Air Chief Marshal AP Singh emphasizes role of test pilots in making indigenous defence projects such as AMCA and LCA MK-II more robust.
The Indian Air Force achieved a milestone as the 47th batch of its test pilots graduated from the elite Flight Test Course (FTC) at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) in Bengaluru.
The ceremony, conducted on Friday, was attended by Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who is himself an alumnus of the same course.
Lasts for 48 weeks, the FTC is one of the toughest training courses in military aviation, yielding top-notch experimental test pilots who test new aircraft and systems prior to induction into service. They also prepare Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and define operating parameters for new aircraft. Speaking to the graduates, Air Chief Marshal Singh put the test flying function into perspective as a highly specialisation field that requires outstanding degrees of skill, honesty, and commitment. He also reiterated the IAF's resolve to attaining self-sufficiency in defence capabilities through indigenous efforts such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-II projects.
Air Chief asked the newly commissioned test pilots and engineers to maintain the core values of Precision and Excellence for the IAF, which are the foundation pillars of a stronger and more indigenous India. Awards were handed over to officers who performed exceptionally well during the course during the ceremony.
Squadron Leader S Bhardwaj was awarded the coveted Suranjan Das Trophy for best all-round student test pilot, while Squadron Leader Ajay Tripathi was given the Chief of the Air Staff Trophy for best flight evaluation performance. The Maharaja Hanumanth Singh Sword for best all-round student flight test engineer was awarded to Squadron Leader Subhrajyoti Paul.
Other awards included the Dunlop Trophy for best flight test engineer for evaluation awarded to Wing Commander Ashwini Singh, and the Kapil Bhargava Trophy for academic excellence in ground subjects given to Major Kaustubh Kunte.
The induction of this new group of test pilots is indicative not only of the IAF's high standards of training but also its determination to maintain its commitment to developing home grown aviation expertise for the future needs of India's defence complex.
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