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Air Commodore Aniket Santosh Abhayankar
| Service No & Branch | 24497 F(P) | Stream :Helicopters |  | ||||||
| Date of Birth: | Commissioned: 21 Jun 1997 | Course: 159 Course | |||||||
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| Google the Bharat Rakshak Website for : "A S Abhayankar" | |||||||||
| Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) | ||||
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| Wg Cdr | Aniket Santosh Abhayankar | 24497 F(P) | Award Date 15 Aug 2014 | Announced 15 Aug 2014 |
| Details : | Wing Commander Abhyankar Aniket Santosh (24497) Flying (pilot) is from the Helicopter stream and since 22 Apr 12 he is the Flight Commander of a Cheetal! Cheetah helicopter Unit that operates in the Siachen Glacier. He is a Cat 'N. QFI and has over 4,000 hours of accident/incident free flying. Wg Cdr Abhyankar has flown over 1,000 hrs in the inhospitable and challenging terrain of Siachen Glacier, where a helicopter is required to be flown at the extremes of its flight envelope and under constant threat of enemy observation and fire. He has displayed utmost courage and devotion to duty, while skillfully executing more than 500 landings at the world's three highest helipads located at Amar Son am and Zulu in the 'Op Meghdoot' area. He has also executed numerous casualty evacuations from places located above 20,000 feet in the Siachen Glacier and Laddakh Sector. His contribution towards the war efforts in the World's Highest Battlefield has been substantial. On 17 Aug 13, Wg Cdr Abhyankar was tasked for rescuing a foreign national, who was part of a lndo-British expedition, from 'Saser Kangri' which is at an altitude of 23,000 feet. At these altitudes, the helicopter operates at the extremes of its flight envelopes, has exceedingly restricted reserve of power, no margin for error and hence exceptional piloting skills are required to handle the helicopter safely. On the day of the planned rescue, the weather in the sector was marginal with poor visibility, strong gusty winds and clouding which further added to the challenges being faced by the pilot. Braving these adverse circumstances, Wg Cdr Abhyankar skillfully maneuvered and landed his helicopter in an extremely restricted & uneven terrain which was mired in crevasses & loose snow. He evacuated the paralyzed casualty to Tangtse where basic medical aid was available. By now, the weather in the area had further deteriorated which mandated an unplanned night halt at Tangtse and further evacuation to Leh was only possible the next day. Throughout this act of valor, Wg Cdr Abhyankar, used his experience, judgment and exceptional flying skills and was able to save a precious life. He also kept up the highest traditions of the IAF and displayed exceptional courage, highest level of leadership, professionalism and skills. For this act of exceptional courage, exemplary leadership and highest level of professionalism, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) to Wing Commander Abhyankar Aniket Santosh. | |||
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| Reference : Air Force Day Booklet | ||||
The data in the header section of this page comes from the Gazette of India - Click here to see the source
The URL for this page is http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/24497
Note: All the data available here is publicly available in the Gazette of India, published by the Indian Government, or from public domain sources, press releases about Awards and Right-To-Information (RTI) Requests. Additionally data shared by veterans is added to the page with permission. No data with respect to serving officers below the rank of AVM is displayed. Information in Gazette of India and Award citations and photographs as released by the Indian Air Force are the only details displayed.