IAF chief commends test pilots, flight engineers

Bengaluru, May 28 (IANS) IAF chief B.S. Dhanoa on Sunday commended 12 test pilots and three flight test engineers who graduated from the Air Force Test Pilot School here.

"You need to ensure that the systems meet the operational needs and are inducted fast for optimum utilisation of resources," said Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa after presenting the certificates to the graduating officers of the 46-week 39th flight test course.

The pilot school is part of the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), a premier unit of the Indian Air Force.

"Graduates have to maintain congruity and alignment to service interests and strive for precision and excellence in all facets of activities," he said, stressing they should remain committed to their profession in the challenging times.

"Flight test crew play an important role in the development of new aviation platforms and systems, as they take the risk of flying a weapon or a system that was never flown before," he said.

Dhanoa also paid homage to the test crew who lost their lives while doing test flights.

Squadron Leader P.K. Thakur won the 'Suranjan Das Trophy' as the best all-round test pilot while Squadron Leader A.K. Yadav bagged the 'Chief of Air Staff Trophy' as the best student test pilot in flight evaluation.

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