Air Chief Marshal AP Singh takes NCC cadet Jakkula Tejasvi Reddy on special flying sortie at Dundigal

New Delhi, October 24, 2026: Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flew a special sortie with National Cadet Corps Senior Wing Cadet Jakkula Tejasvi Reddy at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, on October 20, 2026, giving the young cadet a rare opportunity to experience military aviation alongside the Indian Air Force’s top officer.

The sortie came just ahead of the Air Chief’s final flying sortie with his first flying instructor, adding a further layer of significance to the occasion.

Cadet Tejasvi underwent the full set of pre-flight preparations before the sortie. These included cockpit familiarisation, safety briefings, ejection-procedure familiarisation and mandatory medical checks, in line with standard flying protocols.

Before the aircraft took off, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh briefed the cadet on the Kiran aircraft, explaining its main specifications and components, including the engine’s functioning, cockpit procedures and the safety mechanisms built into the platform.

Once airborne, the Air Chief demonstrated a range of manoeuvres, flight angles and steep turns, giving the cadet first-hand exposure to the operational and technical demands of military flying.

In a notable gesture, the CAS also allowed Cadet Tejasvi to practise flight manoeuvres under his direct guidance, turning the sortie into a hands-on learning experience rather than a purely observational flight.

The flight gave the NCC Air Wing cadet practical exposure to aviation and further strengthened her aspiration of becoming an aviator. It also reflected the Indian Air Force’s approach to mentoring young people with an interest in flying and encouraging them to consider careers in the armed forces.

The National Cadet Corps has long played an important role in developing leadership, discipline, confidence and technical skills among young Indians. Through its Air Wing training programmes, cadets are introduced to aviation-related knowledge and given opportunities to build practical familiarity with flying while exploring possible careers in the Indian Air Force.

The initiative also fits within the broader vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, which places emphasis on skill development, leadership opportunities and youth participation in nation-building.

The interaction between Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and Cadet Jakkula Tejasvi Reddy stands out as an encouraging example of senior military leadership supporting the next generation of aspiring aviators, especially young women who are looking at careers in military aviation.