The skies over Bengaluru witnessed a historic moment in February 2007, when Ratan Tata took to the air in a high-speed adventure that only a select few have ever experienced. At 69, Tata, a renowned industrialist and philanthropist, was invited by the US defence contractor Lockheed Martin to co-pilot an F-16 fighter jet at the Aero India Show.
Tata, a licensed pilot with a passion for aviation, embraced the opportunity. Co-piloting the F-16 under the guidance of an experienced Lockheed Martin pilot, he demonstrated the spirit of curiosity and adventure that defined his extraordinary life. During the half-hour flight, he took control of the combat aircraft, soaring through the skies at breakneck speeds and navigating altitudes as low as 500 feet. The experience, described by Tata as “exhilarating,” was a perfect reflection of his lifelong pursuit of pushing boundaries.
In an interview with NDTV immediately following the flight, Tata shared his excitement: “You end up feeling very timid. We did a few things when the commander took over and did some roles, and all of it was very exciting. We went down to around 500 ft of the deck and it flew around the topography, and it’s just unbelievable… You just climb over a hill and come down, turn on your side or turn over. It’s just unbelievable.”
The pilot, who accompanied Tata on this remarkable journey, recalled the experience with admiration: “He was absolutely thrilled. The highlight was when we flew at low altitudes—around 500 feet—at 600 knots. You get a real sense of how fast this aircraft can move.”
Lockheed Martin officials greeted Tata with a miniature replica of the F-16 upon landing, commemorating the moment. The flight came at a time when Lockheed Martin was competing for a major defence contract with India, but for Tata, the flight was much more than a business opportunity—it was the realisation of a lifelong dream.
This wasn’t the only airborne feat he accomplished that week. The very next day, Tata took to the skies again, this time in Boeing’s F-18 Super Hornet. Larger and more powerful than the F-16, the F-18 is a key asset in the US Navy’s fleet. Flying two of the world’s most advanced fighter jets back-to-back was a testament to Tata’s enduring passion for aviation and innovation.
Ratan Tata passed away at the age of 86 in Mumbai on Wednesday, leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond the boardrooms and factories of Tata Group. He was a visionary who not only transformed the industrial landscape of India but also exemplified grace, humility, and a relentless drive to explore new horizons—whether on the ground or in the sky.
As we bid farewell to this towering figure, we remember a man who touched countless lives, not just as a business leader but as a true pioneer. His flight over the Bengaluru skies remains a fitting symbol of a life that soared beyond expectations and limitations.
