Vaidya was born on 21 February 1948. After completing his training at the National Defence Academy, he was commissioned in the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force in December 1968. During his career, he has flown a variety of aircraft, including the Gnat, Mig-21, Mig-29, Mirage-2000 and the latest Sukhoi-30. He has held many important appointments in Air HQ and was awarded Vayu Sena Medal for his distinguished service in 1990 and Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2008. His first book Wings of Joy was published in 2007. He has written many articles which have been published in various magazines and newspapers.