Pratibha Patil creates history by flying in fighter jet

November 25, 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C80gt9vaPic&feature=player_embedded#

President Pratibha Patil created history by becoming the first woman president to fly in a fighter jet, the Sukhoi-30MKI of the Indian Air Force (IAF), on Wednesday morning.

IAF vice chief Air Vice Marshal P.K. Barbora Tuesday said the force was 'proud of the moment' when Patil will fly in the Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet, which also symbolises women empowerment.

"It is a record in the world that the first lady president will fly in one of the finest fighter jets. Not just the IAF but India should be proud of it. For a lady to fly at this age it might well get into the Limca books of record," said Barbora.

"It was the president's own desire. she wanted to fly and it is an order for us," added Barbora.

The aircraft commanded by Wing Commander S Sajan took off smoothly in the slightly chilly, but sunny early winter morning from the Lohegaon Air Force base in Pune at around 1055 hrs IST

During the approximately 40 minute sortie, the aircraft would fly at an altitude of 10,000 feet at a speed of around 800 kmph or 0.9 Mach, but will not achieve the supersonic levels of around 1,100 kmph.

President Patil, 74, had breakfast and underwent a mandatory pre-flight medical test and was found fit to undertake the flight. After the medical test, she donned a G-Suit (anti-gravity suit) which helps the flier withstand high gravitational pressure by preventing excessive blood from flowing to the brain.

Besides the aircraft in which President Patil travelled in the rear seat, two other Sukhois flew beside to enable her to experience what fighter jets look like in flight at that altitude and at such high speeds.

The national and international media was present in large numbers to cover the historic event.