The Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Fali Major ‘flagged off’ a ‘Round the World’ Microlight expedition today from Air Force Station Hindon. The Microlight expedition has been undertaken by two IAF pilots Wg Cdr R Monga and Wg Cdr Anil Kumar. This expedition is a part of ongoing IAF platinum jubilee celebration, with a purpose of living the spirit of adventure and international goodwill.

The expedition has been undertaken in a German manufactured Microlight aircraft called the ‘CSTW Advance’. The Microlight aircraft would be attempting to cover more than 39,000 kms in about 45 days. In addition, rest and maintenance activities have been planned on 19 days. This would also be an attempt to set a new world record for fastest time in circumnavigating the world in 300-500 kg weight category. The route has been approved by the Aero Club of India, which represents Federation Aeronautique International (FAI), the governing body for aerosports.

Wg Cdr Monga, on being asked how he feels to be going around the world for the expedition, said “We are keen on getting on with the expedition. I am proud to represent the country and the Indian Air Force in such an event. Me and my entire team have put in a lot of effort ‘planning’ the expedition, it’s time to live it. With God’s grace and well wishes of the entire country we will be successful”.

The Empty weight of Microlight is 300 kgs and it has a range of 1400 km. The Microlight has ceiling of 14,000 feet. It has a glass cockpit, and electronic flight instrumentation system (EFIS), internal GPS, a satellite tracker and a VOR coupled R/T set. It is also fitted with an emergency parachute recovery system.

The IAF is attempting an expedition requiring great fortitude. The expedition will be a true test of both men and machine. There will be challenges of extremes of weather, change of time zones, flying through different countries and interacting with various agencies all across the world. The crew would be totally independent; even for undertaking scheduled servicing. In addition to highlighting the capability of IAF in undertaking such an expedition, it also embodies the true sprit of adventurous aviation. The route of Microlight would be from Delhi (India) – Myanmar – Thailand – China – Russia – Canada – Alaska – Greenland – EU Countires – Turkey – UAE – Oman and back to India.