'The pleasure of joy-rides in the two Cessna light aircrafts — 'Yuvaraja and Maharaja' at Mandakalli airport will begin from Oct. 5,' said Naveen Raj, Director of Government Flying Training School in Jakkur, Bangalore.

Speaking to press persons at the Mandakalli airport yesterday, he said that these flights were introduced for the first time last year, and was well received by tourists, visitors and locals too. Around 500 tourists enjoyed the ride last year, and the demand was so much that many people had to wait for their turns and several others returned disappointed.

The number of flights and duration have been extended this year to meet the demand, he added.

The aircrafts will take the visitors on aerial joy-rides around the city commencing from Mandakalli airport, and passing through Palace, Lalitha Mahal and other important landmarks in city.

These joy-rides have been organised by the District Administration in association with the Government Flying Training School in Jakkur, Bangalore.

The Cessna 152 is an American two-seater, general aviation airplane and the joyride package is called Maharaja.

Last year, the Maharaja and Yuvaraja packages were priced at Rs. 2,500 and Rs. 2,000 respectively for a 15-minute ride. The prices for this year's ride are yet to be fixed, he added.

The Cessna 172 package, called Yuvaraja, is a four-seater aircraft. The flights will operate from Oct. 5 to 14 at these timings — 9 am to 10 am; 10 am to 11 am; 2 pm - 3 pm, 3 pm - 4 pm and 4 pm - 5 pm.

Speaking at the press meet, SP Abhinav Khare said that the tickets for the ride can be bought online from the Dasara website or from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner or Mandakalli Airport.

Additional DC Naga Nayak, Mysore Mandakalli Airport Director Manjunath, Assistant Flight Instructors of Jakkur Flying School Amarjith Singh Daange and Madhurima Mukherjee were also present at the meet.

Courtesy : Star Of Mysore