A beaming Tipnis said this was the ``best gift'' he could give his wife, Molina, on her birthday. She felt it was like ``a dream'' when she heard of the news about her husband. ``I am too happy for him,'' she told mediapersons who had gathered in strength at their residence.

Tipnis, now serving as Vice-Chief of air staff at the air headquarters here, said his ambition was to become an Air Force officer. ``One didn't really think beyond that.'' Flying, the Air Chief-designate, said had always been a joy.

Asked about the favourite aircraft he had flown, Tipnis said, ``I have three daughters who always ask me who's my favourite. I like them all. I have flown various kinds of aircraft. Give me an aircraft and it becomes my favourite.''