Squadron Leader Rajib Kumar Chakravorty has been on the posted strength of Aircraft & Systems Testing Establishment with effect from 09 Jan 82. From Dec 82 to Feb 84, he was involved in the successful and safe completion of numerous high priority trials allotted to the Flight Test Squadron of this establishment. He was on the Shamsher Darin project while, simultaneously, he was responsible for the singlehanded completion of five separate trials on Vajra aircraft. The latter had to be carried out from the home base. Their timely completion involved long hours of work on the tarmac in severe climatic conditions. During a reject take-off trial on Vijay aircraft, the brake parachute sheared off when deployed at limit speed. However, Sqn Ldr Chakravorty reacted in a cool and professional manner and averted what otherwise could have been a major accident. He also participated in trials on Vikram and Badal aircraft. By his application and industry, he set an example for younger test pilots to emulate. During his tenure with the FTS; Sqn Ldr Chakravorty displayed professionalism of a very high standard. He was inducted into the Test Pilots School as the Senior Test Flying Instructor in Jan 85. During 1985-86, he was instrumental in the planning and completion of No. 8 Test Pilots' Course and the first half of No. 9 ETPC in spite of an acute shortage of test flying instructors. During this period, he discharged his duties as the Senior Test Flying Instructor and, for three months, as Officer Commanding, TPS, displaying instructional ability and flying skills of an exceptional order. For his exceptional multifaceted professionalism, extreme devotion to duty and constant dedication to the task for test flying and training of test pilots, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr Rajib Kumar Chakravorty. |