Naval pilots join service
S Vishnu Sharma, INN/Chennai, @Svs037
Sky was blue at Indian Naval Air Station Rajali (INS Rajali) near Chennai on June 8 as the navy pilots proudly marched towards commencing their career of serving the nation. They got trained as helicopter pilots in the 92nd Helicopter Conversion Course at INS Rajali.
They made a move towards their service which will make them proud for ever after a rigorous training for 21 weeks at Helicopter Training School located at INS Rajali.
During the course, the training pilots are introduced to several nuances of helicopter flying. The pilots underwent a challenging syllabus including navigation, night flying and operations over sea. At the end of the course, the trainees are adjudged for Best in Flying, Best in Ground Subjects and Best in Overall Order of Merit.
Impressive passing out parade held on the occasion marked the successful culmination into helicopter pilots. After the ceremonial review, Governor of Kerala Rolling Trophy was given to Lieutenant Niceson Markose for being adjudged as the Best All Round Trainee Pilot.
Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command Rolling Trophy went to Lieutenant Niceson Markose for standing first in order of merit. A book prize was also awarded to Sub Lieutenant Sriram M for standing first in ground subjects.
Seven Indian Navy pilots were awarded prestigious ‘Wings of Gold’ by Rear Admiral Philipose George Pynumootil, Flag Officer, Naval Aviation. The newly qualified pilots will be appointed to various front-line operational units of the Indian Navy where they will take on various missions such as search and rescue, reconnaissance, surveillance and anti-piracy patrols.
In its rich heritage spanning almost five decades, Helicopter Training School commanded by Captain Tijo K Joseph, has trained 720 pilots for the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and friendly foreign navies till date. The school was originally setup at Kochi in 1971 and in 1992 was shifted to INS Rajali which is commanded by Captain Shreerang Joglekar.
