Article Posted on : - Oct 16, 2008

Surya Kiran acrobatic team of Indian Air Force in action at the inauguration of India Aviation 2008 at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad on Wednesday. PTI Photo

HYDERBAD (PTI): A spectacular fly-past by Suryakirans of the Indian Air Force marked the inauguration of the country's first-ever international civil aviation exhibition and conference, 'India Aviation-2008' at the old Begumpet Airport here on Wednesday.

The IAF pilots in nine Suryakirans enthralled the visitors with their dare devil stunts that included reverse swings, diamond formation among others.

Later in the day, nine skydivers of the Indian Parashooting Federation, part of the Aero Club of India, displayed their skills in the para-sailing and para-jumping events.

After jumping from a height of 7,500 feet from Cessna aircraft, the sky divers opened their parachutes between 3,500 and 4,000 feet in the sky and landed at the pre-determined areas at the airport.

The opening day of the 'India Aviation-2008' also saw the hot-air ballooning event. The four-day event, jointly organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Federation of Indian Chambers and Industry (FICCI), is the first international exhibition of its kind in the country.