'Dream come true': IAF chief AP Singh flies his final sortie in uniform with first instructor
PTC News Desk: Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flew his “last sortie in uniform” in a Kiran aircraft on Tuesday at the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal, near Hyderabad. He described the flight as completing a full circle, as the Kiran was the aircraft that first introduced him to flying.
With his retirement scheduled for later this month, the flight was an emotional moment for Singh. He flew alongside his former instructor, retired Wing Commander V S Kochchar, who taught him to fly at the same academy nearly four decades ago.
Recalling his first flight with Kochchar on January 20, 1984, Singh said he was grateful to have his teacher beside him for his final flight in uniform.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, today completed his final flying sortie in an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft, flying the HJT-16 Kiran Mk-1 trainer aircraft and bringing a memorable chapter of his flying career to a close.
The 55 minute sortie was particularly special as the CAS flew with his first flying instructor, Wing Commander V. S. Kochar (Retd), in aircraft bearing 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.
The CAS undertook his first-ever flying sortie on 28 January 1984. More than four decades later, today's sortie in the Kiran brought his flying journey in the IAF full circle, symbolising the enduring bond between a pilot, his instructor and the skies that shape professional life.
The presence of Wg Cdr V. S. Kochar (Retd), who had guided the CAS during his earliest flying days, made the occasion especially meaningful, bringing together memories of the CAS's first flight and the culmination of his flying journey in IAF aircraft.
With this sortie, the CAS concluded a distinguished chapter of flying, carrying forward the experience, discipline and commitment that have defined his association with the Indian Air Force: Indian Air Force
(Pics: Indian Air Force)
— ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2026
After he landed, Singh received a water cannon salute as a mark of respect. He graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1984 and was awarded the Sword of Honour. On October 12, Singh had flown his final sortie in a fighter jet, an indigenous Tejas aircraft, during Exercise Tarang Shakti at Jodhpur Air Force Station.
When asked about beginning and ending his flying career with the Kiran aircraft, Singh described it as a “dream come true.”
"I started my journey with the same aircraft. I think I must be the only Chief who is retiring on the basic aircraft he flew is still serving. I am very grateful to my instructor Kochchar sir who taught me flying in the beginning, in this place itself. So, I just wanted the circle to be complete," he told reporters after landing.
#WATCH | Dundigal, Telangana | Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flew a sortie with his instructor in the Air Force, Wing Commander VS Kochhar (Retd), in a Kiran aircraft. This is going to be the last sortie of the outgoing Air Chief in the service. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit is going to succeed him as the Chief of Air Staff on October 31.
— ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2026
- PTC NEWS
