The Hindu : National : IAF pilots create record

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Monday, Aug 20, 2007
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IAF pilots create record

Around the world in 80 days in a microlight aircraft

— Photo: Rajeev Bhatt

GREAT FEAT: IAF pilots Wg.Cdr. Anil Kumar (left) and Rahul Monga with Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal F.H. Major (centre), after creating a record by completing the microlight expedition, at Hindon Air Force station near Delhi on Sunday.

New Delhi: Two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots created a world record on Sunday by successfully flying a microlight aircraft around the world in 80 days. The feat came about thanks to the helping hand of the Pakistani Air Force.

Wing Commanders Rahul Monga and Anil Kumar touched down at Bhuj in Gujarat from Karachi on Saturday night. Pakistani authorities allowed them to land in Karachi following a sudden change in plan of the duo. They arrived at the Air Force Station Hindon on Sunday, creating a record for the “fastest” round-the-world trip in a microlight aircraft. Asked about the experience, Wg. Cdr. Monga said, “It was thoroughly enjoyable. We got to meet different people from varied cultures. It was a good gesture from all the countries who supported us, including Pakistan.”

The expedition, flagged in by Air Chief Marshal F. H. Major, saw the pilots cover 40,497 km in 80 days flying over 19 countries. The duo achieved a speed of 21.092 kmph bettering the record of 16.53 kmph set by Colin Bodil of the U.K. in 2001.

Platinum Jubilee

The expedition was flagged off on June 1 by Air Chief Marshal Major from Hindon as a part of the IAF’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The aim was to circumnavigate the earth (minimum distance of 36,889 km) in the shortest period of time.

The Air Chief, in his address at the time of flag-off ceremony, had directed them to go “Around the World in 80 Days.”

“These two have shown what trans-oceanic reach really is. We are thankful to the governments of all the nations who supported us. They have built goodwill for the IAF,” he said. — PTI

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