Squadron Leader RK Plakkot was commissioned as a navigator on 04 Jun 82. He is one of the youngest officers to achieve the exceptional flying category in just over three years of service. He is also the youngest navigator ever to be cleared for VVIP operations in the Boeing-737 aircraft. He has a total of 4300 hours of flying and is fully qualified in all roles on the HS-748 and Boeing 737 aircraft. An A-2 Navigation Instructor, he was actively associated with the preparation of the IAF long range route chart and was instrumental in ensuring that the chart conformed to international standards. He almost single handedly designed and developed an indigenous state of the art navigation simulator at the Navigation and Signals School. The simulator has significantly cut down training costs and a large portion of the flying syllabus is being taught on the simulator now.

He was specially selected for posting to Air HQ Communication Squadron in Sep 93. During this tenure, Sqn Ldr Plakkot has flown over 950 hours on VVIP and VIP flights to all parts of the country on B-737 aircraft. His dedication and navigational expertise ensured that each sortie was executed with noticeable finesse, earning him and the Air Force the appreciation of the dignitaries flown. He has also been carrying out the flying and ground training of navigators.

For distinguished service of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Squadron Leader RK Plakkot.