NCC’s Idukki Airstrip Successfully Completes Aircraft Trial Landing

The National Cadet Corps (NCC) is preparing to receive small aircraft for the training of its airwing cadets at the country's first and only airstrip.

On Thursday, a two-seater Virus SW-80 aircraft successfully trial landed at the airstrip built in this hill district, according to officials.

Following the successful trial run, officials said that a necessary report will be submitted to the authorities and based on it, further decisions on the start of training for NCC air wing cadets will be made.

A 650-metre-long runway, a hangar for four small aircraft and a training facility for 50 cadets, including accommodation, have already been built.

The completion of the airstrip has given wings to the hopes of the hill district, which is vulnerable to natural disasters.

According to district administration officials, the airstrip’s primary purpose is to provide free flying training to NCC cadets, but it will also aid the district in emergency situations.

They said that Air Force planes and large helicopters can land here in an emergency.

Officials said that two previous attempts to land a small plane at the airstrip were unsuccessful due to the presence of a sand deposit. They added that the aircraft successfully landed after clearing the obstacle.