Can I share some of my Airforce memories with photos? With information.
I joined the IAF in 1993. After 2 years of training I was posted to Chandigarh for training on MIG27. After 6 months I was posted to Hasinara which is in west bengal near Assam. During 1995 I got opportunity to join Para jumping course. Few informations about the course with photos.
The course is conducted at PTS Agra. Para Troopers School. The training is for 4 weeks. First 3 weeks of heavy physical training follelwed by five jumps from AN 32 aircraft
During ground training
During ground training we were given severe physical tasks. We were taught to land on ground without getting hurt from various platforms.
With packed parachute
We were also taught for packing parachutes. There are two parachutes. One main para on the back and one emergency para in the front.
Main para opens automatically and the emergency is opened manually in case of failure of mail.
The five jumps consists of 4 day jumps and 1 night jump.
Getting ready to board the AN 32 aircraft
As anyone can imagine the first jump was terrifying and the second was even more.
Inside the aircraft.
I passed out successfully. Can you locate me?
In jumpsuit
Landing practice
With my friend during training
With my instructor. Jumping platforms are seen in the background from where we used to practice landing.
Mostly the training is given for army personnel. I was among the lucky few who got chance.
Para wing on my uniform.
Certificate
Ok friends. That's for the day. I will be back with other episode tomorrow. Please let me know if I am boring.
Day-2
Ok friends. Episode 2 today.
After the successful completion of parajumping course my level of confidence rose and I decided to go for other courses also.
After one year I got a chance. This time it is Mountaineering course from HMI Darjeeling. HMI stands for Himalayan Mountaineering institute.
A small introduction to HMI
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) is one of the premier mountaineering institutes in the world. Founded on November 4th, 1954 by none other than Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, the institute is located in the picturesque hill station of Darjeeling.
Darjeeling is also the hometown of Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, the first human to set foot on the highest peak of Mount Everest along with Sir Edmund Hillary. And it was in HMI that Tenzing spent most of his post-Everest ascent period as Director of Field Training. HMI is now a prominent landmark of Darjeeling and a Centre of tourist attraction, it commands a magnificent view of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world.
Generally the course can be taken by anyone. In my case I was sponsored by the Mighty IAF.
I was very happy and enthusiastic when I learnt that I have to go to Darjeeling. I thought of enjoyment at the hill station.
When I reached Darjeeling the entire scenario was different. The duration of the course was one month. 20 days of vigorous training at Darjeeling and ten days tracking into the Himalayas.
The day starts at 5 AM with a local tracking of two hours. After breakfast one hour of vigorous physical training follelwed by theory class till lunch. Again physical training in the evening and night tracking.
Tracking in the morning with back pack of 15 kg
Rock climbing
Rappelling
Somehow I managed 20 days and We were taken to yoksum in Sikkim for further training
From there we started tracking. First day evening we reached bakhim and stayed there. Second day we continued to reach jamling gaon.
This village is named after sherpa Jamling Tenzing Norgay.
We had to stay there for one more day for acclamatisation.
Acclamatisation is when we climb high altitude our body needs to get accustomed for the climate.
Reached yoksum
On my way tracking to base camp
We were eager to reach basecamp because we were very tired and we needed rest. When we reached the basecamp we were shocked. The basecamp was just like a cattle shed where we had to share small place.
Inside the shelter at basecamp.
During the stay at basecamp we were taught ice climbing, snow climbing, safety and rescue. The equipments used are crampons, koflach shoes, figure 8 descenders and so on.
Ice climbing
Rock climbing at high altitude
We planned to track to Kabru dome which is a peak near there. We made it almost and suddenly the snowing started. We had to turn back.
Kabru dome
Peak has a sharp top edge but a dome has a dome like upper edge.
On the way to Kabru dome
All-most made 95% to the dome.
Can you mak out the huts Photo taken on our way back from our expedition to Kabru Dome.
Training on rescue.
Passing out
Passing out
Finally the reward is here.
With this certificate I can lead an expedition team of six people which is known as a rope.
Forgot to post. A lake by the side of base camp which is half frozen.
Coming soon.....
After completion of two adventure courses I was looking for another one. This time I was lucky to get a new course. That is Water sports courses.
Water sports course is conducted by Government of Himachal Pradesh.
Again, this course is offered to all, I sponsored by the IAF.
The course is conducted at Pong Dam near Talwara, Himachal Pradesh.
Regional water sports centre Talwara Himachal
Though the Knowledge of swimming is not mandatory, it is better if you know swimming.
About RWSC PONG DAM
Regional Water Sports Centre Pong dam was established in the year 1980 as a subsidiary of Himachal Pradesh Government. It is a very well known Water sports training Institute. RWSC conducts various Regional, National, and International level events. Pong dam has a very good water sports training site, with all modern facilities and equipments where regular Basic, Intermediate, advance and method of instruction courses and different coaching camp are being regularly organised. Adventure activities like Swimming, Kayaking, canoeing, Rowing, Sailing, Water Surfing, water skiing, water safety and rescue technique, White water Rafting, Mountain biking, Trekking and scuba diving events are conducted here on a regular basis.
Since I was accustomed to physical training the ground training was quiet easy for me.
I have a lot of photographs of the course which are presently at Dharmapuri. I am unable to attach them.
Medal received on successful completion of course.
Certificate of successful completion of the course
Here I must say one thing. I got married in 2000. In 2001, a daughter was born. It was only then that the aforementioned course took place. I don't want to send me to a wife with a baby girl. Yet she respected my desire and sent me. So I stopped my Adventure Activities as well.
My Air Force career was Adventurous even if I stopped myself.
I will share rest of the photos as and when I get them.
There were women on this course as well. During the course we had fun and enjoyment. It is so sad that those photos are out of hand now. I'll definitely make you jealous of posting one day.
I am jumping to later period of my IAF life. Year 2003 onwards IAF kept sending contingents to Sudan and Cango. Due to the political unrest the United Nations kept peace keeping forces at these countries. Every year IAF used to send contingents on rotation basis for one year.
A contingent consists of one full unit that is around 250 to 300 people which includes all sorts of people like commander, officers, workmen, cook, barber, washer-man, driver, medical personnel etc.
Everyone in the IAF used to look for a tenure in one of these con tries because apart from normal salary the UN would pay 1000 $ per month. It was around 60₹ per $ those days.
Selection was made on the basis of professional qualifications and annual assessments. For our cadre best flying skills with best assessments.
I overtook many of my seniors and got chance in the year 2007. I got a chance to go to Sudan. The mission is known as UNMIS ie United Nations mission in Sudan. After medical check up on everything including HIV we were sent to Sudan in Dec 2007.
Sudan was united that time and the capital was Khartoum which is on the banks of Nile river. Largely with desert area climate used to be very hot in summer and very cool in winter.
Our main task in Sudan was to transport United Nations officials to various places of Sudan. Our location was Kadugli. We had our own helicopter flight and we used to operate to various locations as per their requirement.
Along with us Indian Army also had a contingent which provided us security. One Egyptian contingent was established there with very good medical facility.
We stayed like a big family. We had our own cooks who prepared indian food. Ration was issued by UN. We carried sufficient masala packets for our use.
During our operations we were not permitted to take photographs. Hence on completion of the stay we decided to make videos of the area and operations. I was chosen to camper the video shoot.
We had all the facilities over there. We even had a mobile phone connection. But the network was very poor. We had to climb over the truck, building etc to get little bit of tower
Friday and Saturday are weekly holidays and Sunday was working day.
Now I will send some videos with descriptions.
Every week we used to watch movies over a big screen. We also had our own cable TV with good collection of movies.
We had very good sports activities like volleyball, cricket and we even had a gym.
Our accomodation was known as Corimac because they are makeshift houses made by that company. Five of us used to share it. It was with air-conditioned one.
Our cooks used to prepare indian food and we had a nice time as far as food is concerned.
Very good dining hall.
How would you imagine an international airport?
International airport was around four kilometers from our residence. On the way to airport
ATC of the international airport
Tarmac is the place where we park our helicopters.
When we blame our authorities for poor roads we should see the highway of Sudan.
Also We can see the village and people of Sudan
How many people do you think are needed to control international airport? Well. Kadugli was manned by one person of British origin. He used to manage the airport and he was very cooperative to us. Very friendly to me.
We returned back in Jan 2008. Next contingent took over from us.
During the tenure I was appreciated by the contingent commander as well as from the task force commander.
After that I was transferred to Nashik Maharashtra. The unit was Base Repair Depot where I learnt servicing of aircraft weapons systems.
The main item where I worked on Aircraft Ejection seat. It is a special seat which can be used to eject out of aircraft during emergency. Various explosives are used for this. A very delicate and dangerous equipment to work on. On emergency the seat is thrown out of aircraft using explosives. After Ejection a parachute is deployed and a survival kit is also deployed. Survival kit contains many equipment's for survival in various areas like sea, jungle and desert.
The tenure at Nashik was very fruitful to me. I got married and my daughter born in this tenure. Also I got an opportunity to apply for another course that is Flight Gunners course. I was lucky to be selected for the course.
Let me explain the duties of flight Gunner.
A flight Gunner is an compulsory part of aircrew composition for most of the transport aircraft's. For flying a medium helicopter like MI17 four aircrew are required. A captain and a copilot both are pilots. A flight Engineer and a flight Gunner. When the captain is overall responsibility the co pilot assists him in flying. A flight Engineer is responsible for smooth operation of Engine and other aircraft components.
The flight Gunner is the very important crew who controls and completes the mission. He decides the passenger capacity, load capacity, and his role varies as per the mission.
The various roles of flight Gunner.
When we go for load sortie I decide the load capacity and loading of loads in such a way that the center of gravity of helicopter remains within limit. In a passenger flight I decide the number of passengers and their seating and safely.
Winching:. For flights like rescue from flood we use winch to lift stranded people from places where we cannot land. Also we send supply to such people using winch.
Under slung: if we have to carry a large load like a jeep which cannot be accommodated inside the cargo compartment we carry them using under slung equipment's. The whole operations is managed by the Gunner.
Special Heliborne operations:
When our army troops are to be transported to a palace where we cannot land we drop them using slithering method. That is the troops will be dropped usin ropes to slither down. In such operations the Gunners manage the whole show. Also we recover them using rope.
Air maintenance: when essential supply are to be sent to army to places like Glacier where we cannot reach or land we carry and drop them to their location using parachutes. The load is tied to parachutes and dropped at very high altitudes which is very dangerous operation. Again this operation is also smoothly run by the Flight Gunners.
VIP flight: When VIPs and VVIPs are flown by IAF helicopter their seating, safety and comfort are ensured by flight Gunner.
I was selected for the Flight Gunners course in the year 2002. The course was for six months and I completed it in Dec 2002.
Training was given for all the above during this period. And I was promoted to Sargeant rank. Generally it takes 13.5 years to reach there. I got it in 8 years.
Competition of course
Receiving best trainee award on completion of course.
On completion I was posted to Jammu for duties as flight Gunner.
With this I wind up this episode. Tomorrow I will be back.
When I was posted to Jammu I decided to take my wife and daughter along with me. We traveled in train via Delhi. When we reached Delhi it was night in the peak winter in December. Fog was so heavy nothing was visible in the station. All are trains were indefinitely delayed or cancelled. Luckily our tran was late but running. In the midnight I was running behind the coolie and my wife was running behind me in poor visibility. We were inadequately equipped for the winter. Luckily I had reservation in AC compartment. Somehow we reached Jammu by one day late. I narraate this incident because the troubles for my wife started on the way itself. It was a forecast for her for her rest of the life in Airforce.
Main task of Jammu unit is Air maintenance in full J&K sector including the Siachen Glacier apart from all other activities.
Due to non availability of service quarters I had to take a house on rent out side the station. On tenth day I was asked to go to Siachen Glacier for duty. The base for operation is known as Thoise. It is in the foothills of Siachen Glacier. Once we reach there we have to be there for fifteen days. However most of the cases it used to become a month or even more.
Mobile services was not available in J&K that time. It was very difficult for my wife to stay at strange place with a small kid.
In glacier operations we need to carry army load and drop them in advance army posts in the Siachen Glacier. We cannot land anywhere on the Glacier. Loads will be dropped off with the use of parachutes. Two army personnel will be with me for pushing the load outside on my command.
The back door of the helicopters were removed for the purpose during the operations. Generally the glacier temperatures used to be in minus degrees.
Flying in helicopter with doors removed at extremely low temperature was very challenging.
For such operations our dress had to be multilayered.
For such operations our dress had to be multilayered.
With such dress it was very difficult even to attend natural calls.
In flying suite at high altitude.
The bhukari ( kerosene lit stove used to heat room) was only relief when we come back to room after days hectic flying.
When it is time to return back to Jammu, the WD (western Disturbance in metrology which affects the weather over glacier at regular intervals) used to approach and we used to stay back for days at times for weeks.
When we are not going to Thoise we used to operate Srinagar sector. So most of the time I used to be away from home. It was all my wife who bravely encountered the situation with a small kid.
One fine evening I was called for an emergency flying. We had to carry army troops to some unknown location. On the way we were told that some infiltrators have moved inside our area and our force needed some backup. It was raining heavily on the way. We made a brave decision to move ahead and launch the troops. When we reached the destination hevy shelling was going on. We successfully dropped the soldiers amid firing and returned safely. Later we came to know that our soldiers have successfully eliminated the infiltrators.
A few months later I received a commendation from the Air Officer Commanding, Western Air Command. That gives additional marks during annual assessments which has led me to foreign deployment at Sudan.
Commendation by AOC in C WAC
After four years at Jammu I was posted to Hindan, Ghaziabad Uttar Pradesh. That is NCR region of Delhi.
Delhi proved to be one more lucky posting for me. Delhi unit carried out almost all types of operations.
I reached there in 2006. My son was born in the same year. The first opportunity was to participate in combined training operations with USA. It was very good to interact with US Air force personal. But we were never less than them. I was appreciated by the operations commander.
certificate
During January 2007 I got yet another opportunity to fly past in the republic day parade with flags hoisted under our helicopter. Three helicopters used to carry National flag, Army flag and Air-force flag each. I was in the lead helicopter with national flag. Our names were announced during fly past in commentary.
Fly past with flags
During such flights the lowering, raising and control of the flag are handled by us. Also the timing has to be perfect. Only skillful gunners are entrusted the task.
Next in Western Air Command a competition was conducted for best flying activities. Our unit also participated. I was given opportunity to operate.
Various tests were conducted. We stood best in Hovering skills. The test was conducted to carry a drum of water to another place using under-slung. Timing, and perfect placing with minimum wastage of water was tested. We made it the best. This operation wholly depends on the gunners because they guide the helicopter and place the load perfectly.
Shield won during completion. Decorates my house now.
Also the unit involved in lot of VIP flying. I had a good opportunity to fly with various VIPs. I shall cover the list of VIPs in another episode.
Apart from helicopters the big size aircraft's like IL 76 also had flight Gunners with various roles. During my tenure at Delhi I was selected for conversion course from Helicopters to IL76.
IL 76
Course competition certificate
Though I was expecting a posting to either Agra or Chandigarh to work on IL 76 I never got the opportunity. Because immediately after my conversion I was selected for UNMIS Sudan.
Had I continued in service I would have been posted to these places. That would have been yet another great opportunity because these aircrafts do go abroad on many occasions. You may remember in the initial days of COVID 19 lot of our indian people stranded at various countries were brought in by airlift using this aircrafts only.
From Delhi I went to Sudan for one year and on completion I was posted to Jodhpur. There I stayed for four years which was my last place in the IAF.
With this I wind up this episode. I shall come back tomorrow.
At Jodhpur.
My last tenure was at Jodhpur. There the main task was VVIPS and VIP flight. So the life was quiet comfortable for me. However due to long outdoor commitments my wife continued to suffer.
Carrying a VIP needs special category of aircrew. Special verification was carried out before employing in VIP commitments. Special verification was carried out in coordination with local police without the knowledge of individual. The validity was one year.
During the tenure and in previous tenures at Jammu and Delhi I had opportunities to fly VVIPs and VIPs.
In today's episode I shall recall some VIPs whole I have flown with. Presently I don't have any photos with them since we were not permitted to carry mobile or camera.
The best man to fly with.
I take heart felt pride when I say I have flown with such a down to earth personality. A very simple man to be with. His smile will make you love him. Never troubled anyone. In case of a little longer flight he is happy with just a cup of tea. Great human.
The gentleman
A through gentleman. One day in Leh our helicopter didn't start due to high altitude. We were embarassed and requested him to get down and board the standby helicopter. He moved out with a smile and thanked us.
The Gandhi.
When I was in Jammu, we were told to prepare a helicopter for VIP which we didn't have. We modified one helicopter with seat fitment for only two persons. When Sonia Gandhi came with then defence minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee, she asked him to take the VIP seat saying he was the minister and she is just a party leader.
Dada
I have a lot of experience with him since he was the defence minister. Could not interact much. He always thanked all of us before leaving.
The swift techie
I flown with him once from Jammu to Shrinagar during heavy snowfall. He was deputy prime minister. Even during 2004 he had a high end mobile and kept using it till the end.
The unsuitable
Most of my VIP flight was for this former president. Having seen three Presidents I personally feel she is not fit for the post. சிலரால் பதவிக்கு பெருமை. உதாரணம் கலாம். சிலருக்கு பதவியால் பெருமை. கலாமுக்கு சல்யூட் அடிக்கும் போது தானாக நெஞ்சு விரியும். This lady used to take all the gifts home. She carried a lot of crowd with her. But we carried Kalam in heart.
The simple.
A very simple man. Easy to approach.
Yet another workaholic
I think he has visited the glacier more than anyone else. He doesn't need any VIP treatment.
Though I had a usual flying my friend faced trouble during his commitment. On the way from Patna to Delhi he asked the captain to land at some unknown place. The captain refused since the protocol does not permit. However he ordered him to land. After landing he went out to give speech for the gathered crowd. After that commitment the captain and all other crew were given memo.
Apart from them most of my VIP commitments were for the chiefs of Air-force, Army and Navy. That was a regular one. We used to carry our chief SP Tyagi every week since he was interested in para-jumping from helicopters. He was the one who was accused in Agasta Westland issue.
The chief of Japan ground forces was also an unforgettable VIP to fly with.
Also in my initial days I was recommended for Tamilnadu aviation to fly the then CM Amma. However I was not utilised for that. I think my luck ran out.
But still I have this.
Our unit was honoured with president's colours (Flag). We all were praised by the then President Shrimati Prathiba Patil.At the end of my Jodhpur I was to decide weather I should continue in service or exit. Though I sincerely wanted to continue in service, I missed my family more than anything. Since I am only son and my wife was only daughter we had to take care of our old parents also. Also that time was very good to get a job in Banks. So I decided to settle back at home.
I was lucky enough to get a job in Corporation Bank even before the completion of my service. On 31 October 2012 I bid farewell to the Mighty IAF.
Ok friends. With this I wind up this episode. Tomorrow I shall be displaying few of my achievements, accolades and souvenirs in my final episode.
Today I shall showcase my achievements and souvenirs in this last episode.
First ever certificate received in my service life. This is for blood donation. I did it for three times. Since my blood group was rare one I was asked frequently.
Diploma certificate when I completed my basic training from Tambaram.
Successful completion of parajumping course from PTS Agra.
Completion of basic mountaineering course from HMI Darjeeling.
Basic water sports course.
The last and long lasting adventure course started in Aug 2000. I am still undergoing training and learning things. Yesterday I learnt Samosa making. Whatever I stand today that is just because of her.
AOC in C WAC commendation.
Commendation by AOC in C WAC
Became Aircrew
On MI 8 helicopter
MI 17 helicopter
The Mighty IL76
Para wing
Gunners badge
Excercise Trishul with foreign forces.
Aircrew qualification card.
When we go for range firing of small arms like Riffles,sten machine guns, pistols and Light Machine guns our scores are monitored.
Wanted to fly for Tamilnadu. But couldn't. I was recommended.
Part of uniform when worked for the UN.
Part of flying overall in my last unit.
UN badge
Souvenir gifted to those who worked for UN
Certificate for flying for the UN. I have flown around 276 hours for the UN.
Certificate of appreciation from US army.
Certificate of appreciation from unit Commanding Officer.
Jacket issued by IAF. Can you spot the IAF emblem
Gift received from the Chief of Airforce during a commitment.
This is from Indian Army chief.
Cap with my name from last unit.
Cap given by Airforce Station Jodhpur. My son under the cap.
Unit cap 107 Helicopter Unit.
United Nations cap.
Platinum jubilee of IAF in the year 2007.
Combat cap worn with combat uniform.
Souvenir presented during President's colours presentation.
One more souvenir presented during President's colours presentation.
Best in Hovering skills
An excercise with army.
Part of ceremonial dress of the UN.
Tri crevices medal.
For working in high altitudes.
For service in J&K sector.
Long service medal.
UN medal.
For high altitudes
Special 🏅 from Japan Army chief.
Certificate of medal.
Certificate of appreciation from UN.
My Aircrew log book where the details of all the flying are recorded. Every single take-off and landing with duration is recorded and certified.
Blue Book. This is where my activities in every flight is recorded.
My Airforce aspirant daughter in my flying overall.
Okay friends. Thank you very much for encouraging me to do this. In fact I got a chance recall my AF memories. Please don't hesitate to contact me for any clarification. I shall forever be thankful to all of you.
( Pono! You are proud of the proof and medal.
You are the best in life, and congratulations. No doubt he will defend their title by introducing their son to him. -by Subramanian A
நண்பரே! உங்களால் சான்றும் பதக்கமும் பெருமை அடைந்தது.
சான்று என்று சொல்லி திருமண புகைப்படத்தையும் கூரியதால்தான் நீங்கள் இல்லற வாழ்வில் சிறந்து விளங்குகிறீர், வாழ்த்துகள். Cap என்று சொல்லி தங்கள் மகனை அறிமுகம் செய்தமையால் தங்கள் தலைசிறப்பை அவர் காப்பார் என்பதில் ஐயமில்லை. - வழங்கியவர் சுப்ரமணியன் ஆ )
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