Seventeen students have successfully graduated from the 46th Flight Test Course of the Air Force Test Pilots School (AFTPS). The valedictory ceremony took place at the school in Bengaluru on May 24, where the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Anil Chauhan, presented the students with their certificates of qualification, as reported by the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
During the ceremony, several students were recognized for their exceptional performance in various categories:
- Suranjan Das Trophy for Best Test Pilot: Sqn Ldr A Berwal
- CAS Trophy for Best Flight Evaluation: Sqn Ldr Kapil Yadav
- Maharaja Hanumanth Singhji Sword for Best FTE: Sqn Ldr V Supriya
- Kapil Bhargava Trophy for Best in Ground Subjects: Sqn Ldr Rajnish Rai
- Dunlop Trophy for Most Promising FTE and Flight Evaluation: Lt Cdr Gaurav Tyagi
Gen. Anil Chauhan highlighted the significant role of the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) and the Air Force Test Pilots School in providing comprehensive flight test training. This training extends to officers from the three military services, the Indian Coast Guard, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and friendly foreign nations. He congratulated the graduates and emphasized the importance of professional competence for the effective functioning of the flight test program.
Since its inception in 1974, the AFTPS has continuously conducted flight tests, playing a pivotal role in modernizing the Indian Air Force’s flight test capabilities and advancing flight technologies. The school’s graduates have been crucial in providing essential flight test data and recommendations, contributing to the development of new aircraft systems and enhancing flight capabilities.
