This is the remarkable story of fighters and flying as seen through the eyes of a ‘pure pilot’. The book takes the reader through a memorable journey as we retrace the flights of Air Chief Marshal H. Moolgavkar PVSM, MVC (retd), from the time he joined the fledgling Indian Air Force in 1940 till he retired 38 years later as the Chief of Air Staff. The narrative makes for riveting reading.
During World War II, there are first hand accounts from the young officer of what took place in the Burma campaigns. Later, as a Wing Commander in charge of No. I Operational Wing during the Kashmir Operations in 1948, his experiences are again embellished with extracts from his flying log book. His outstanding performance in this theatre earned for him the Maha Vir Chakara but what comes through at all times is his indomitable spirit of ‘Leading from the Cockpit’.
In fact the history of the India Air Force unfolds as he gains in rank and responsibility even as the IAF evaluates and acquires new aircraft and establishes new air bases. Considered “Exceptional” in his flying proficiency, Arvind Moolgavkar flew an incredible 66 different types of aircraft and was most at home in the cockpit. As Chief of Air Staff, he ensured that the accident rate came down to acceptable standards and implemented major reforms in the personal policies which has had major impact on the Service which can be seen today, may decades later.
Air Chief Marshal H. Moolgavkar turned 90 years of age on 14th August, 2010 when this book was completed.
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