Sqn Ldr Surya Bir Singh is on the posted strength of Basic Flying Training School since 20 Jun 91, as a Flying Instructor.

On 20 Feb 92, Sqn Ldr SB Singh was detailed for an instructional general handl ing sortie on Deepak aircraft No. x 2550. During the process of demonstrating a loop to the trainee, severe engine vibrations were experienced, while the aircraft was travel ing vertically with air-speed rapidly reducing. Sqn Ldr SB Singh calmly reduced throttle and recovered the aircraft from the adverse attitude, inspite of being hampered by the severely vibrating instrument panel. Attempt of reducing the engine vibrations by adjusting mixture, resulted in engine switch off, vibrations and propeller coming to dead stop, instead of wind milling.

Sqn Ldr SB Singh kept the engine shut at great personal risk and decided to carry out a dead stick landing. The situation in terms of height and distance to runway at that moment was critical.

As a consequence of an excellent and precise judgment, expert and deft handling of the aircraft, Sqn Ldr SB Singh executed a copy book dead stick landing. During the entire emergency, he kept the inexperienced flight cadet engrossed by calling out the actions in the cockpit. Sqn Ldr SB Singh displayed exceptional qualities of airmanship and professionalism in handling the emergency by safely force landing the aircraft without any damage or injury to its occupants.

For his acts of courage and exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr SB Singh.

Wing Commander Kuldeep Singh Bhardwaj was commissioned as a Fighter Pilot on 28 Dec 77. He has held the appointment of Deputy Flight Commander of a MiG 27 Squadron. A Pilot Attack Instructor and a Qualified Flying Instructor, he is also a graduate of Defence Services Staff College. He is on the posted strength of Basic Flying Training School, Allahabad since 01 May 94, as Chief Flying Instructor. He has 2800 hours of accident free flying of which 711 hours have been flown during his present tenure. He has been instrumental in formation of Standard Operational Procedures, Phase Briefs, Briefing Guides and a large number of presentations towards improving the quality of flying training. For a period of nine months he discharged duties and responsibilities of two Chief Flying Instructors all by himself. Additionally, he was assigned the duties of Chief Operations Officer of the AF base for a period of two months.

As a senior supervisor, he did not confine his responsibility to flying training alone. He closely monitored the overall quality of training to ensure that good future officers join the Indian Air Force for its growth. With his attitude of leading from the front, he has effectively spread a mixture of professional efficiency and enthusiasm among instructional staff and trainees. The quality of flying and ground training at the Institute has shown a definite and positive improvement.

For exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Kuldeep Singh Bhardwaj.

Group Captain Sapan Kumar Karmaker (13379) Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of BFTS, AF as Commanding Officer wef 08 Jan 96. He has over 4050 hrs of flying to his credit.

He is an A-2 Qualified Flying Instructor and a graduate from 'College of Defence Management' with a 'Directing Staff' grading. He has held the appointment of Commanding Officer of No 8 Sqn, AF from Jul 93 to Jul 95. Under his command, No 8 Sqn was adjudged as the 'Best Fighter Squadron' in Eastern Air Command during 94-95. He is also commended by Chief of Air Staff in Aug 90 for dedicated service while serving as Flight Commander of No 23 Sqn, AF.

He took initiative to bring up the quality of training imparted to flight cadets. He dedicated himself in formulating the new Stage-I flying training syllabus on HPT-32 ac which is currently being followed for flying training of ab-initio pilots. Under his command, the unit achieved the task to clockwork precision despite various difficulties faced. The HPT-32 fleet was grounded due to many engine cut incidents during Nov 95 to Jan 96. After taking over the unit, he involved himself with the problem and put his best efforts to contain the problems and ensured a high serviceability of HPT-32 fleet.

After taking over as the Commanding Officer of BFTS, AF, he guided the unit to new heights. The quality of both flying and ground training at the FTE has shown a definite and positive improvement under his command. He set his standards to such high level that every individual of the unit saw him as a role model. His exceptional command and guidance was underscored by the fact that the unit was adjudged as the 'Best FTE' under Training Command in year 1996.

For his exceptional dedication, devotion and overall outstanding contribution in all spheres of activities, the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Group Captain Sapan Kumar Karmaker.