Flight Lieutenant Karishma Bhalla is a transport pilot who believes in, "Live for today, plan for tomorrow and party tonight". She is currently posted at the Palam Air Force base and loves every moment of flying. When on the ground, she likes to unwind with a long jog and a game of tennis.
Read on to know what she feels about being a pilot in the Indian Air Force.
"For me to be a pilot is more than just a career option. My father is
an aviator, and seeing him in his flying gear always fascinated
me. If asked about my ambition in life, I would always say,
"I want to be a pilot like my father." The day
I was awarded my Wings, was the culmination of everything
I had ever wished for.
Life in the Air Force is a unique combination of discipline
and excitement. But one thing is for sure…there is
never a dull moment. We begin work as early as 7:00 a.m.
to prepare for our briefing and mission. After the mission
and de-briefing session are over, a game of tennis and a
social evening with colleagues is the perfect way to relax.
But there are always times when one is required to be on
duty almost around the clock. One such instance was during
Operation Safed Sagar when I was detailed as the standby
crew. The standby crew is required to be available around
the clock, including at night. It was a busy time for everybody
in the Squadron. Each crew was doing anywhere between two
or three shuttles.
At 22:00 hours IST, I was ordered out on a CASEVAC (Casualty
Evacuation). The casualty had occurred in Amritsar. There
had been an instance of cross-border firing, resulting in
injuries to some of our Jawans. We were airborne in minutes
for the mission and headed for Amritsar. Once we reached
there, we evacuated the injured to the Military Hospital
at Ambala and then headed back for Palam. We reached Palam
at dawn, tired, but satisfied with our accomplishments.
Missions like these are routine. But every mission brings
with itself, a new challenge and a new thrill. I guess that's
the best part of being in the Air Force."
