A source reveals that he has been preparing for this for the last few months. “He’s gone through rigorous training for the last one month and will continue to do so till his flying date. Apart from the training, there are a number of medical tests that need to be approved before he can actually sit in the cockpit.
The experience will help Shahid prepare better for his role of an Air-Force pilot in his next film Mausam.
Most of these tests are related to flying at a very high velocity and making sure the person doesn’t suffer from motion sickness. Till now he’s passed most of the medical tests and there are a couple more which will happen in the coming days.”
Before he gets into the cockpit he will run a flight simulation test which will be like flying the actual flight in the same conditions. Shahid will fly the plane at the Indian Air Force Station Yelahanka, as a part of the show which goes on air from February 9 to 13.
Other than Shahid, Ratan Tata has been the only other Indian to have got permission to fly the F16. Tata flew a 20 mins sortie in a twin seat F-16 at the 2007 Aero India Show.
Incidentally, Shahid plays an Air Force pilot in his father Pankaj Kapoor’s directorial debut Mausam opposite Sonam Kapoor. As a part of his role, he’s getting acquainted with the various aspects of fighter planes and also meeting air-force personnel to get in depth knowledge.
Sheetal Talwar producer of Mausam confirms. “Yes Shahid would be flying F 16. Shahid would get the opportunity to feel the thrills, major adrenaline rush that a pilot goes through during course of duty.”
