January 18, 2002

'33'

REPUBLIC DAY FLYPAST

    The flypast on the Republic Day this year would be restricted to four Mi-8 helicopters and three SU-30 aircraft. This has been necessitated due to operational commitments.

    The flypast will be conducted in two phases, one at the beginning of the parade, comprising helicopters and second at the end of the parade, comprising fighter aircraft. The first formation consisting of four Mi-8 helicopters in an inverted wine glass formation will flypast as the parade commander arrives abeam the Saluting dais. The Second phase would be at the end of parade where three SU-30’s will fly in a Vic formation.

    The first formation of four Mi-8 helicopters will flypast carrying the national flag and the ensigns of the Army, Navy and the Air Force. The two wingmen will show flower petals over the audience, flying at a height of 200 ft and speed of 90 km/hr. The fighter aircraft flypast of three SU-30’s will be a height of 1000 ft and speed of 780 km/hr.

    BIRDS POSE A SERIOUS THREAT TO AIRCRAFT FLYING AT LOW LEVELS. EATABLES THROWN OUT IN THE OPEN ATTRACT BIRDS. TO ENSURE A SAFE FLYPAST, THE INDIAN AIR FORCE REQUESTS THE CITIZENS OF DELHI AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD NOT TO THROW EATABLES AND GARBAGE IN THE OPEN. ALSO, IF THEY FIND ANY CARCASS OUT IN THE OPEN, THEY ARE REQUESTED TO REPORT TO THE NEAREST AIR FORCE UNIT/POLICE STATION.