In the heart of the electrifying atmosphere at the Singapore Airshow, where the roar of jet engines fills the air and the sky becomes a canvas for breathtaking maneuvers, Jetline Marvel had the distinct honor of engaging with the illustrious members of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Sarang Display Team. As a beacon of precision and artistry in aerial displays, the Sarang team’s performances have captured the imagination of audiences worldwide,

The Indian Air Force (IAF) Sarang Display Team is made up of 71 Personnel including 13 Pilots, 3 Engineering Officers, and 1 Commentator. We managed to catch up with a few crew members during the Singapore Airshow 2024 and asked them some questions to better understand their job scope.

Meet the Sarang Team: (From Left, Bottom Row) Major Chandan, Wing Commander Sridhar, Group Captain Mishra, Squadron Leader Akash. (From Left, Top Row) Flight Lieutenant Pallavi, Squadron Leader Shipra.

1. 1. Tell us more about the history and heritage behind the Sarang Display team.
   The Sarang flies the advanced light helicopter, it is an indigenous aircraft, manufactured by
   an Indian company, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. We started way back in 2003, with a 3
   Helicopter display team and formed up in the year 2004. Our first display was at the Asian
   Aerospace 2004 in Singapore. It’s been 20 years, and we have performed at various
   locations both domestically and internationally. The name ‘Sarang’ means Peacock in
   Sanskrit, which is the National Bird of India.
2. 2. How did you get selected for the display team? Is there any specific requirement or
   rounds of interviews/tests you have to pass?
   To be a helicopter pilot in the Sarang Display Team, There are some qualification requirements
   laid down for all the helicopter pilots of the Indian Air Force who have minimal flight
   experience as laid down in the qualification requirements. They can opt for it and volunteer
   to join the display teams. Thereafter they will come for the trials where they will be tested for
   their flying skills. We evaluate them based on their mental acuity, flying display skills
   and team spirit. Thereafter once we get them on board, we train them gradually towards the
   display flying.
3. 3. How has your aircraft and displays evolved over the years?
   We started with a 3 aircraft team back in 2004, and thereafter we changed to a 4 aircraft
   team and finally to a 5 aircraft team. We train with new maneuvers constantly, which
   requires a lot of practice and we have to validate things both on the ground and on paper before
   becoming part of the main profile so as to ensure the routine is safe. In this airshow, we are
   performing a wide range of maneuvers, such as the Dolphin’s Leap, Cross Over Break,
   Double Arrow Cross, Mesh, Level Cross, Sarang Heart and our signature Sarang Split.
4. 4.I understand that your team also performs regularly at Aero India and other Airshows.
   How do you manage challenges such as terrain, obstructions or weather when performing
   these maneuvers at different locations?
   Every venue has its challenges and we always look forward to having an amazing
   display at every venue. However, the team always plans for these contingencies
   and makes sure that the display is entertaining for the audience. We regularly fly across the
   length and breadth of India already, which has a wide range of topography such as high-altitude mountains, deserts, jungles, plains and coastline. We always look forward to an
   amazing show.
5. 5.What’s your most memorable experience since joining the team?
   The most memorable experience was when I was converted into captain for Sarang Five.
   The team initially underwent trials for a lot of time, approximately 5 to 6 months and after my
   flight commander, I was the one who was converted into Sarang Five, so that was the most
   memorable experience, and we are the only five helicopter display team in the whole world,
   so that’s a unique experience. Furthermore, apart from the primary role involving display
   flying, we also help out with Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. For instance,
   during the Tuticorin floods in December 2023, we provided succour to people affected by the
   flood, air dropping food and essentials onto the roofs of homes submerged in the flood. Not
   only do we get to showcase our indigenously made helicopter to the world, but we could also
   make a difference to the life of our countrymen.
6. 6.What is the performance of the Dhruv Helicopter relative to the other helicopters you have
   flown?
   Compared to other helicopters which are in our inventory, we can say that this helicopter has
   unique capabilities that enable it to perform multiple roles. Other aircraft that can take
   the same or more payload cannot make it to certain elevations and require a larger space for
   landing. The Dhruv Helicopter meets all our requirements and can be suitably modified to
   take on any tasks such as relief missions or combat-related missions and even with flying
   displays. It can take on any role that you can task it, and therefore I will say that it is the best
   helicopter I have flown
7. 7. What advice do you have for people who aspire to be pilots?
   The only advice I would like to give is: You have to follow your passion. If you are into
   adventures and you are ready to take on the challenge, then the Indian Air Force is for you.
   So always strive to give your best, work hard and join the force!