| Details : | Group Captain Milind Kumar (20479) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a pilot in the flying branch on 16 Dec 89. He is a Cat '1'Qualified Flying Instructor (QR) with 8300 brs of accident free flying on various transport and training aircraft (with 4000 hrs on IL-761IL-78ac). He has been an Air Force examiner, Flying Instructors School alumni and has had a tenure abroad as an Instructor and Team Leader of the IAF training team at Botswana. He was part of the pioneering team of professionals involved in initial Right Refueling Aircraft(FRA) induction from Tashkent He was commended by C/>S in 2004, has been the Right Commander and is now commanding the only aerial refueling squadron of the IAE As the Commanding Officer, his synergetic coordination with fighter squadrons innovative dovetailing of multiple missions has led to improved tanker utilisation, with significant improvement of receiver rate/hour from 4.16 to 5.006, leading to a 20% and 25% increase in the number of contacts and fuel transferred. He has operationalised the international concept of 'Connect/disconnect during a turn' with receivers & consolidated the multi tanker concept, thereby paving the way for maximizing the tanker utilisation in a restricted geographical area enhancing sub-conventional capability of IAE Under his aegis, the third centerline pod on the FRA has being revived after many years, which enhances refueling redundancy in critical missions. The squadron performed admirably during the last visit of Directorate of Air Staff Inspection and was adjudged a rare 'Above Average' in operations. He led the prestigious' Big Boy' Republic Day formation 2012 with immaculate precision. His close liaisoning with Software Development Institute completed the Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) planning software which was operationalised and validated in exercise Tropex-12. With his constant perusal of issues the fourth FRA was brought online. The AAR pod serviceability went up from 8 to 13 and flightline serviceability a very impressive 93.31% despite a six month detachment. Under his dynamic leadership, the full squadron successfully completed a first ever six month long detachment in the IL-761IL-78fleet. With his constant vigil, over two hundred personnel, four FRAs and many specialist vehicles flawlessly conducted 850 hrs of accident free IAF operations sharing operational area with fighters. His long tireless involvement at detachment location assisted in overcoming the administrative and mammoth maintenance challenges like Engine changes, Oleo change, pod changes etc. which needed meticulous coordination with the parent base. The squadron successfully anchored many exercises like Ex-Gauntlet, Ex-Dakshin Prahar, Ex-Tropex etc. including Omani Air Force, from multiple bases. His professional encouragement and guidance to juniors resulted in innovation of an indigenous Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS), at fraction of its cost in civil. Its installation at Air Force Station Agra is the first in Central Air Command and IAE Cross flying of FRA crew in fighter and vice-versa was envisaged and accomplished. He encouraged and facilitated the first ever Test Pilot from transport fleet for ASTE. He also planned and enabled the first in-land ferry of Sea Harriers of Indian Navy and completed the AWACS refuelling ground trial His compassion and concern for subordinates resulted in expeditious settlement of welfare issues of the families of the air warriors. His participative leadership displayed by personnel example inspired the squadron personnel and their families to actively participate in various sports and cultural activities. For exceptional devotion to duty, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty) to Group Captain Milind Kumar. |
