Chennai: In a colourful ceremony 52 officers from Indian Defence forces and Myanmar Air Force graduated as Flying Instructors from Air Force Station, Tambaram on Friday. They passed the test after a gruelling 25 weeks of training that included nine phases of flying training and over 190 hours of ground training.
The training of 146th Qualified Flying Instructors Course (QFIC) commenced at The Flying Instructors’ School (FIS), at Air Force Station Tambaram on December 24, 2018 a Defence release stated.
The graduating officers include 42 from IAF, 2 from Indian Army, 5 from Indian Navy, 1 from Indian Coast Guard and 2 officers from Myanmar Air Force. The Flying Instructors’ School (FIS), a unique institution, has established a niche for itself in the field of aviation training. It has a rich experience of more than 60 years as an established unit of the IAF. At the international level, several professional pilots from friendly foreign countries have graduated from this school, the release added.
The Valedictory Function for the 146th Qualified Flying Instructors Course (QFIC) was held on Friday.
The chief guest for the function was Air Marshal Rajesh Kumar Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vayu Sena Medal, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command. Air Officer Commanding of Air Force Station Tambaram, Air Commodore MS Awana was the chief host.Group Captain AN Karulkar, Commanding Officer of the Flying Instructors’ School, under whose supervision all the training is done, summed up the achievements of the course. The chief guest stressed on the invaluable role played by Flying Instructors’ School in training Qualified Flying Instructors (QFIs) who are instrumental in producing pilots who meet the desired standards for their organisations. These QFIs would carry the responsibility of guiding newly inducted trainee pilots in consonance with the long term vision of the Indian Air Force.
The Valedictory Function marked the culmination of the efforts of the trainees and staff of FIS.
Graduates of the course were awarded the coveted symbol of ‘Qualified Flying Instructor’ which they can now wear proudly on their uniforms. The pilots who achieved distinction in flying and ground subjects were awarded trophies.
