| Details : | Group Captain Ganesh Chand (16214) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as a pilot in the Flying Branch on 13 Dec 1980. After attaining Operational category on MiG-21 Mand MiG-23 MF aircraft, he graduated as a Qualified Flying Instructor and Experimental Test Pilot. He has flown almost all fixed wing aircraft in IAF. He has over 3000 hours of Human Error free flying, nearly half on MiG- 23 MF. He is one of the only two pilots to have landed a fighter aircraft at the high altitude Thoise airfield. He was Flight Commander and Commanding Officer of the only MiG-23 MF Squadron. As Commanding Officer, he had participated in Op Safed Sagar and flew with the 'unit during Op Prakaram. His other significant assignments include Station Flight Safety and Inspection Officer of a Fighter Station, Director Aircraft Upgrade and Director Projects 'B' at Air HQ, Commanding Officer of Proto-Type Squadron and prestigious Air Force Test Pilot School (AFTPS) at Air HQ, he acquitted himself well while handling all aircraft upgrade programmes of the IAF and was instrumental in affiliation of AFTPS as a Post Graduate granting institution to Bangalore University. During his current assignment as Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Air Force Station Kalaikunda, he was instrumental in successful conduct of two International Exercises and providing for a safe and efficient flying environment. As COO he is responsible for coordinating, multiple activities to enable visiting units meet their respective objectives. Under his charge, the station has carried out 3800 hrs flying in fighter aircrafts, without an accident/Human Error incident. The conduct of operations and quality of services have been appreciated by all detachments and especially the foreign visitors. Gp Capt Chand has effectively guided the Ops Support Group through example and quality staff work. His varied tasks involved managing air to ground range, the only IAF air to air range, satellite base Panagarh and an Air Defence Centre at Kolkata airport, all of which he performed with rare elan and dedication of the highest order. For distinguished service of high order, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Ganesh Chand. |
