Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh completes final IAF sortie in Hyderabad with instructor who first taught him to fly
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Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh concluded his distinguished flying career with a final sortie in Hyderabad, reuniting with his original flight instructor. The flight marked a full-circle moment, bridging his 1984 graduation from the Air Force Academy with his retirement in 2026.
A Legacy Takes Flight: Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh's Final Sortie
In a poignant conclusion to a decorated career, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh completed his final flying sortie in an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft on October 20, 2026. This final flight, conducted at the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal near Hyderabad, served as a symbolic bookend to a journey that began over four decades ago. By taking to the skies one last time, the Air Chief reinforced the deep-seated traditions of mentorship and excellence that define the Indian Air Force.
The Full Circle: From Cadet to Chief
The narrative of Air Chief Marshal Singh’s career is one of remarkable consistency and dedication. Having passed out from the AFA in 1984 with the prestigious Sword of Honour, he transitioned from a promising cadet to the pinnacle of military leadership. The 55-minute sortie in the HJT-16 Kiran Mk-1 trainer—bearing tail number U 707—was not merely a routine check-ride but a deliberate homage to his foundational years. It serves as a reminder that even at the highest echelons of command, the bond between a pilot and their first instructor remains an indelible part of their professional identity.
Mentorship and the IAF Ethos
Central to this event was the reunion with Wing Commander V. S. Kochar (Retd), the instructor who first taught the Air Chief to fly in 1984. This pairing highlights the enduring nature of the guru-shishya (teacher-student) tradition within the IAF. In an era where aerial warfare is increasingly dominated by advanced technology and automated systems, this flight underscored that the human element—specifically the transmission of skill and discipline from veteran to novice—remains the bedrock of military aviation.
Historical Context and Professional Significance
The use of the HJT-16 Kiran Mk-1, a legendary platform in Indian pilot training, adds a layer of nostalgia to the event. For Air Chief Marshal Singh, whose first-ever sortie occurred on January 28, 1984, the transition from that initial flight to his final retirement flight in 2026 encapsulates the evolution of the IAF during his tenure. His career path reflects the broader institutional growth of the force, moving from the training paradigms of the 1980s to the modern, complex operational requirements of the current decade.
Broader Implications for the Indian Air Force
Such ceremonies are vital for institutional morale. By participating in this final sortie, Air Chief Marshal Singh sets a precedent for leadership that values tradition and personal history. It signals to the current cadre of cadets at the Air Force Academy that the path from trainee to Air Chief is built upon the foundational training they receive today. This event serves as a powerful morale booster, emphasizing that while the aircraft and technology change, the core values of the Air Force—integrity, service, and excellence—remain constant.
Concluding Reflections
As Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh prepares for his transition into retirement, his final flight stands as a testament to a lifetime of service. It brings closure to a career that began with the Sword of Honour and concludes with the highest level of professional satisfaction: sharing the cockpit once more with the person who first ignited his passion for aviation. This final sortie is not just an end, but a legacy moment that will inspire future generations of IAF pilots.
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