| Details : | Group Captain Shishir Yashwant Koshe (16400) Flying (Pilot)was commissioned in Indian Air Force as a Pilot in the Transport stream on 11 Jun 1981. He has been Directing Staff at the College of Air Warfare and has undergone Higher Defence Management Course at College of Defence Management. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor with over 7000 hours of flying. Since 28 Apr 2006, Gp Capt Koshe has been Commanding an An-32 Squadron (Sqn). In order to manage the ageing An-32s which were affected by shortage of spares, he applied technical knowledge and data analysis capability to improve the serviceability. He identified key parameters related to critical components (Starter Generators, Hydraulic Pumps and Radio Sets) that were prone to failing. Having identified those parameters, he devised and implemented the methods to monitor, record, analyse and forecast an impending failure. By this method the reliability of Andaman and Nicobar Courier flights increased from 85 to 96 percent, reducing the losses due to cancellation of such flights. Gp Capt Koshe ensured training to the aircrew for complex missions enhancing the operational status of the Sqn. As a direct offshoot of such a measure, the Sqn could get accurate results in Tri-Services exercise 'DHOOM-3' that involved Paratroopers Drop by night. Aircrew are now achieving initial category within six months after the ab-initio training as against twelve months earlier. With optimum utilisation of available resources and accurate planning, Sqn now is achieving over 400 hours of flying every month. Gp Capt Koshe promotes sportsmanship and fitness amongst all the personnel of this Sqn. Despite undertaking operational commitments round the clock, the Sqn won the Sports Trophy at Station level. Weekly interactions between the personnel regardless of the rank structure have contributed to camaraderie and synergy at work place. Due to his immense interest in the upkeep of the Sqn premises, newly developed garden and well-maintained buildings are sources of attraction to all the visitors at Air Force Station Sulur. For exceptional devotion to duty, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Group Captain Shishir Yashwant Koshe. |
