Soldier Pilots

Flying has inherent risks and combat flying even more so. Hence, whether in peace or at war, a fighter pilot’s life, like a soldier’s, is always at risk. The war offers glory but the loss of lives during peacetime active flying duties is soon forgotten. Yet, it should not be seen as devoid of any value just because there is no war on. In fact, the man in the cockpit is always at war with the environment and his machine, trying to be their master. Sometimes they lose, but they never give up.

There are hundreds who have thus lost their lives in these unseen battles- in the course of active flying duties, during war and in peacetime. Their names should not be forgotten but the dedication and the courage of these ‘Soldier-Pilots’ must be acknowledged by all. Not only by those who have been left behind to mourn them silently, but the entire nation must remember their contribution, to draw upon their lessons and to inspire itself to complete their missions to carry the torch forward.

Towards this, the AASF has pledged to raise an inspirational aviation institute, as a living memorial in Pune. One such Soldier-Pilot is Abhijit Gadgil who even in passing, left behind a great legacy of which this proposed memorial institute, Jeet Aerospace is the manifest form and homage to him, and all those who live forever in our hearts.