Group Captain Dilip Raghavendra Dani (14346) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering Branch of the 1AF on 05 Jul 1976. During his 27 years of service, he has worked on a variety of aircraft of both Russian and Western origin. He has held challenging and important appointments, which include Senior Technical Officer (STO) of a fighter Sqn, Technical Staff Officer (TSO) at Institute of Armament Technology (1AT), Pune and Chief Engineering Officer (CEO) at a major AF Station. Presently, he is Joint Director Flight Safety (JDFS) and member of Aircraft Accidents Investigation Board (AA1B) since 08 Jul 2002.

In a short span of less than a year, Gp Capt Dani has established a healthy rapport with various Defence/Aeronautical laboratories in the country. His personal visits and a probing approach have assisted in pin-pointing the exact cause in a number of aircraft accidents. His insistence on forcing gainful opinions from other agencies have resulted in getting vital inputs, which otherwise could have been missed. Significantly, his analytical approach and careful study of reports while dealing with sensitive metallurgical nuances have assisted in establishing a near breakthrough in the causes leading to RSV failures on the fighter ac. His efforts have proved successful in other accident investigations as well.

On his own initiative, Gp Capt Dani has created a database of all detailed investigation reports of all ac accident/incidents so that failure analysis and trends can be established quickly and correctly. This database would be of enormous help to the cause of Flight Safety of IAF in the future.

His analytical prowess, logical approach, mature outlook, foresight and ability to produce sound solutions to complex problems instill high sense of confidence in his superiors and subordinates and make him indispensable, as an ac accident investigator. His strong desire to enhance maintenance standards coupled with untiring perseverance has contributed significantly in achieving high standards in Flight Safety.

In recognition of his achievements, total commitment and distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Dilip Raghavendra Dani.