Bangalore May 21. Ten Test Pilots and Four Flight Test Engineers of the 45th Flight Test Course graduated from the Air Force Test Pilots School (AFTPS) in Bangalore, after successfully completing 47 weeks of rigorous and multi-discipline training Curriculum.
AFTPS is integral to the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), and is among the eight recognised Test Pilots Schools globally
Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh PVSM AVSM, Vice Chief of Air Staff, Chief Guest at the graduation ceremony, presented certificates to all graduating officers and trophies to graduates who excelled.
While addressing the graduating officers, representing all three Services and DRDO, Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, reminded them of the crucial role they would play in the capability building and modernisation of the Indian Armed Forces and the upgradation of Military Aviation environment of the Country.
He emphasized on the importance professional competence in ensuring optimised time cycles from design to delivery so as to meet the operational, quality and safety requirements.
Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh urged the graduating officers to uphold the virtues of honesty and integrity along with the professional attributes of Precision and Excellence as they step out into the real world from the relative Comforts of academic environment.
The passing out officers will join the prestigious and elite club of ” the few and the proud” comprising 331 Test Pilots and 148 Flight Test Engineers that have passed out from AFTPS since its inception in 1973.
The prestigious “Suranjan Das Trophy” for the best all-round student test pilot was awarded to Sqn.Ldr. A Mushtaq, while the ” Chief of Air Staff Trophy” for the best student test Pilot in flight evaluation was awarded to Lt. Cdr.Himanshu Kukreja.
The “Maharaja Hanumanth Singh Sword” for best all-round student flight engineer was awarded to Sc. C Debjit Modak.
The “Dunlop Trophy” for the best student test engineer in flight evaluation was awarded to Lt. Col Amis John. “The Kapil Bhargava” for the best student in ground subjects was awarded to Sqn. Ldr S Gautam.
