CAPTAIN

THIS POST IS NOT ABOUT FLYING

A few years back I used to fly between Delhi-Mumbai very often. I am amongst those few who are very scared in the flight. During one such flight, I built enough guts and requested the Captain and he allowed me into the cockpit. To my surprise, the Captain was having his breakfast and the co pilot was reading newspaper. I was explained various controls and was told that the plane was on auto pilot mode, hence there wasn't any need for them to hold the control physically. Since that flight,every time I get turbulence in any flight, what comes  back to my mind is the scene where Captain and Co pilot having breakfast, resulting into  bigger the scare. However, I cannot forget the words of the Captain while I was leaving the cockpit after thanking him.He said “YOU MUST TRUST THE CAPTAIN”. Most of us do.

THIS POST IS NOT ABOUT FLYING

In 2009, a new aviation company (more of pvt ltd) was formed under name and style of UPA II. Almost entire country invested huge stakes in it. Board of Directors “appointed” an honest man as its Captain and principle officer as the regulatory authority didn’t allow the promoter Director to take over as Captain.Stake holders were promised good returns within first 100 days.In the meantime,Captain managed to get one of his acquaintances from World bank/IMF to handle the financial issues.With a lot of fanfare,maiden flight took off and it wasn’t before it got caught into turbulence.Turbulence when captain couldn’t connect with his promoter Director due to faulty 2G communication lines,turbulence when pathetic condition of CWG stadia was visible from 10000ft, turbulence when dust of illegal mining was so visible from the cockpit, turbulence when Captain saw a 31 stories building on defense land meant for war widows, turbulence when he realized his own colleagues wouldn’t allow him a smooth flight, turbulence when he realized his on board staff consumed most of the food supplies meant for passengers, turbulence when he was told by his IMF acquaintance that henceforth concessional tickets will be sold only to those poor earning less than Rs 26/day, turbulence as his colleagues were caught playing game of chewing gums.Unable to come out of turbulence,Captain decided to make an emergency landing. 

That was the time one of his colleagues was competing Aryabhatta in reinventing ZERO.

Before emergency touchdown,Captain made an announcement!YOU MUST TRUST YOUR CAPTAIN.

Company ordered an inquiry into causes of turbulence and the losses incurred.First submission Captain made was that “He wasn’t aware.” Most of the passengers have not agreed with his statement and have decided never to fly this airline again.They were never comfortable in the flight as there wasn't any coordination,thus risking lives of passengers who were all rich and earning more than Rs 32/day.However,they agree that “YOU MUST TRUST YOUR CAPTAIN” which they did (regretfully).

Having made an emergency landing,the estimated loss is reported to be appx Rs 1.75 Lakh Crores.

THIS POST IS NOT ABOUT FLYING.

let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW.

posted 24/10/11,b k chowla