More than four decades later, Tuesday's flight brought his journey as an IAF pilot full circle, highlighting the enduring bond between a pilot, his instructor and the skies that shape a professional flying career.
Officials said the sortie paid tribute to the Indian Air Force's rich tradition of flying training and the invaluable role played by instructors in preparing generations of air warriors. They added that flying instructors remain mentors to aircrew throughout their careers.
Returning to the Kiran, an iconic trainer aircraft that has helped train generations of IAF pilots, added to the emotional and professional significance of the occasion.
Following the flight, Air Chief Marshal Singh was accorded a water cannon salute to mark the conclusion of the special sortie.
Speaking to reporters after the event, the IAF chief described the experience as a dream come true and expressed gratitude to his first flying instructor.
“It was really a dream come true. I started my journey with the same aircraft. I think I must be the only chief who is retiring while the basic aircraft he flew is still serving. So, I think I'm very grateful. I'm very grateful to my instructor, Wing Commander Kochhar Sir, who taught me flying in the beginning, in this place itself. And so, I just wanted the circle to be complete,” he said.
Recalling the beginning of his flying career, Singh said his first sortie had taken place at the same location, in the same aircraft and alongside the same instructor.
“I did my first sortie on Jan 28, way back in 1984, in this very place with him, in a Kiran aircraft. And today, I did my last sortie in uniform with him in the same Kiran aircraft,” he added.
Wing Commander Kochar (retd), who accompanied the IAF chief on the flight, also expressed happiness at the opportunity to fly with his former student once again.
“He is the brightest person ever. He made my dream also come true to get one more trip. Now I'm 73. So, to get another trip with the best person ever in this world, the best Chief, I hope the Air Force goes even higher,” he said.
Air Chief Marshal Singh is scheduled to retire on October 31, 2026. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, currently serving as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, is set to succeed him as the next Chief of the Indian Air Force.