The Dubai Airshow faced sharp criticism from a US aerobatic pilot who found its decision to continue flying operations after a fatal Indian Tejas jet crash ‘shocking.’ Taylor “FEMA” Hiester revealed that his team immediately canceled their final performance to honor Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who perished during an aerobatic maneuver on the event’s last day.
Hiester took to Instagram to share his team’s perspective, explaining they were preparing for their concluding display when the tragedy struck. While the airshow organizers opted to maintain the flying schedule, Hiester’s team, along with several others, withdrew as a mark of respect for the fallen IAF pilot and his family. He mused on the airshow mantra, noting its stark implications in the face of death.
Describing the aftermath, Hiester recounted observing the silent Indian maintenance crew by the Tejas’s vacant space, the aircraft ladder still deployed, and the pilot’s personal items left in his vehicle. This poignant scene, witnessed from afar, left his team profoundly moved, contemplating the instantaneous and irreversible nature of such accidents.
He expressed astonishment at the airshow’s continued momentum. After the incident was managed, and notification was given that the display would resume, Hiester’s team made their decision to cancel. He observed the enthusiastic announcer and the crowd’s engaged response to subsequent performances, culminating in a standard sponsor recognition and a look ahead to the next event. This stark contrast between the ongoing entertainment and the recent fatality felt deeply uncomfortable.
This experience became a significant personal awakening for Hiester, highlighting the ephemeral nature of aviation careers and the true importance of his team. He emphasized that the camaraderie and personal connections are what truly matter, far more than the superficial glamour of airshows. Hiester concluded with a philosophical thought on the enduring significance of human relationships, stating that these connections are the only true legacy.