Details : | ir Commodore Pradeep Mallappa Katti (15005) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned on 10 Jun 77 as a fighter pilot. In 33 years of distinguished service, he has held several important appointments, which include Commanding Officer of a MiG-23 BN Squadron, Chief Operations Officer and Air Officer Commanding of a large Fighter Base. He has also held senior key appointments at two Command Headquarters. The Air officer has over 4000 hours of accident free flying. A Cat 'A' Qualified Flying Instructor, Air Force Examiner and alumni of Defence Services Staff College, College of Defence Management and National Defence College, the Air Officer was awarded 'Directing Staff grading in all Service Courses. He has the distinction of being selected in the initial batch of pilots for conversion on MiG-23 BN ac and was also selected for training in France on Mirage-2000. In his present appointment as Command Flying Training Officer, Headquarters Training Command, under his able and proactive leadership Training Command flew a total of 1,04,058 hours, the largest in the IAF, which bears testimony to his untiring efforts. The Air Officer provided excellent leadership in meticulously planning and coordinating the Aero India-2009 to showcase an impressive and professional flying display. Air Cmde Katti displayed great dynamism in effectively coordinating Flood Relief Operations in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in Oct 09 and Search and Rescue mission during the helicopter crash of late Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh in Sep 09. His able guidance and drive energized formulation of the highly acclaimed 'Flying Training Pattern' of the newly acquired Hawk ac, which has now become a model for all flying squadrons of the IAF. The Air officer was instrumental in initiating All Jet Training during the crisis in ab-initio flying training on suspension of flying on HPT-32 ac. The Air Officer has taken keen interest and initiative in all the responsibilities assigned to him with infectious zeal and enthusiasm. True to the motto of 'Service before Self'. he has always displayed high level of maturity and dedication towards the Service. For distinguished service of high order, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Air Commodore Pradeep Mallappa Katti. |