A US aerobatic pilot has expressed strong disapproval of the Dubai Airshow’s decision to proceed with its flying program following a fatal crash involving an Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet. The pilot, Taylor “FEMA” Hiester, stated that his team chose to withdraw from their scheduled performance out of respect for the deceased officer, Wing Commander Namansh Syal, deeming the organizers’ choice to continue as ‘shocking.’
Wing Commander Syal tragically lost his life during an aerobatic maneuver on the final day of the event. Hiester shared on Instagram that while organizers maintained the original flying schedule, several participating teams, including his own, opted out of their final displays. He reflected on the common airshow adage, ‘The show must go on,’ but added a poignant reminder that such sentiments can follow profound loss.
Hiester detailed the somber scene he witnessed from a distance after the crash, including the Indian technical crew standing silently beside the Tejas’s empty parking spot, the aircraft ladder still on the ground, and the pilot’s belongings untouched. He described this as a moment that deeply affected his team, prompting contemplation of the sudden shift in reality for those involved.
What further surprised Hiester was the continued festive atmosphere among the crowds. Despite the tragedy, the airshow proceeded with its planned routines, the announcer maintaining an enthusiastic tone, and the event concluding with acknowledgments to sponsors and performers. Hiester found this disconnect between the spectacle and the underlying tragedy deeply unsettling, prompting a personal reflection on the fragility of life in aviation and the true value of his team.
He concluded that the experience served as a powerful reminder that the bonds with teammates and loved ones are paramount, surpassing the allure of airshows or performer accolades. This lesson, he noted, will remain with him long after his demonstration flying career concludes, a truth he believes applies universally.