Patna: Bad weather and persistent rain forced the postponement of the much-awaited Suryakiran Aerobatic Team air show at Gandhi Maidan in Motihari, East Champaran, on Thursday. The Indian Air Force performance could not be held as scheduled. Officials have not announced a fresh date.The two-hour show was expected to be the first major Suryakiran performance in Motihari. The team was to fly nine Hawk Mk-132 aircraft in precision formations and manoeuvres, including loops, barrel rolls, inverted flying and the DNA manoeuvre, with saffron, white and green smoke creating the tricolour effect.Officials said safety was paramount as the aircraft fly at high speeds and, at times, less than five metres apart. Such close formation flying cannot be safely conducted in adverse weather.The show, initially scheduled for Sept 25, was advanced to Sept 24 following the weather forecast. However, continuous rain prevented the display. The team, led by Group Captain Ajay Dasrathi, a Sukhoi-30 MKI pilot, had arrived with five new members.Formed in 1996, the Suryakiran team has conducted more than 800 shows in India and represented the Indian Air Force at international events. Its medical officer, Flight Lieutenant Adarsh Chaudhary, is from Bihar.
