GOLDEN WINGS FOR 17 NAVAL OFFICERS

HELICOPTER PILOTS PASSING OUT PARADE HELD AT INS RAJALI

INN/Chennai, @Infodeaofficial

To commemorate the graduation of the 103 Helicopter Conversion Course (HCC) and the conclusion of Stage I training of the Basic Helicopter Conversion Course (BHCC), a Passing Out Parade (POP) was held today at the prestigious Naval Air Station INS Rajali in Arakkonam, close to Chennai.

Rear Admiral Ajay Daniel Theophilus, Flag Officer Naval Aviation, presented the coveted “Golden Wings” to 17 officers, including three from the 04th BHCC. Furthermore, the 05th BHCC’s 08 officers successfully finished their Stage I training. The POP was the triumphant conclusion of a tough 22-week training program that included both ground and flight training at the Indian Naval Air Squadron 561, the Indian Navy’s alma mater for all helicopter pilots.

Sub Lieutenant Siddhi Hemant Dubey’s successful completion of Stage I training demonstrates the Indian Navy’s dedication to gender inclusion and advancing career options for women.

Lt. Mani Dixit received the Eastern Naval Command Rolling Trophy for the trainee pilot who placed first in the Order of Merit in Flying. Lt. Sparsh Sehgal received the Sub Lieutenant Kunte Memorial Book Prize for placing first in the Order of Merit in Ground Subjects. Lt. Mani Dixit received the Governor of Kerala Rolling Trophy for being first overall in the order of merit.

Over the course of its illustrious fifty-year history, the Helicopter Training School has trained 849 pilots from the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, and friendly foreign countries. To develop the skills necessary for competent operators in the maritime environment, the Helicopter Training School, situated at INS Rajali, Arakkonam, offers a secure and comfortable training environment. The recently qualified pilots from 103 HCC will be sent to different Indian Navy front-line operating units, where they will perform a variety of tasks like search and rescue, surveillance, and reconnaissance.