The Indian Air Force will complete 75 years on October 8, 2007. As part of its Platinum Jubilee celebration, a round the world microlight expedition has been “flagged off’ on June 1, 2007, from air force station Hindon, India.

The microlight expedition is being undertaken by two Indian Air Force pilots wing commander R Monga and wing commander Anil Kumar who have approx. 3000 h each of flying experience. The purpose of the expedition is to live the spirit of adventure and international goodwill. The expedition is being undertaken in a German manufactured microlight aircraft called the ‘CSTW Advance’. The microlight aircraft would be attempting to cover more than 39,000kms in about 45 days, excluding 19 days planned for rest. This would also be an attempt to set a new world record for fastest time in circumnavigating the world in 300-500kg weight category. The empty weight of microlight is 300kg and it has a range of 1400km. The microlight has ceiling of 14000 feet. It has a glass cockpit, and Electronic Flight Instrumentation system (EFIS), internal Global Positioning System, a satellite tracker and a VOR coupled R/T set. It is also fitted with an emergency parachute recovery system. The Indian Air Force is attempting the expedition which requires great fortitude and it will be a true test of both men and machine. There will be challenges of extremes of weather, change of time zones, flying through different countries and interacting with various agencies all across the world. The crew would be totally independent; even for undertaking scheduled servicing all by themselves. In addition to highlighting the capability of Indian Air Force in undertaking such an expedition, it also embodies the true spirit of adventurous aviation. The route of microlight would be from Delhi (India)-Myanmar-Thailand-China-Russia-Canada-Alask a-Greenland-EU Countries-Turkey-Iran-UAE-Qman and back to India. The microlight aircraft is planned to visit Iran in the month of Aug 2007. It is scheduled to have administrative halts at Tabriz, Kermanshah, Isfahan, Shiraz and Bandar Abbas and then exit to Muscat. The expedition team will remain in Iran for five days and would also visit the historical cities of Tabriz, Isfahan and Shiraz. The uniqueness of the adventure lies in its ability to circumvate the earth with an aircraft weighing 300kg on 80 horsepower engine, much like an Iranian Samand car. It is a true challenge to human spirit and endurance, exhibiting guts and grit. In fact, a perfect tribute to the mighty air warriors of the Indian Air Force, who have protected India’s air sovereignty for last 75 years.