बगुला भगत
The Questions
1. What first drew you to aviation, and when did you know you wanted to be The beautiful clouds in the blue sky inspired my desire to become a pilot.
I wanted to see what’s above them and whether I could walk over them. However, when I read about heroic stories of pilots who fought in wars and saw the pictures of fighter/bomber aircraft, I was determined to fly one of them.
2. Can you share a memorable moment from your training days?
During my training on the MiG-21 T-77, which was so fast that it was also known as the sports car of the fighter aircraft. I enjoyed every bit of the challenging air combat, low flying, and rocket firing. Flying had presented me with a great opportunity to satisfy my urge for adventure. My typical rejoin pattern (coming back to land at base) was to come at the dead side (non-traffic side, opposite to the circuit area) of the airfield at a height of 4 km, do a half roll, and turn cross continuously descending to 300 m for a curved approach to land. On certain days, while coming back from the firing range, I did rolls, barrel rolls, and loops, taking care that no traffic was around. It was a pure aviator’s joy.
3. You flew the Su-30—one of the IAF’s most advanced fighter jets. What was that experience like?
The Sukhoi–30 MKI took my aviation experience to the next level because it is a highly maneuverable fighter with great thrust and long endurance, as well as range. It is the heaviest fighter aircraft in the IAF, which is feather-light on controls. I was fortunate to fly it to the limit, Mach 2.0 (2350 km/h at 12 km altitude), a number of times, and also took part in a low-level aerobatic display at Aero India 2007. I also did a demonstration skydiving jump on the same day during this event.
4. Are there any life lessons from your time in the Air Force that still guide you today?
The best lesson that my experience in the IAF taught me is to be fearless. The only fear I keep is that I shouldn’t do anything wrong to anyone.
5. What’s the most exhilarating mission or flight you recall from your IAF career?
During my operational training on the Su-30K, which was a Russian Flanker jet, I flew a multirole mission. The mission included dropping practice bombs in a dive attack at a firing range in a borderline area and firing 30 mm cannon guns at a target in the air, which was towed behind another fighter aircraft, followed by a 2 versus 2 air combat mission. The whole exercise needed three times my strength, attention, and memory.
6. Coming to your transition to civil aviation, how different is it to fly a commercial aircraft compared to a fighter jet?
Smile, sit back, relax, and enjoy the Star Air experience. Jokes apart, flying a commercial aircraft needs more regulatory compliance, smoother flying, weather avoidance, and good crew resource management.
7. What were the biggest adjustments you had to make when moving from the Air Force to commercial flying?
Be a student again, read big manuals, and keep travelling.
8. What’s your favourite route to fly with Star Air, and why?
Flying to Shivamogga and Goa (Mopa). Shivamogga is a VFR aerodrome, which demands a completely manual flying approach. It has a picturesque surrounding with green hills, lakes, and beautiful weather. Goa (Mopa), on the other hand, also offers glimpses of sea and a well-made runway, beautiful infrastructure, and a generous sea breeze.
9. How do you ensure passengers have a smooth and safe journey every time?
Following the standard operating procedures, anticipating weather avoidances, and making smooth touch-downs.
10. Any behind-the-scenes moments or little rituals before take-off that you’d like to share?
Behind the scenes, a ritual takes place in the dispatch office where pilots prepare for the flight, studying weather and voluminous NOTAMs and planning their fuel, load, and alternates.
11. What advice would you give to aspiring pilots—both in the Air Force and in commercial aviation?
The best advice I can give is to join aviation only if you love flying, rest everything will fall in place. If you love what you do, you are ready to meet every challenge with excitement; otherwise, it becomes a burden.
12. How do you personally keep your skills sharp and stay motivated in the cockpit?
A healthy mind resides in a healthy body. Physical fitness, a jovial temperament, and a readiness to learn, curious attitude are the key ingredients for a flight. Every crew member should be able to able to go back home with a smile and should feel eager to fly again.
13. When you’re not flying, how do you like to spend your time?
I consider free time as a gift from above. Three activities that are prioritised are meditation, physical fitness, and writing. I have published 10 books and many papers based on extensive research and personal experiences. These are available on my website www.adventuressmalik.com
14. If you could take a flight anywhere in the world (just for leisure), where would you go and why?
I would like to fly to South America and explore Machu Picchu. Located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, it has a mysterious history connected with ancient aliens. The Incas' architectural and engineering prowess was remarkable. The original inhabitants of South America are also known as Indians. I also want to climb Mt Aconcagua in Argentina.
