PILOT LIFE
First Flight Experiences
His first take-off in a WW-II Harvard was a feeling he described as "euphoric, difficult to encapsulate in words." When his instructor uttered the magic words, "You have the controls," Haider described it as a dream come true. He experienced his first loop, and his first blackout. An "incredible feeling" overcame him: a sense of freedom and self-esteem. The course distinguished Risalpur history with an approximately 80% pass rate. On "The Big Day," receiving the pin of the flying wing was a moment wedged in memory.
Fighter Conversion and Squadron Life
Haider's fighter training emphasised airmanship for the Tempest, but was conducted on the dual Fury. This conversion was the first fully Pakistani-run operation, though the aircraft were dilapidated. It was here that Haider had his first altercation and almost resigned. But his Squadron leader Ashraf Chaudhry tore up the resignation, saying, "Go boy, and fly well, you will make a fine fighter pilot." He placed second in the conversion course, behind Sarfraz Rafiqui, a martyr of the 1965 war. He was then posted to No. 14 Fighter Bomber Squadron in Peshawar.
First Postings and the Dawn of Jet Power
Sajad Haider left Quetta with his family for Peshawar, joining the Bachelor’s Officer Quarters and training with his flight companions under a demanding flying culture. He participated in a landmark goodwill mission to Dhaka, observing early signs of Bengali resentment toward West Pakistan’s political dominance. Later, assigned to No. 11 Squadron—the PAF’s first jet unit—Haider faced gruelling flying conditions that shaped his discipline and skill under exacting mentors.
Near Miss
Haider was on a single-craft run trying new weapons. On his way back he was informed that his jet was on fire. With adrenaline spiking and stomach turning, and with no option to bail out, he landed and ran from the cockpit immediately after cutting the fuel, with the rear aflame from a severed exhaust pipe leaking flames. 10-15 seconds more, and he would have died there.
Against Afghan Mercenaries
There was an incident where Haider took the initiative to help the Frontier Corps against Afghan mercenaries. He felt strongly about leaving the Frontier Corps soldiers hanging when they had specifically requested air support. He flew with a team, performing tight manoeuvres in the mountainous region of Northern Pakistan, killing three of the mercenaries while sparing the life of another.
Medals
