Air Chief leads the fly-past on the Pakistan Day Parade

Lahore: Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force led the fly-past on the Pakistan Day Parade today.

The Air Chief, who assumed command of the PAF on 19^th March 2015, is well-known for his professional acumen and passion for flying.  Keeping the tradition of his predecessors, Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman flew over the venue in an F-16 Block 52 aircraft and presented salute to the President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan 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.

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.  Immediately 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 aircraft under the command of Wing Commander Mushfiq ur Rehman and Wing Commander Asim Zia respectively.  Besides the fighter aircraft, Air Borne 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 breath taking aerobatics of 09 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 spell bound to see the spectacular maneuvers 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 maneuvers.  The spectacular air display by the Shaheens of the PAF concluded as the F-16 disappeared in the sky under the applause of mesmerized audience.