At the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, a special flying sortie on October 20, 2026, brought Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh together with National Cadet Corps Senior Wing Cadet Jakkula Tejasvi Reddy for a rare first-hand experience of military flying. The interaction placed an NCC cadet inside a training environment usually reserved for professional aviators, with the Indian Air Force’s highest-ranking officer personally guiding the experience.
What happened during the sortie
The sortie took place ahead of the Air Chief’s final flying sortie with his first flying instructor, adding significance to the occasion. Before the flight, Cadet Tejasvi completed cockpit familiarisation, safety briefings, ejection-procedure familiarisation and mandatory medical checks, which were part of the required pre-flight process.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh then briefed the cadet on the Kiran aircraft, covering its major components, engine functioning, cockpit procedures and safety mechanisms. Once airborne, he demonstrated flying manoeuvres, flight angles and steep turns, giving the cadet exposure to the operational side of military aviation.
In a notable gesture, the CAS allowed Cadet Tejasvi to practise flight manoeuvres under his direct guidance. That made the sortie more than an observational flight and gave the cadet a hands-on learning opportunity.
Why the interaction stands out
The flight gave the NCC Air Wing cadet practical exposure and reinforced her interest in becoming an aviator. It also reflected the Indian Air Force’s approach to mentoring young people who show interest in flying and may consider a career in the Armed Forces.
The National Cadet Corps is described in the source as an institution that helps develop leadership, discipline, confidence and technical skills among young Indians. Through its Air Wing training programmes, cadets are introduced to aviation-related knowledge and practical experience while exploring possible careers in the Indian Air Force.
The report also places the initiative within the broader vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, with emphasis on skill development, leadership opportunities and youth participation in nation-building.
Overall, the interaction between Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and Cadet Jakkula Tejasvi Reddy is presented as an encouraging example of senior military leadership supporting aspiring aviators, especially young women interested in military aviation.
