UNFOLDING RATAN TATA'S PASSION FOR AVIATION

"IT IS WITH A PROFOUND SENSE OF LOSS THAT WE BID FAREWELL to Ratan Naval Tata, a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation," N. Chandrasekaran's statement confirmed the news, that hit millions of Indians like a ton of bricks.

- Swaati Ketkar

The nation stood still in tribute to a leader, industrialist, and philanthropist whose legacy would forever be etched in the hearts of millions. People spoke about him, remembered their times with him with smiles and tears together. Very few people in this world have this profound power that leaves anyone and everyone, remotely knowing him with a sense of deep loss and despair.

Last few days, we have seen and everything about Ratan Tata, the more we read, the more we are mesmerised and intrigued by his life, his principles and his good deeds. Recalling one such incidence in his life, Ratan Tata was facing a steady stream of questions from students in Havard Business School when one of the students asked him, "Sir, it's a simple question, what excites you the most?" Ratan Tata took a second, and in his usual jovial manner replied, "How can I say that in public!" leaving the students in splits of laughter. Most of us know the answer to the above question, the one thing that excited him the most was 'flying'.

Interestingly Ratan Tata was one of the few civilians to experience flying two of the world's most advanced fighter jets - the F-16 and F-18 fighter jet. The year was 2007, at the Aero India show, a 69-year-old Ratan Tata, excited like a kid took hold of the control stick in the fighter's cockpit. He fulfilled his long-held dream in that half-hour ride. Ratan Tata, who held licenses to fly both jets and helicopters flew a Lockheed Martin F-16 Jet for half-hour. Soaring through clear skies and reaching altitudes as low as 500 feet, he described his experience as nothing short of 'exhilarating'. At Aero India 2011, Ratan Tata took to skies once again - this time on a Boeing F-18 Super Hornet, larger and more powerful than the F-16. "It was a terrific, terrific ride. I really enjoyed today's flight," he said while speaking to media later.