IAF, Pak Air Force share tips on flight safety

When it comes to flight safety, India and Pakistan are ready to forget their traditional rivalry and gain from each other’s experiences in combat flying.

When it comes to flight safety, India and Pakistan are ready to forget their traditional rivalry and gain from each other’s experiences in combat flying. For the first time, the countries exchanged notes on issues ranging from pilot fatigue to stress levels faced by their Air Force pilots at an International Flight Safety Conference in the Capital.

Pakistani Air Attache Group Captain Shahid Akhtar Alvi, one of the participants from 26 countries invited for the conference, said the gesture was likely to be reciprocated when his country holds a similar event back home next year.

The conference, which discussed issues ranging from safety management to human factors in accidents, was the second of its kind organised by IAF and marks the culmination of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the Air Force. “This is the first time that we have invited the Pakistan Air Force (for the event). Flight safety is everyone’s concern,” said Air Chief Marshal FH Major.

Story continues below this ad

Sources said the Pakistani Air Force could not send a larger team due to short notice. “Hopefully, we can have larger participation at the next conference,” said an officer.

Defence Minster AK Antony, who delivered the closing address, said it was vital for countries to come together and share best practices to keep pace with the changing technology and newer challenges in flight safety.