| Details : | Wing Commander Sagar Madhukar Paranjpe (22945) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a pilot in the flying branch on 18 Jun 94. He has been staff at the Flying Instructor School and Hight Commander of a MiG Operational Flying Training Unit (MOFTU). He has flown 2700 hours on various types of aircraft and is a Category 'PI. Qualified flying Instructor, UAV External Pilot trained in Israel and a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College. Wg Cdr Sagar Madhukar Paranjpe is the Commanding 'Officer of a MOFT Unit since 31 May 11. Under his leadership, the unit has flown 1683 sorties/865 hrs of accident free MOFT under training flying in nine months. He is a dynamic officer with exceptional professional knowledge and extremely analytical approach to all problems. He has implemented a unique model of time audit for officers as well as the airmen to instill a sense of time management, which was commended by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command and the inspection team from Directorate of Aerospace Safety. He is instrumental in innovating a unique audio-visual alarm system on a tractor that prevents accidents while towing aircraft, a unique and user friendly ground layout plan for role equipment and Ground Servicing Equipment, a towing line to help the tractor driver tow without turning his head back, and a camera-based flight debrief tool for under training pilots for solo sorties. He has implemented a procedure called 'Lakshman Rekha', for 100% tool check before signing of the aircraft servicing form by technicians. This is meant to prevent accidents/incidents due to missing tools. This procedure has been emulated by various other squadrons. With a view to enhancing knowledge on aircraft performance characteristics and prevent accidents, he has authored a booklet on the aerodynamics of MiG-21 aircraft which has been distributed by Air HQ to all the MiG-21 operating units. He has created a working environment in the unit that encourages professionalism and innovation. This has proven itself in five instances of safe recovery of aircraft by under training pilots with critical emergencies on MiG-21 aircraft, and no accidents or incidents. He has implemented a number of innovative computer based training tools to enhance the efficiency and quality of flying training. Mid-phase review of training implemented by him to help refine instructional techniques was appreciated by Aircrew Examination Board during their inspection. The confidence of under training pilots in the ageing MiG-21 T 77 ac has increased significantly due to his close supervision, high safety standards and exemplary instructional techniques. This has resulted in pilots opting to stay back in the squadron rather than get posted out after MOH For exceptional devotion to duty, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty) to Wing Commander Sagar Madhukar Paranjpe. |
