Date:04/02/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/02/04/stories/2007020413240300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

The show goes on at Yelahanka

Staff Reporter

Except the IAF Sarang team, all participants are at Air Station

SMART BIRDS: A file picture of a pair of F-16 jets in flight. They will be seen in action at Aero India 2007 in Bangalore.

Bangalore: Air operations were back to normal at the Yelahanka Air Force Station on Saturday after Friday's helicopter crash that claimed the life of the co-pilot and left the pilot in a critical condition.

Flying practice for Aero India 2007 is back on track with all the participants in the aerobatics displays, except the Indian Air Force (IAF) Sarang team, taking turns to hone their manoeuvres.

The aircraft billed as star attractions at the event have arrived.

Two American F-16 Fighting Falcons and the F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter aircraft and the Swedish Saab JAS 39 Gripen have noisily made Yelahanka their home for the next few days.

The Russian MIG-35 fighter has arrived with its team of elite pilots who are famous for their gravity-defying aerobatics.

The above four fighter aircraft are not just vying for spectator attention but also, more importantly, trying to impress for an Air Force order for 126 multi-role fighters. There is a C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft, also of American origin, on static display.

It is vital that the various flying teams get enough practice time.

First, they will have to establish a rapport and understand procedures with the IAF personnel who are in the air traffic control (ATC) tower. Then they have to tailor their display to the Yelahanka air base.

It is said the pilots need to spot landmarks on the ground, which will indicate to them where they have to make their turns, climbs and descents.

The runway at the airbase is on an east-west orientation and all the flying will be restricted to its northern side. This is due to safety concerns for spectators who will be in the viewing area to the south. There are restrictions on how low the aircraft can fly.

The mood at the air base is sombre as the personnel are trying to come to terms with Friday's tragedy.

But signs of a camaraderie developing between pilots from different nations can be seen as groups of them stand and watch all the action in the air.