The Air Force Academy (AFA) in Hyderabad commemorated a historic milestone this week by celebrating 50 years of its Pre Flying Training Course (PFTC) alongside the graduation of its 100th batch. The event, held on May 29 at the AFA campus, marked a dual celebration of heritage and progress for one of India’s premier military training institutions.
Established in 1971, the AFA has served as the backbone of training for Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel, playing a pivotal role in grooming future pilots, ground duty officers, and technical professionals. The PFTC, an ab-initio program, is crucial for candidates joining the IAF’s Flying Branch through diverse entry streams such as the Combined Defence Services (CDS), Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT), National Cadet Corps (NCC), and Service Entry schemes. Notably, the program also inducts women officers, underlining the IAF’s progressive strides toward inclusivity.
Air Marshal Tejbir Singh AVSM VM, Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) at Headquarters Training Command, presided over the golden jubilee ceremony as the Chief Guest. A veteran air warrior with over 7,000 flying hours, Air Marshal Singh was instrumental in the induction of the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft and in setting up the IAF’s first Special Operations Squadron. Addressing the trainees, he stressed the importance of embracing emerging technologies and evolving combat strategies, urging cadets to pursue both personal growth and professional excellence.
The ceremony featured a group photograph of the 100th PFTC batch in their ceremonial light blue uniforms, capturing the spirit of the occasion. A formal memento presentation also took place, with the theme “Valedictory Function” prominently displayed, flanked by the national and IAF flags.
Spread over 6,700 acres and located 43 km from Hyderabad, the AFA has consistently upheld high standards in military training. The PFTC curriculum integrates military discipline with skill development through a broad spectrum of activities including yoga, weapon training, public speaking, field craft, and cultural programs. For flying branch cadets, the training progresses through three stages, culminating in commissioning and eventual deployment to operational squadrons. Ground duty trainees receive specialized instruction in key administrative and technical areas, equipping them for diverse roles across the force.
As the AFA celebrates its golden jubilee, it continues to embody the motto of “touching the sky with glory,” reinforcing its commitment to shaping the future of the Indian Air Force with pride, precision, and purpose.
