Soaring high in the air

New Delhi: Not many young women considered flying a possible career option in the 1980s. But that did not deter Indraani Singh, the first Indian woman commander of Airbus 300. An achievement of that kind would have prompted many to rest on their laurels, but for Captain Indraani it was merely another chapter in the long path ahead.
Almost 10 years into her flying career, Indraani along with retired Air Marshal Denzil Keelor started non-government organisation Literacy India.
If one had conjured up a tale of great ambition and perseverance that lay behind her decision to be a pilot, Indraani de-mystifies it in one stroke. “Flying happened as I could not get into the college of arts,” she says.
“I took to flying as writers would take to writing,” says Indraani. “Flying for me is simple and about free floating. Each day you venture into new horizons,” she says.
Indraani never comes across as a woman who would let challenging circumstances weigh her down. Being a woman in what was typically a male calling those days, Indraani did face subtle barbs aimed at her gender, but it never deterred her.
Confident she remained and with time she gained the confidence of others too, including her male colleagues. “When they see the way you handle emergencies and realise you are a professional, then respect follows,” elaborates Indraani.
Being in the business of flying, Indraani says there have been emergencies too many. “Be it a bird hit, hydraulic failure or multiple engine failure, I have had it all,” she says. Emergencies in air are also the time when faith in God is reinforced for many pilots. Indraani admits most pilots have an inherent faith. “Most of us have that connection with God; that link with spirituality. We are in another domain most of the time,” she says, giving a peek into her spiritual side.
As for faith, Indraani says being alert and quick is quintessential to the job where a moment’s slackness can mean life or death. “When you are flying you are responsible for the safety of your passengers. Further, you have to think ten times ahead of others and be prepared for the unforeseen,” she explains.
The pilot who has clocked close to 9,000 hours and is still counting devotes considerable time working for underprivileged children as well as manages her family and is not intimidated by her multiple responsibilities.
16/04/07 P. Anima/The Hindu