04 October 2009

The Men behind the flying machines

Fighter pilots are a rare breed of human beings. They lead intense lives fully appreciating each moment to its utmost. Up at the crack of dawn, they seem to have an endless store of energy even if called on to work 24X7. Flying over inhospitable terrain or unfriendly/enemy territory actually brings out their best.

One way to recognise a pilot away from his airbase, is from his characteristic Ray-ban Aviator sunglasses. This iconic brand is almost synonymous with pilots. Sunny or cloudy the weather conditions are immaterial...

The use of aeronautical jargon is often carried through into daily lives such as "what time do we leave?" is often replaced with "wheels roll time"; a sudden downpour is due to a CB (cumulonimbus cloud); all procedures need thorough SOPs (standard operating procedure) from making tea to emergencies like a hot water scald; a family picnic needs a 'briefing' for all members, each one is "detailed" for a duty (games in-charge, food i/c, tpt i/c)....

There are some other distinguishing personality traits that all of us from the IAF family have experienced. To name a few: attention to detail, a systematic manner of executing tasks (even its just buying subjee), a pathological disregard for inactivity, ready to take a joke about themselves...

Before you think I am prejudiced read these that were part of an email forwarded to me...
Jokes apart, we wouldn't want things any other way....

Q: How do you know if there is a fighter pilot at your party?

A: He'll tell you.

Q: What's the difference between God and fighter pilots?
A: God doesn't think he's a fighter pilot.

Q: What's the difference between a fighter pilot and a jet engine?
A: A jet engine stops whining when the plane shuts down.


08 October is celebrated as Air Force Day in the Indian Air Force.
Happy Landings!

3 comments:

Chibsky said...

A good take on the fighter pilots. However, The transport and helicopter pilots are also as dynamic as the "FPs"!! (I am a fighter pilot and have my friends in the other two streams who are more stressed out at times!!) Remember, the fighter pilot mostly spends nights at home base while the other two categories do so sometimes!!

Archana said...

I respect all pilots irrespective of the aircraft they fly. Military flying is special calling in life that only special people can take up.
Thanks for dropping by!

Jayant Karnik said...

Hats off to all who are in Defense from we , civilians. They ARE special breeds, that's why they are there, isn't it?
Regarding their nature, I mean, you said they are so scrupulous in their every act, they have to... family members suffer a bit.... but it teaches us lot of volumes of discipline... which we will never aquire in our whole normal life. Kudos to their dedication...!!!...And thanks for the catchy article on the subject. Jayant Karnik