Clouds clip Surya Kiran show for Mysuru Dasara but crew hopes to return today

Mysuru/Bengaluru: The Surya Kiran aerobatic team had spent hours preparing its aircraft and pilots for a nine-jet spectacle over Mysuru, but the weather had other plans. Overnight rain and cloudy skies forced the Indian Air Force team to delay Sunday’s Dasara air show by 45 minutes and limit its performance to three basic horizontal manoeuvres, leaving the crowd waiting for the full display.The team, however, remained hopeful of returning Monday with its complete repertoire, weather permitting.“We were very happy to be here for the auspicious occasion of Mysuru Dasara and were looking forward to performing before the crowd. Unfortunately, the weather forced us to limit the display to three manoeuvres. We regret not being able to complete the full performance,” said wing commander Abhimanyu Tyagi of the Surya Kiran team.Clear skies are essential for the team’s intricate aerobatics, particularly its high-altitude vertical formations. Despite the curtailed show, spectators who had gathered from across the state applauded the pilots for taking to the skies despite the conditions.Pooja R, an IT professional from Bengaluru, said, “We had come to see the air show, but due to heavy overnight rain and cloudy skies, the programme was delayed. We thank the entire Surya Kiran team for making the effort to perform a few manoeuvres despite the unfavourable conditions.”While the weather determines what the audience sees, preparations for a display begin hours before take-off. Around 180 ground personnel, working in three teams, carry out detailed inspections and coordinate with pilots to ensure the aircraft are ready.For Naveen Kumar, who has spent six and a half years with the team, the working day begins around 4 am, even when the scheduled take-off is at 9 am.“In the daily inspection, the integrity of the panels, all engine oil, hydraulic oil, all the levels should be within parameters,” he said.The coordination continues through the day. Squadron Leader Bhavesh Sharma, who flies in the number five position in the team’s signature nine-aircraft diamond formation, said pilots first report to the daily servicing section, where the ground crew is based.“This inherent bond between the technician and the air crew is very important, because we need to have full trust in the people who are maintaining our aircraft,” he said.Technicians undergo six months of basic training, 16 months of technical training and a further four to six months of specialised aircraft training before being posted to the team. Pilots, meanwhile, undergo six to eight months of intensive training after joining.Based in Bidar, the team operates from Yelahanka for the Mysuru Dasara event. It comprises 18 officers, including 13 pilots, three engineering officers, a commentator and a medical officer. Group captain Ajay Dasarathi is the team leader and commanding officer.The team, one of only four in the world capable of performing nine-aircraft aerobatic displays, is hoping the weather will allow it to deliver the full spectacle Monday.BoxMysuru Palace, Vampire among planned formationsThe Surya Kiran team has planned special formations for Mysuru, including an outline of Mysuru Palace and a Vampire aircraft formation, alongside other minor changes to its usual display. Its signature manoeuvre remains the nine-aircraft diamond, with pilots holding precise positions while flying in close formation.Squadron leader Diwakar Sharma said the team was keen to present its full display to the Dasara crowd, subject to favourable weather.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bengaluru | Silver Rate in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru | Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Petrol Price in Bengaluru | Diesel Price in Bengaluru | CNG Price in Bengaluru | LPG Price in BengaluruStay updated with the latest Bengaluru news. Download the TOI App.