Valedictory for 146 QFIC on 7 June
Vishnu Sharmaa, INN/Chennai, @Svs037
Flying instructors will be the talk of the town on 7 June when valedictory programme of 146 Qualified Flying Instructors Course (QFIC) will be held. The course began on 24 December last year. Sources from Defence Ministry, 57 officers are graduating in this course.
Out of the 57 officers, 46 officers are from Indian Air Force, two are from Indian Army, six are from Indian Navy, one is from Indian Coast Guard and two are foreign officers from Myanmar Air Force.
QFIC is a gruelling 25-weeks package, comprising of academics and flying training with tests and exams at regular intervals, the focus during ground training is interfacing theoretical knowledge with practical aspects of aircraft systems and piloting.
The use of multimedia and IT resources as teaching aid is given high priority. Valedictory function is to be presided by Air Marshal Rajesh Kumar, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Headquarters, Central Air Command.
Valedictory function is the culmination of efforts towards development of human resources in the field of flying training. Graduates of the course are awarded the coveted symbol of ‘Qualified Flying Instructor’, which they can proudly wear on their uniform thereafter, signifying their elevated status and recognition as instructors.
The pilots who achieve distinction in flying and ground subjects are given various trophies and awards. Air Marshal Rajesh Kumar was appointed as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command on 1 January this year.
He is Category ‘A’ qualified flying instructor, instrument rating operator, air crew examiner. In addition to various staff appointments at Air Headquarters, the Air Officer had Commanded a frontline fighter squadron and a fighter base.
For his distinguished service, he was awarded with Ati Vishist Sewa Medal on 26 January by the President of India and Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) during Operation Parakram. He has also been commended by the Chief of the Air Staff.
The objective of Flying Instructors School which imparts the course (FIS) is to train operational pilots of the three defence services, paramilitary forces and friendly foreign countries. As flying instructors, they are trained to impact Air and Ground Instructions to ab-initio pilots.
