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'It was like piloting any other plane'

It was a memorable day for Wing Commander Rajiv Kothiyal who piloted the indigenously built Light Combat Aircraft on its maiden flight at the HAL airport Thursday morning.

In a chat with newpersons, the test pilot said ''I was little apprehensive. But once I got strapped on, I carried out the pre-flight checks and it was like piloting any other aircraft,'' he said.

Wing Cdr Kothiyal took off at the airport in the presence of Defence Minister George Fernandes, Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister Vasudev Atre, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Tipnis, Scientific Advisor to Union Government Abdul Kalam and a host of top defence officials.

He made a perfect landing after an 18 minute flight which put India on the international map for development of fighter aircraft.

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee Thursday congratulated the scientists and others involved in the building of the LCA.

This was disclosed by Defence Minister George Fernandes at a meeting of scientists involved in the project. ''When I wanted to telephone the prime minister soon after the aircraft took off, some officials told me to wait for touch down. After the aircraft landed smoothly, I informed the prime minister and he conveyed his greetings and congratulations to everyone who was involved in the mission,'' he added.

UNI

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