Kalam on wings of fire
Before taking off, the President was given a guard of honour and met senior defence officials. He then went on to change into the G-suit required on the Sukhoi.
The G-Suit is an anti-gravitational suit and helps in proper blood circulation when the flight flies at supersonic speeds.
The President's day began with a light breakfast. Two hours later he had to undergo flight training exercises.
When the time for the flight came, President Kalam calmly waved out to the assembled crowd and got into the cockpit.
Image: President Kalam boarding the Sukhoi; (inset) With Wing Commander Ajay Rathore who piloted the flight.
Also See: At home with the President