Gujarat government announces award for Smit Machchhar

In a podcast recorded months before the Flydubai cockpit incident, Indian pilot Smit Machchhar shared his journey into aviation and his mother's concerns about his career choice. At the time, his mother was scared, as aviation was a less common profession when Machchhar began his career. However, his father was supportive of his decision.

In the podcast, Machchhar explained how pilots handle unexpected situations, such as technical problems or diversions, emphasizing the robust safety procedures in commercial aviation. He also recounted an incident involving a pregnant passenger who went into premature labor mid-air, highlighting the unpredictable nature of flying.

Machchhar's experience was crucial during the recent Flydubai incident, where he was stabbed after confronting the co-pilot who allegedly sought control of the aircraft. Despite his injuries, Machchhar opened the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew members to apprehend the attacker. The aircraft, carrying 174 people including 27 children, made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a rapid descent of about 14,300 feet in 37 seconds.