Dara Phiroze Chinoy

Dara Phiroze Chinoy, a decorated war veteran and retired fighter pilot, shares his thrilling life journey in his debut book Escape from Pakistan.
on Aug 06, 2025

Dara Phiroze Chinoy is a retired fighter pilot, decorated war veteran, and first-time author whose remarkable life journey spans the skies of the Indian Air Force to the quiet outskirts of Bengaluru.

Born in 1944 in the small town of Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, Dara Chinoy’s early years were marked by ambition and courage. While studying at Loyola College, he joined the Air Wing of the National Cadet Corps, a decision that sparked his dream of becoming a fighter pilot. Against family resistance, he entered the 83rd Pilots Course in 1961, earning his wings two years later.

The skies soon became the stage for some of his finest moments. In the 1965 India–Pakistan War, his contribution earned him the Vishist Seva Medal — a recognition he still regards with quiet pride. Over the decades, Chinoy held posts that tested skill and resolve in equal measure: Chief Flying Instructor, Squadron Commander, Joint Director of Staff Duties,  Joint Director of Operations, Chief Operations Officer, Station Commander… the list tells its own story.

When he retired from the Air Force in 1991, the journey didn’t end. He moved into civil aviation with the Tata Group, and later with Anil Ambani’s company, before finally stepping away from professional flying in 2011.

A chronicler by nature, Chinoy had always thought of writing about his remarkable life. Having been motivated after an interview by Vishnu Som on NDTV, he wrote his first book Escape from Pakistan, sharing his experiences with readers for the very first time.

Dara Phiroze Chinoy now lives a serene life of retirement along with his wife Margaret and their extended family close to Bengaluru. He has two sons, and in his free time, he can be seen watching Two and a Half Men or playing chess.