Air Chief Sohail Aman leads fly-past at Pakistan Day parade

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman led the fly-past on the occasion of the Pakistan Day parade here on Monday.

The air chief, who assumed command of the PAF on March 19, is well known for his professional acumen and passion for flying.

Following the tradition of his predecessors, he flew over the venue in an F-16 Block 52 aircraft and presented salute to President Mamnoon Hussain by performing a magnificent vertical roll over the parade square. The fascinated audience fervently watched as the newly appointed air chief’s aircraft disappeared in the sky, said a PAF press release.

Following the air chief, a four-ship box formation of F-16 aircraft, under the command of Air Vice Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Air Officer Commanding, Central Air Command, flew past the saluting dais. Right behind F-16s, was the formation of JF-17 Thunder aircraft led by Wing Commander Noman Khalil. A four-ship formation of F-7PG aircraft was also part of the fly-past. The formation, led by Wing Commander Sohail Akbar, elegantly flew past the venue. Next to enter the arena were the formations of Mirage and F-7P aircrafts under the command of Wing Commander Mushfiqur Rehman and Wing Commander Asim Zia respectively. Besides the fighter aircraft, airborne surveillance platforms of the PAF also participated in the fly-past for the first time in the history. First, the SAAB 2000 AEW&C aircraft, flown by Wing Commander Syed Inamullah flew past the venue following which Karakoram Eagle-3 AWACS aircraft, flown by Wing Commander Zulfiqar Ali, gave its maiden appearance before the nation.

The fly-past was followed by some breathtaking aerobatics of nine-ship formation of ‘Sherdils’, the aerobatics team of Pakistan Air Force Academy, Risalpur. Wing Commander Amjad Mehmood was leading the Sherdil Formation as it appeared on the horizon spreading the colours. The spectators thoroughly enjoyed their aerobatics in the K-8 Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft and showed their appreciation by clapping and chanting slogans.

After the thrilling performance of Sherdil Aerobatics Team, the locally produced JF-17 Thunder aircraft entered the arena which was flown by Wing Commander Mian Usman Ali. The audience were left spellbound to see the spectacular manoeuvres of this aircraft, rightfully called the Pride of the Nation. Moments after the departure of JF-17 Thunder, the roaring and thundering F-16 fighting falcon appeared on the horizon for solo aerobatics display.

Wing Commander Azman Khalil, who was piloting the lethal weapon system, enthralled the audience with his jaw dropping and exuberant aerobatic manoeuvres. The spectacular air display by the Shaheens of the PAF concluded as the F-16 disappeared in the sky under the applause of mesmerised audience.