The valedictory function of the 24 Production Test Pilots (PTP) Course was held at the Air Force Test Pilots School of Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) on 06 Dec 24. Air Marshal Vijay Kumar Garg, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Maintenance Command was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Senior representatives from IAF, DRDO, HAL, Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP) and Society of Flight Test Engineers (SFTE) also attended the function.
Air Force Test Pilots School (AFTPS), established under the aegis of ASTE, is a Centre of Excellence and the only institution in the country for training of experimental and production flight test crew for fixed wing, rotary wing and remotely piloted aircraft, AFTPS over the years has trained highly skilled test crew who have gone on to play a pivotal role not only in India’s defence aeronautical projects, but also in space projects such as the prestigious Gaganyaan program. It has also trained officers of friendly foreign nations. A total of 46 Flight Test Courses, 23 Production Test Pilots Courses and 4 RPA Test Courses have passed out previously, before the present course. It is noteworthy that AFTPS is one of the few recognised Test Pilot Schools in the world, whose work and status has been endorsed by international bodies such as SETP, SFTE and Aeronautical Society of India.
During the ceremony, Seven Officers (six IAF and one Coast guard) were awarded with certificates. Meritorious student officers who excelled were awarded with trophies. The trophy for the best all-round student in PTP course was awarded to Squadron Leader Ashish Bhardwaj. All the graduating officers would now go on to participate in indigenous aircraft production activity thereby adding impetus to the Aatmanirbhar efforts in defence aerospace.
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