Clad in a G-Suit, President Pratibha Patil undertook a 30-minute sortie on an Su-30MKI at an altitude of 10,000 ft and a speed of around 800 kmph

November 25, 2009 will go down in the annals of history as the day on which President Pratibha Patil became the first woman President to fly in a fighter jet. Around 10.55 am, the Su-30MKI took off from the Lohegaon Air Force base in Pune with the Supreme Commander of the Indian armed forces onboard. Clad in a G-Suit, the 74-yearold Patil undertook a 30-minute sortie, wherein the aircraft flew at an altitude of 10,000 ft and a speed of around 800 kmph or 0.9 Mach (speed of sound), but did not go up to the supersonic levels of around 1,100 kmph. The flight, commanded by Wing Commander S. Sajan, went off smoothly.

“Today I had a wonderful and unique experience. I am reassured that we are well equipped and they (the armed forces) have the strength to protect our border. I feel proud at this moment,” the President enthused on disembarking from the aircraft. “The aircraft was very sophisticated. I was instructed by the pilot how to manoeuvre and I could do that. Today I am proud and every Indian should be proud of the ability and the spirit of sacrifice and the talent and capability of our armed forces. I have all admiration for them.”

Flanking the aircraft in which Patil travelled in the rear seat were two other Sukhois, affording her the experience of observing fighter jets in flight at that altitude and at such high speeds. Maharashtra Governor S.C. Jamir and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik were present to witness the historic flight.

Earlier, the President had been accorded a ceremonial guard of honour by a contingent of air warriors. Having passed a mandatory pre-flight medical test, the usually saree-clad Patil donned a G-Suit (anti-gravity suit) which ensures uninterrupted supply of blood to the brain even under high ‘g’ loads. She stepped inside the aircraft at 10.35 am, assisted by some airmen.

“There was no apprehension, but there was excitement. Practicing yoga also helped me and I also followed the instructions given by the air force officials carefully. I was, right from the beginning, very confident. I’m confident even now,” the President said.