A valedictory ceremony for the 159th Qualified Flying Instructor Course (QFIC) was held at the Flying Instructors School (FIS), Air Force Station Tambaram, on 09 October 2025. The event marked another milestone in the Indian Air Force’s commitment to producing world-class flying instructors. Air Marshal Tejbir Singh, Senior Air Staff Officer, Training Command, IAF, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
A total of 59 officers from the Indian Air Force, sister services, and friendly foreign countries were conferred the prestigious ‘Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI)’ badge, symbolizing their professional excellence and instructional proficiency.
Among the distinguished graduates was Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, one of India’s first female Rafale pilots. She earned her Qualified Flying Instructor badge at the ceremony, adding another feather to her cap. Sqn Ldr Shivangi has previously served with the Golden Arrows Squadron and played an operational role during Operation Sindoor, where she was at the centre of false propaganda by the Pakistan government claims she later debunked through her professional integrity and service record.
The Flying Instructors School (FIS), established in 1948, has been instrumental in training generations of flying instructors who go on to shape the future of aircrew training in India and abroad. The successful completion of the 159th QFIC once again reaffirms the IAF’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of aviation training and safety.
The ceremony concluded with Air Marshal Tejbir Singh felicitating the graduating officers and emphasizing the critical role of instructors in fostering operational readiness and combat capability within the force.
