Date:11/02/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/02/11/stories/2007021120310400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Aviation buffs throng Aero India show

Staff Reporter

Aircraft at the show enthral the audience

BIG DRAW: A section of the crowd at the air show held at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bangalore on Saturday. — Photo: Bhagya Prakash K.

BANGALORE: It was a curious sight on Saturday morning on the six-lane Bellary Road from the Hebbal flyover till the Yelahanka Air Base. The stretch leading to the "Aero-India 2007" air show seemed like it had all the cars in Bangalore, while the opposite lane lay blank. The first of the two public days of the biennial international aerospace exposition had just begun. For the thousands who never missed the shows, the trip had almost taken on a pilgrimage-like avatar.

Packed into cars, SUVs, special BMTC buses and motorcycles, the city's aviation buffs — young and old — had started early to reach the Air Base on time. For, they were not willing to miss the morning aerial displays, the legendary Surya Kiran aerobatics and the big foreign aircraft making waves in the aviation world. Yet, the traffic spoilt their plans, and they ended up waiting for the evening displays.

As if to calm them, the Surya Kirans turned up in full strength charging up the sky with the characteristic aerial loops, cupid smoke lines, rising sun manoeuvres and majestic cross runs high up there. Many had seen it all in the previous air shows. But in the wake of the mishaps involving the Advanced Light Helicopter and the Intermediate Jet Trainer, the Surya Kirans apparently had a balmy effect. The cheers only reinforced that feeling of pride.

Children disappointed

The stalls were barred for children under 15 years of age. And that disappointed a whole lot of young aviation buffs and their parents, many of whom had paid Rs. 750 for a ticket. The aerial and the static displays were all that the children could stare at. Only adults apparently had the right to know what made those flying machines rise up in the air. Glimpses from the big hall doors were all that the youngsters got to see.

Disappointed were also the usual brochure hunters. Sensing a rush, the stall attendants had kept all the brochures locked away. The chaotic halls of the previous air shows were still fresh in their memories.

In all that rush, at least two children got separated from their parents, and ended up before the announcers. The parents, wherever they were, had just to note down the contact number and rush to the particular Indian Air Force section.

The food courts and the soft drink stalls were packed, the tarmac outside the big halls had people squatting, walking, watching. Flying in style, the Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-29K and Gripen fighters enthralled them. After three days of impressing the defence industry, the global aviation bigwigs had time to build some public image. Outside the Air Base, on the Bellary Road beyond the Base gates, it was a free show. Over 50 vehicles were parked on the roadside, with people watching the aircraft on air and parked on the tarmac. From that spot, the Air Base was at a height, just the right setting for a dramatic view.