Air Force Test Pilot School draws attention

Bangalore, May 28: Certain European, African and Asian countries have evinced interest in getting their pilots trained at the Air Force Test Pilot School (AFTPS) of the Aircraft and System Testing Establishment (ASTE), the only school of its kind in entire Asia and one of the seven such institutions in the world.

The AFTPS, which had earned recognition for its pioneering role in flight-testing throughout the world, had an array of highly modified and unique aircraft and expertise to match the best in the flight testing world. Due to the diversified inventory of IAF, it also provided exposure to both Russian and Western technologies, an official release said here yesterday.

The prestigious test pilot school had also instituted a Master's degree in 'Flight Engineering' in conjunction with Vishweshwaraya Technological University here. The institution apart from catering to the needs of the Indian Air Force also met the requirements of Army, Navy, DRDO and HAL.

The alumni of AFTPS, including Wing Commander (retired) Rakesh Sharma, the country's only cosmonaut, had earned laurels to the country and had formidable reputation, both inside and outside India.

Test pilots and test engineers at ASTE were actively associated with the country's prototype aircraft development programmes such as Light Combat Aircraft, Advanced Light Helicoper, Light Transport Aircraft and Intermediate Jet Trainer, the release said.

Taking part in the graduation of 28th Flight Test Course here yesterday, Admiral Arun Prakash, Chief of the Naval Staff, a test pilot himself, gave away trophies and certificates to meritorious students.

The prestigious 'Suranjan Das Trophy' was presented to the best all rounder student test pilot Squadron Leader S P Srivastav, while the 'Chief of Air Staff Trophy' for the best student test pilot in 'Flight Evaluation' was bagged by Squadron Leader S K Tiwari and the 'Hanumanth Singh Sword' for the best all round student flight test engineer went to Squadron Leader M K A Shakeel, the release said.

Certificates were also awarded to the wives of the graduating officers for their role in providing the much-needed support to their spouse during the 48-week training period, the release added.

UNI