Indian Pilot Hailed as Hero After Alleged Attack in Cockpit

An Indian pilot, Smit Machchhar, is being hailed as a hero after an alleged attack by another pilot in the cockpit of a Flydubai flight en route to Tel Aviv. Machchhar, the captain of the Boeing 737 Max, was reportedly stabbed by a fellow pilot during the flight from Dubai on Wednesday. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where Machchhar received medical attention.

The Indian embassy in Riyadh has confirmed that Machchhar is in stable condition. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended Machchhar, calling him a "true hero" who saved the lives of 174 people and averted a potential "catastrophic mid-air disaster."

Friends and colleagues remember Machchhar, known to them as "Smit Mac," as a disciplined, brilliant, and jovial individual. Dharav Gosalia, a pilot and friend who has known Machchhar since they were 20, shared memories of their interactions both in the air and during layovers in various cities. Gosalia noted Machchhar's willingness to mentor younger pilots.

Gosalia explained that pilot training, particularly for those transitioning from the Indian Air Force to commercial aviation, emphasizes focus and discipline. He described a training technique known as "chair flying," where pilots mentally rehearse emergency procedures. This practice, Gosalia suggested, helps make critical actions instinctive during high-stress situations.

Machchhar had extensive experience, with over 9,750 flight hours, including more than 6,400 hours as pilot-in-command. Gosalia remarked that while standard procedures exist for emergencies like engine failure or fire, there is no conventional checklist for a physical confrontation in the cockpit.

"What happened to him, what he did – he was the commander on the flight," Gosalia stated. He emphasized the significant role courage plays in such unprecedented threats to life, concluding, "Smit has taught us courage. Now we will do the same thing if something like this happens."