Gp Capt Fali Homi Major, a helicopter pilot, raised and commanded the first Mi-17 Helicopter Unit in the IAF in 1985. He now commands one of the Helicopter Units in the Air Force.

Immediately after taking over command of his present unit, he proceeded to Sri Lanka, where his unit was operating in the offensive and logistic support role in support of "OP Pawan". He personally flew a number of operational sorties and supervised the functioning of the detachment there. It was largely due to his personal example and leadership qualities that the unit won many laurels including the appreciation of AOCin-C, WAC, AOC-in-C, SAC and the award of the prestigious IPKF standard.

In Feb 1990, the unit was inducted directly from Sri Lanka to Srinagar in support of "OP Rakshak". Gp Capt Major ensured that his aircrew were trained on the armament role of the aircraft in the shortest possible time to meet the requirement for armed "Internal Security" duties. He flew extensively in the area of operation and closely supervised the conduct of various operations.

Besides "OP Rakshak", his unit also operates in support of "OP Meghdoot". Gp Capt Major was instrumental in evaluating the Mi-17 helicopter in high altitudes and formulating SOPs and tactics in 1985. Today, with his sound knowledge and extensive flying in the area, his unit is doing yeoman service in support of "OP Meghdoot".

As the Task Force Commander of Exercise "Sky Hawk" in Nov 1990, he created some kind of a record by launching 302 night SHBO missions involving 900 combat troops with a force-level of 21 helicopters. His profes sionalism and direction ensured 100% mission accomplishment without an accident/incident and with a clock-work precision.

For his dynamic leadership, exceptional devotion to duty, professionalism and undaunted efforts to enhance the image of the IAF Helicopter Fleet, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Gp Capt FH Major.

On 13th Oct 1992, he was asked to undertake a very dangerous and exacting rescue mission at Pawanoo (HP). The hauling cable of the cable car carrying passengers to Timber Trail resort had snapped and ten passengers were stranded in the cable car hanging at a height of 1300 feet. He took off at about 0800 hours with qualified aircrew and role equipment and landed at Chandimandir at 0850 hours. He very quickly analysed the situation and concluded that the only way the tourist could be evacuated was by the way of winching them out of the cable car. Using his vast experience and exceptional flying ability, he deduced that the helicopter would have to hover precariously close to the set of cables that ran above the cable car. It was one of the hardest decisions he ever made. Gp Capt Major decided to launch the Mi-17 to rescue the stranded tourists. He briefed the crew thoroughly and advised them that the consequences of any lapse would be fatal. He motivated them and raised their morale. He became an integral part of the aircrew and even flew the missions.

Under his supervision, Mi-17 helicopter successfully rescued five stranded tourists on the 14th October 1992 and the remaining tourists were rescued on the next day.

Group Captain Fali Homi Major has thus rendered a yeoman's service by his able leadership and conspicuous courage.

Air Commodore Fali Homi Major SC, VM (11422) F (P) has been Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of a forward Air Base, which has the distinction of being the highest operational airfield in the world, since Sep 99. Air Cmde Major on assuming the Command analyzed the vital role played by this Air Base due to manifold increment in the airlift/heli-lift with the induction of 14 Corps at Leh. He facilitated increased air maintenance sorties both at Leh as well as in the Siachen Glacier region, post Kargil operations. More than 9000 sorties were flown during the last 18 months, despite limitations due to harsh climatic conditions, and inhospitable mountainous terrain. Such operations demanded high skill levels and thorough professionalism.

Consequent to Kargil operations, there was an operational necessity to train Fighter and attack Helicopter aircrew for carrying out weapon training at high altitude. Though superior interpersonal relations and leadership qualities, Air Cmde Major ensured that more than 75 aircrew carried out regular air to ground armament training at Kharbutang Field Firing Range. Due to his untiring efforts, today, and a large reserve of aircrew are qualified and available for this task. Night air operations by fixed wing aircraft at Leh was accomplished through innovative approach, in spite of the non-availability of an electrical flare path (runway lights). Air Superiority Fighters were able to operate on a regular basis at this airfield, even though this base is not established with requisite support facilities. In spite of operating under these conditions, the flight safety record at this Base has been very impressive.

Air Cmde Major worked tirelessly to ensure that impeccable living conditions are provided to the personnel so that optimum utilization of resources is ensured. Morale of personnel operating at this forward base, in debilitating conditions is high due to persistent efforts of the AOC.

Air Commodore Fali Homi Major SC, VM, has, thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Marshal Fali Homi Major, AVSM, SC, VM (11442) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as a pilot in the Indian Air Force on 31 December 1967. During 40 years of distinguished service, he has held various prestigious field/ staff appointments and has over 8100 hrs of accident-free flying to his credit. He is a graduate of the National Defence College and Army War College.

The Air Marshal had raised and commanded the first Mi-17 Squadron of the IAF and commenced operations in the world's highest battlefield, the Siachen glacier. He commanded yet another Mi-17 Squadron and led this Squadron into battle during the IPKF operations in Srilanka. For his leadership and courage he was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).

The Air Marshal was instrumental in carrying out a daring rescue operation In which 11 people were rescued from a stranded cable car in the middle of a valley at the Timber Trail resort at Parwanoo, HP. For this act of Gallantry he was awarded the 'Shaurya Chakra' by the President of India. As Air Officer Commanding Leh in the aftermath of the Kargil conflict, he displayed great leadership in accomplishing all the tasks assigned to him. For his distinguished service of a very high order, he was awarded the 'Ati Vishisht Seva Medal' by the President of India on 26 January 2002.

The catastrophe caused by the Tsunami caused enormous damage to property and loss of precious lives in peninsular India, the Andamans and other South East Asian countries on 26 December 2004. As the Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations) he directed and controlled the relief, rescue and rehabilitation operations of the Indian Armed Forces in India and abroad. His relentless and unflinching dedication towards the mammoth relief operations ensured smooth conduct and completion in record time. He also brought about other improvements in the working environment of HQ Integrated Defence Staff. He carried out a major revamping in the Operations Branch and was instrumental in operationalisation of the “Interim National Command Post" (INCP) to facilitate coordination and decision making at the highest levels of Political and Military leadership of the country in the event of any National Crisis.

Air Marshal Fali Homi Major, AVSM, SC, VM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.