| Details : | Group Captain Dhananjay Vasant Khot (19516) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a pilot in the flying branch on 11 Jun 88. A Cat '1 Qualified Flying Instructor, he is fully operational on three different fighters and has flown over 3000 accident free hours. Graduating from flying training with the Sword of Honour, Group Captain Khot performed at exceptional level in all inspections, Exercises and Gunnery Meets in squadron service. Completing Instructor Training in the US with the top grading, he was the first lAF pilot selected as a flying instructor with the United States Air Force. As flight Commander of a MiG-23 BN and a MiG-27 MLsquadron, his initiatives resulted in high operational preparedness during 'Op Parakram', and exceptional performance in Ex-Vayu Spardha 2004. He commanded a special role MiG-23 BN squadron which won three Gunnery Meet trophies and participated in two Air Force Day Fly-Pests, He was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff in 1995, and the AOC-in-C Training Command in 1998. As the Joint Director Personnel Officers (Courses) at Air HQ handling professional general courses for more than 9000 officers, he revamped the process to make it participative and responsive to field units. As Director of Personnel (Policy), he was responsible for initiating many Human Resource Policies which were appreciated for farsighted policy development, and path breaking initiatives enabling higher promotion rates to Group Captain rank and evolving a model for re-employment of retired officers. He conceptualised and published the 'Blue Baatcheet' journal in three months, and provided policy support to many landmark legal cases. As Commanding Officer of the Aircrew Examination Board (AEB), he undertook multiple initiatives on the operational and administrative fronts. His review of the testing philosophy and pattern resulted in, comprehensive Orders bringing unprecedented clarity and operational focus in the testing process. Combined with 72 additional/unscheduled visits undertaken by AEB in this period, this rapidly improved the qualification state of lAF aircrew. The observations! recommendations of AEB after three special visits launched in the aftermath of accidents were implemented in full by Air HQ, resulting in a steep drop in accidents. He redesigned the curriculum for the Instrument Rating Instructor and Examiners (IRIE) Course and implemented it through personal effort and participation. During his tenure, the AEB's lAF-wide audit on Simulators fructified into guidelines for Air HQ to issue relevant orders. He has led the unit with strong military orientation and by personal example, instituting a culture of sports, physical fitness and discipline. For exceptional devotion to duty, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty) to Group Captain Dhananjay Vasant Khot. |
