The Aircrew Examining Board (AEB) of the Indian Air Force marked the successful completion of the 23rd Combined Instrument Rating Instructor and Examiner (CIRIE) Course with a valedictory ceremony held at Air Force Station Hindan on 27 February 2026.
The prestigious six-week programme reaffirmed the IAF’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of flying and operational safety. The ceremony was reviewed by Air Marshal Tejbir Singh, AVSM, VM, Director General (Inspection & Safety), whose extensive operational experience added significance to the occasion.
Wg Cdr Deepak Awasthi, Wg Cdr Vishal Joshi and Wg Cdr Rohit Tiwari were felicitated for securing first position in order of merit among aircrew from fighter, transport and helicopter streams respectively.
The course comprised four weeks of intensive ground training followed by two weeks of flying training, ensuring officers developed mastery in evaluating instrument flying—an essential capability for modern air operations in adverse weather and complex tactical environments.
A total of 40 officers graduated from the elite programme, including 32 from the Indian Air Force, two each from the Indian Army and Indian Navy, and four officers from friendly foreign countries—Kenya, Uganda and Madagascar.
The diverse participation underscored growing tri-service synergy and highlighted the Indian Air Force’s expanding role as a global knowledge hub in aviation training and standards.
