These are no ordinary flights as pilots have to followa set of stringent protocols and wear the personal protectiveequipment (PPE) while taking samples for testing to labs, asfar as Puducherry and also Delhi.
"It is the most challenging task for us. We have towear PPE to fly the plane, which is tough as we are not usedto it, but I and my senior pilot, Captain Majid, did it in theinterest of the nation, Captain Vishwas Rai from the stateaviation department told .
He said they have so far undertaken four flights-three to Delhi and one to Puducherry - carrying about 6,000samples in all to laboratories there for testing.
On his experience of flying the aircraft while wearingthe PPE, Rai said, "It is tough as the entire body is covered.The PPE makes the body sweat. We can't wipe the sweat even ifit comes over the eyes. It is difficult, but we somehow manageas saving lives is more important than anything else."
He said the first flight for the task was tough, butlater they were mentally prepared for it.
A team involving medical experts, aviation departmentstaff and local municipal employees ensures safety of theentire process.
"Before and after every flight, the entire plane issanitised, including the cockpit and cabin area. A doctoraccompanies us for taking the samples to the destination andwe follow all protocols of the health department, Rai said.
Asked about the response of their family members, Raisaid they understand it.
"As a precaution, I have shifted my family to mybrothers house located next door in order to quarantinemyself. We are also advised to take hydroxychloroquinetablets as a preventive medication," the pilot said.
"As everyone in the country, including Prime MinisterNarendra Modi, our Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan andfrontline health and social workers are doing their job, weare also doing it in the interest of the nation," he added.
State aviation departments director Ilayaraja T told that so far they have undertaken four flights - three toDelhi and one to Puducherry - to send the test samples thereto reduce pendency.
"We will carry out more flights if required bythe health department," he added. MASGK GK