Raw Courage or  Unbiased Logic

     It was one of those dull and dark nights that frequent the rustic and remote air base at West Bengal in Apr/May months. Bengal has a unique phenomena called Karl Baisakhi. Just close to the monsoon time, there are thunder filled clouds that seem to be going away and suddenly they veer and come towards you giving intense thundershower and lightning. These are very hazardous for flying and usually one doesnt venture or take to skies during this period of time. Incidentally, this place is also famous for two things; severe cases of lightning and very large and poisonous cobras.

     On that night at around 2000 hours, we all got together for the pre flight briefing and grim forecasts were indicated by the meteorological officer as regards weather was concerned. All the airbases in the vicinity including Calcutta were raining heavily and if we flew and thunder hit our base we would have no place to land especially so as it was totally dark. Some of the more joshila fighter pilots had a score to settle with me as I often prophesised on issues related to courage. They looked at me and queried "Can we not attempt to fly at least". Come on you can do it was the hidden message in their eyes. Thereby, directly throwing the gauntlet at me.

   All the logic said Capital No, go home and watch TV. But the quirk in their eyes made my decision. I asked one of the in-experienced pilots to come with me. When we went to the aircraft, even the technicians couldnt believe their eyes. But the fighter pilot's ego cannot be compromised. As we lined up on the runway for take off, lightning seemed much more closer, though the weather officer had told us that it was going away and not coming close. However, all the instincts told me avoid and go back. We did get airborne thereafter.

  Due to extensive turbulent clouds, we flew at low altitudes closer to the ground; imagine on a dark, dingy and a rough night. When we came on the outskirts of Calcutta, the Air Traffic Control told us that the bad weather had veered and was heading directly towards our air base; only Karl Baisahi can do this. Further, to come quickly and land as there was no other place to go. I dont know why, when there is no alternative, one always turns to God. I  increased the aircraft speed to around 1000 km/hour and headed directly for the base. I didnt know at that time, if I could make it back since we were around 100 km away. The concern on the face of my companion increased and he worriedly asked me, if he would ever see his family again. In a voice that seemed totally calm, only I knew what was happenning inside my mind, I told him just dont worry, it is a piece of cake.
 
     From far we tried to make a direct approach for landing. As I reduced the speed of the aircraft and turned towards the runway, the first impact of Karl Baisakhi was on. The aircraft seemed to jump up, hang in the air and now come rapidly down . After controlling the effect of this turbulent weather, I striaghtened for landing. It was now a race with the thunderstorm whether it won or I would land safely. As I touched down on the runway, it started to drizzle and by the time, we slowed down, cleared the runway and reached the parking apron. The skies had opened up with vengeance and it started to pour and pour with lightning and thunder. It did not stop for the next two hours. If we had been a few minutes late, then there would have been no tomorrow. I am sure it was God who gave me those extra few seconds. As we came out of the cockpit, we were completely drenched and when I reached the changing room, the whole lot was waiting there with concern. I did manage to give a nonchallant look, despite being thoroughly shaken up. I had made my point, but at what cost.

       The raw courage had won, but I still think that it was a huge mistake and prudence should have been the better part of valour. But, then tell me isnt the line between courage and foolhardiness thin.   What would you have done in my place?