Gp Capt Arun Dattatraya Karandikar had been on the posted strength of one of the Transport Squadrons of the IAF since 23 Oct 89. He has flown a staggering 10850 hours without a single accident or incident. The first 10,000 hours were flown in the first twenty years, at a rate of almost 500 hours a year, continuously. This achievement, probably not duplicated by any one in the Air Force, assumes greater significance considering that a large portion of flying was undertaken on air maintenance missions over the rugged terrain of Ladakh, J&K, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizo Hills on AN-12, Dakota and now AN-32 aircraft and most of the remaining on VVIP flights.

In addition to the full times duties to coordinate the entire spectrum of flying tasks including daily air maintenance missions for two transport Squadrons and supervising the administration of two Advance Landing Grounds all by himself, he took on the major task of bringing up the base Air Defence Centre, the Intelligence room and Nav Briefing room from a practically non functional level to a fully operational level. These have since been commented on appreciatively by visiting dignitaries and DASI.

In 1973, he was commended by the CAS for successful handling a critical engine failure on a fully loaded Dakota, immediately after take off from a forward airfield in Assam. He qualified on AN-32 achieving exceptional category in just four months. He has been assessed as exceptional on all the types of aircraft he has flown. His exceptional skill in the conduct of VIP flights earned him and the Air Force praise from a number of Indian and foreign dignitaries.

For display of leadership, exceptional professional standard for more than two decades, dedication to duty and unstinted hard work towards the operational efficiency of a squadron, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Gp Capt AD Karandikar.

Gp Capt Fali Homi Major, a helicopter pilot, raised and commanded the first Mi-17 Helicopter Unit in the IAF in 1985. He now commands one of the Helicopter Units in the Air Force.

Immediately after taking over command of his present unit, he proceeded to Sri Lanka, where his unit was operating in the offensive and logistic support role in support of "OP Pawan". He personally flew a number of operational sorties and supervised the functioning of the detachment there. It was largely due to his personal example and leadership qualities that the unit won many laurels including the appreciation of AOCin-C, WAC, AOC-in-C, SAC and the award of the prestigious IPKF standard.

In Feb 1990, the unit was inducted directly from Sri Lanka to Srinagar in support of "OP Rakshak". Gp Capt Major ensured that his aircrew were trained on the armament role of the aircraft in the shortest possible time to meet the requirement for armed "Internal Security" duties. He flew extensively in the area of operation and closely supervised the conduct of various operations.

Besides "OP Rakshak", his unit also operates in support of "OP Meghdoot". Gp Capt Major was instrumental in evaluating the Mi-17 helicopter in high altitudes and formulating SOPs and tactics in 1985. Today, with his sound knowledge and extensive flying in the area, his unit is doing yeoman service in support of "OP Meghdoot".

As the Task Force Commander of Exercise "Sky Hawk" in Nov 1990, he created some kind of a record by launching 302 night SHBO missions involving 900 combat troops with a force-level of 21 helicopters. His profes sionalism and direction ensured 100% mission accomplishment without an accident/incident and with a clock-work precision.

For his dynamic leadership, exceptional devotion to duty, professionalism and undaunted efforts to enhance the image of the IAF Helicopter Fleet, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Gp Capt FH Major.

Late Wing Commander Sanjoy Bose was the Commanding Officer of one of the Squadrons of Air force, from 13 Aug 90 to 19 Sep 91. He has undergone the Staff Course in UK.

On 19 Sep 91, Late Wing Commander Bose was airborne for a live RP strike over a Range. While pulling out from the dive, he experienced a severe engine surge followed by engine overheat and thermo-regulator warning indications. While dealing with this multiple emergency, with very little height at his disposal, Wg Cdr Bose realized the gravity of the situation and informed the ground control of his intention to eject. At this stage there was enough height for him to abandon the aircraft successfully, but his aircraft was pointing towards a village. He piloted his stricken aircraft away from this populated area and in doing so delayed his ejection to a critically low altitude. The aircraft crashed in an open field near the village but Wing Commander Bose was fatally injured. Late Wing Commander Bose, thus averted a major catastrophe by sacrificing his own life in keeping with the best traditions of the IAF.

Late Wg Cdr Bose was an extremely dedicated and capable officer. With his rare acumen and sound leadership, he ensured that the Squadron was operationally geared up to meet any eventuality. He was frank and forthright officer, whose humane behavior towards his men made him an outstanding commander.

For the supreme sacrifice made by him in saving invaluable lives and for his selfless devotion to duty, spanning more than twenty years in the Indian Air Force, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal (POSTHUMOUSLY) to Wg Cdr Sanjoy Bose.

Wing Commander Jatinder Paul Singh is on the posted strength of a Base Repair Depot of the IAF since 29 Jul 90 and employed as Officer i/c Aircraft Test & Ferry Flight. He is engaged in air testing of Hunter and MiG-21 variants.

On 30 Aug 90, Wg Cdr Singh was on an air test sortie of an aircraft after an engine change. On completion of the supersonic run, while descending through 8.4 kms at a speed of 650 kms IAS he brought the throttle back initially to BLC catch and subsequently to idle. On bringing the throttle to idle he heard a bang and experienced engine surge with rise in JPT. He promptly switched off the engine. He had a successful relight at 6 kms but on opening throttle experienced vibrations and unusual engine sound above 90% N1 RPM. He gave an RT call, restricted RPM to 85% and landed the aircraft off a descending circuit making a straight approach for the nearest runway. Post flight inspection revealed extensive damage to the compressor between 2nd and 8th stage. Wg Cdr Singh by his correct and prompt actions landed back a badly crippled aircraft. He displayed confidence and professional skill of a high order.

On a subsequent occasion on 21 Nov 90, Wg Cdr Singh was flying an air test sortie on another aircraft. Towards the end of the sortie, on engaging reheat, he experienced main hydraulic failure. He promptly switched off the reheat and the jet nozzle closed. He then experienced total main hydraulic failure with the pressure dropping to zero. The cone was struck between 80 to 85% and the undercarriage was lowered on emergency. While taking corrective action the pilot had already turned downwind and positioned for a flapless landing. He landed off a descending circuit keeping throttle use to minimum. The aircraft was switched off on touch down. Post flight inspection revealed a profuse leak at the outlet connection of hydraulic electric selector valve to jet nozzle actuator. Any further delay in taking corrective action would have caused fire in the tail section leading to loss of control. Wg Cdr Singh with his prompt actions handled the emergency in a professional manner.

For his self confidence, presence of mind, professional skill of a high order and devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr JP Singh.

Wg Cdr MR Shirazi has been commanding one of the 'Pechora' squadrons since 28 Jan 90. Even before the Squadron could receive its full complements of personnel, common user vehicles, communication equipment etc and stabilize as a fighting unit, operational conditions necessitated the move of one of its combat flights to an operational location. At the time this move was ordered, the Squadron had only a few officers and about half the total strength of technicians and other support staff on posted strength. Wg Cdr Shirazi moved combat flight 'Alpha' with its complete combat equipment, all specialist vehicles and communication equipment from a wing to its ops location by a special train. When the flight arrived at the ops site, it had only 4 officers, 50 airmen and 7 NCs(E) as the remaining personnel of the Squadron had been kept behind for manning combat flight 'Bravo', Tech Flight and Sqn HQs.

The 'Alpha' flight was tasked to provide air defence of a port and the oil jetties/tanks in the area. The most suitable site for deployment of the combat flight was located in scrub jungle with no approach roads. By personal liaison with various civil authorities, Wg Cdr Shirazi had the area cleared and approach road built. This enabled the flight to be deployed at the ops site in just 27 days. The flight continues to be deployed at this site till date.

In spite of acute shortage of manpower, with almost half of the available personnel being new and inexperienced, Wg Cdr Shirazi has managed to keep his combat flight at a high state of readiness and maintained the combat equipment at a very high serviceability state. The detachment has been operating from tented accommodation, under very difficult working and living conditions. In spite of these adverse conditions Wg Cdr Shirazi has managed to keep the morale of his men very high. In the past five months Wg Cdr Shirazi has relentlessly perused his efforts to make the living and working conditions of his detachment more comfortable.

For his outstanding qualities of leadership, unbound initiative, unflinching dedication to duty and exceptional hard work to achieve operational preparedness, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr MR Shirazi.

Wing Commander Mandhir Singh, a transport pilot, is posted as Flight Commander of Paratroopers Training School since 27 Aug 90.

Wing Commander Mandhir Singh has to his credit well over 9200 hrs of incident free flying, out of which 3300 hrs has been dedicated to AN-32 aircraft alone. He holds the signal credit of individual average of almost 730 hrs per year, in all types of terrain and adverse weather conditions. He holds the prestigious RHCP qualification on three different types viz. HS-748, C-46 and AN-32. His record of flying for 1300 hrs as Captain of AN-32 in perilous and treacherous terrain of Siachen proves his professional skill and constant pursuit to achieve perfection.

On 30 Jul 87, he commanded the first aeroplane to land at Jaffna airfield in a hostile environment and set up an indigenous Air Traffic Control. Only after this the subsequent fleet of transport aircraft carrying IPKF landed. His matchless skill made him an automatic choice on 9 Feb 90 to be the first pilot to carry out circuits and landings by night on the high altitude Leh airfield on an emergency flare path only. Amongst the numerous firsts to his credit, is also the distinction of being the Captain of the first AN-32 to land in Male airfield in Operation Cactus.

He was posted as Flight Commander at PTS at a time when the unit was bedeviled by unfortunate and avoidable flying incidents, he rose manfully to the onerous task of reorienting, motivating and reco-ordinating the aircrew to the challenging tasks ahead. By personal example, constant and persisted hard work, he resurrected the unit almostsphinx like from ashes and trained a total of 14 new, raw and non-ops pilots on type to be fully qualified on all roles operational and routine within an astonishingly short period of only eight months. Under his meticulous supervision, careful planning and smooth execution the aircrew of the unit achieved maturity and confidence.

As recognition of his stupendous personal flying record, unparalleled achievements and ability to lead and supervise by example in a period of crisis, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Mandhir Singh.

Wg Cdr R Banerjee was the Commanding Officer one of the Air Force Helicopter units from 27 Jun 88 to 19 Apr 91.

Although the unit was equipped with aircraft only on 27 June 88, with his tremendous enthusiasm, initiative and unparalleled organizing capacity, he not only declared the unit operational within six days but had also moved to Punjab for massive flood relief operations. His sterling qualities of intense patriotism, supreme leadership and excellent flying skills ensured very successful induction of Mi-17 ac in Op Pawan, especially in offensive role. He fully exploited the aircraft to ensure tremendous success during the operations, exhibiting a very high sense of professionalism and dedication to the cause. His unit remained inducted in OP Pawan for almost one year and flew more than 4000 hrs in extremely hostile environment without any accident/incident once again reflecting his qualities of leadership and professionalism.

Under his command, the unit undertook various tasks. Working prodigious hours, he cheerfully undertook all operations ranging from 'Op Meghdoot' to 'Op Falcon', Aid to civil power in Punjab, Srinagar and Patna, Air Maintenance in Himachal Pradesh and Special Heliborne Operations in the deserts of Rajasthan.

As a pilot, he has to his credit 8700 hrs of rotary Wing flying experience. His performance in the last five years has been really incredible in which he has flown 4603 hrs. Such outstanding feat in operational service flying is worthy of emulation.

For his leadership, professionalism par excellence and outstanding contribution to service whilst in command of an Air Force Helicopter Unit, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr R Banerjee.

Wing Commander Guriqbal Singh Nijjar took over command of one of the MiG-21 operational Squadrons on 22 May 90, with dual role i.e. Stage-III training of pilots in peace time and full operational role in war. Undaunted by this difficult task of diverse requirements and under severe constraints of adverse factors like weather, limited ac serviceability, shortage of staff pilots and restrictions, Wg Cdr Nijjar set about with drive, initiative and single minded determination.

During his command, the unit logged over 7800 sorties, of which over 5300 sorties were flown in 1990, an all time record for this 21 year old Squadron, all without accident/ serious incidents. Wg Cdr Nijjar's personal contribution has been 850 sorties at an average of 55 per month. Wg Cdr Nijjar led the Squadron from the front and accepted the challenges of Command, head-on.

On the operational front also, the Squadron under his professional leadership, excelled itself, bagging the R/P and Bombing events during the last gunner meet and emerging overall a close second.

Wg Cdr Nijjar is a highly experienced A-2 QFI, with over 5000 hrs of flying to his credit, out of which well over 2000 hrs are on MiG21. His personal and professional example, his great enthusiasm for flying and his untiring capacity for hard work have been a continuous source of inspiration not only to Staff Pilots but also for the impressionable young trainees in his Squadron. His outstanding leadership in the air and ground is worthy of emulation by one and all.

For his dynamic leadership, unflinching and exceptional devotion to duty, meticulous planning and execution of MOFT tasks and very high professional standards, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Nijjar.

Wg Cdr RM Sridharan took over as Commanding Officer of one of the AF Helicopter Units in Nov 88.

He was entrusted with the task of raising the unit with new aircraft and making it operational in the shortest possible time. This task, which he set about most diligently and displayed outstanding eagerness to serve and an exemplary enthusiasm in fulfilling his responsibilities. He set up the unit in the shortest possible time, imparted training to aircrew to operate in Siachen glacier.

Over the last two years, under his command, the unit has flown over 5500 hrs accident-free, out of which 3500 hrs have been flown in Siachen glacier. About 3500 Tons of load has been air dropped at various posts over the glacier. Under his able leadership and deft guidance his unit has airlifted armament, troops and essential supplies in aid to civil power during Oct/Nov 90 over inhospitable terrain and climate of J&K area.

Wg Cdr Shridharan was given the task of selecting DZs and carrying out trial, based on which the complete airlift was executed. On another occasion, the heavy equipment of Border Roads Organisation was carried across river in Arthal Area under slung. It was once again Wg Cdr Shridharan's guidance and leadership that such an extra-ordinary task was successfully completed.

For his exemplary sense of duty, leadership, able guidance and exemplary enthusiasm, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr RM Sridharan.

Wg Cdr SC Mukul was posted as Commanding Officer of one of the squadrons of the Air Force on 27 Nov 89. He is an A-2 QFI, who has also done FCL and Staff College Courses. The task of this assignment was reequipping the squadron with MiG-29 aircraft and getting the squadron operational in the shortest possible time.

Disposal of earlier aircraft and associated equipment, setting up flight and technical complex in a new location were all done with a great sense of urgency. Newly acquired ac and ground equipment was inspected and taken over from (Soviet) Erection Team with limited man power available in a smooth manner.

Squadron commenced flying on MiG-29 ac in Apr 90 with a nucleus of only a few MiG-29 qualified pilots. New pilots with different backgrounds were progressed speedily through conversion and OST syllabus. It goes to his credit that the Sqn achieved Ops status by August 1990 with sufficient pilots fully ops to take on operational commitments without a single incident/accident.

His Squadron was also given the task of imparting Dissimilar Air Combat Training to the MiG-21 Sqns in the western sector. This training was imparted with all the seriousness and professional thoroughness to pilots of a number of Sqns one after the other. It is to the credit of Wg Cdr Mukul that these DACT camps were always completed on schedule. An interesting development was the regular weekly continuation of DACT missions on completion of DACT camps with the MiG21 Sqns of the neighboring bases; the TRS of the MiG-21s landing at this AF base was looked after by his Sqn technicians. These DACT Camps and the procedure of weekly DACT/Buddy missions has enhanced the Ops preparedness of fighter squadrons tremendously.

For the high standard of professionalism and dedication shown in safe and speedy induction of MiG-29 ac at Wing as well as for achieving Ops Status of the Sqn and efficient running of DACT Camps with MiG-21 squadrons, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr SC Mukul.

Wing Commander Noel Amiyakumar Moitra has been in command of a fighter squadron since 22 Apr 90. He has over 3100 hours of accident-free flying to his credit. He was one of the three pilots to cross 1000 hours on T-75 and also the first in all courses he has undergone. He has also attended the Air Staff Course at RAF Staff College, UK.

He was trained abroad on Mirage-2000. He took over as Flight Commander of the first Mirage-2000 Squadron on return. He was required to tackle monumental task of inducting the aircraft into Indian Air Force. With his vast knowledge of the aircraft, he developed cockpit interfaces and displays in the air and spelled out pilot's requirements for various missions. His efforts were commended by the Director ADA.

In April 1990, Wg Cdr Moitra took over the command of a Mirage-2000 Squadron. On assuming command, he set about integrating all the systems for optimal utilization. Realising that future conflicts would depend heavily on electronics, he converted the approach to EW laying great emphasis on increased EW awareness and its dissemination.

The only IAF pilot to have fired S-530D BVR Missile, he pioneered a series of trials on the optimum integration of this potent weapon with the improved aircraft radar. The operational status of the Squadron was brought upto 100% of fully Ops pilots. It was no surprise that the Squadron was nominated the best Squadron of the Air Force for 1990-91.

For his exceptional devotion to duty, dedicated hard work and consistent outstanding achievements, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr NA Moitra.

Wing Commander Paramjit Singh Bhangu has been commanding one of Air force Squadrons since 26 Jun 89.

Wg Cdr PS Bhangu took over the command of the Sqn at a stage when its overall performance with special reference to air-to-ground armament was at a low ebb. He identified the Key Result Areas and reviewed planning of the Squadron training. His immediate priority was to motivate and train his subordinates to perform as wellknit professional team. He achieved this by his dedicated approach and putting in long hours of hard work in personally training his subordinates.

Positive signs of improvement were indicated when the Squadron was tasked to plan and launch 12 to 15 aircraft missions during 'Ex Gumrah'. His personal involvement and eye for the smallest detail ensured safe execution of the task. The Squadron performed exceedingly well during 'Eklavya 89'. The Squadron won the night bombing team event and Wg Cdr Bhangu personally won the individual day bombing event. There has been as sea change in the quality of flying carried out the unit. He was co-opted staff member for Supervisors Combat Orientation Course (SCOC) from 08 to 18 Aug 89.

Wg Cdr Bhangu has been very closely associated with the modification and trial of SPO-10 on MiG-23 BN aircraft. He is also involved in the modification of radio altimeter. He has followed up his suggested modification of cine camera fitment on MiG-23 aircraft which he initiated as Flt Cdr in Nov 87.

Under his custodianship, the squadron during the last DASI inspection of 08-12 Apr 91, managed an all time of high of 74.25% in operational capability. Backed by sound a soundly administered unit, a well disciplined body of Squadron personnel, Wg Cdr Bhangu has led his unit from strength to strength in the best traditions of the IAF.

For his inspiring leadership, professional competence and dedication to improve and maintain his Squadron's op efficiency, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr PS Bhangu.

Wing Commander Mohan John was commissioned in the IAF in Jun 72. He is fully ops on MiG-21 and Mirage-2000 aircraft and has a total of 3200 accident free flying hours, over 1000 sorties of these are on Mirage-2000 aircraft.

After his commissioning, he joined a front line operational squadron. At that stage when he was relatively inexperienced, he handled a serious aircraft emergency in a cool, calm and professional manner and for this he was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff. He has also been commended by the AOC-in-C, WAC in 1978 for his meritorious service. In 1979, Wg Cdr John underwent All Purpose Flying Instructors Course and stood first. He is also a Fighter Combat Leader and is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College.

In 1985, Wg Cdr John was posted to a Mirage-2000 Squadron and was the first pilot to be converted in India. He not only completed his training in a record time but as a supervisor contributed immensely in the build up of expertise and evolution of tactics on this aircraft. He did remarkably well as a Flight Commander.

In October 89, Wg Cdr John was appointed as the Squadron Commander of Mirage-2000 Sqn. The morale of the Squadron was low as his predecessor had been killed in an air crash. By sheer hard work, dedication, personal example and deep sense of involvement he guided the squadron through this difficult phase and ensured that the squadron once again became a viable fighting unit. During his tenure, the squadron had been given the task of perfecting the art of night strike and delivery of laser guided bombs. He undertook these challenges and ensured that adequate number of pilots were trained in a short time in this phase. He was also entrusted with the task of training pilots in low level aerobatics. This he did commendably well, again by personal example and deep sense of dedication.

For his professional skill, dedication and devotion to duty and for his qualities of leadership in the best traditions of the IAF, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr Mohan John.

Sqn Ldr P Kinra has been on the posted strength of one of the Air Force Squadrons since 08 May 88 and has been holding the appointment of Flight Commander from Jul 89.

During his tenure as Flight Commander, Sqn Ldr Kinra involved himself completely and whole heartedly in all the activities of the Squadron. He is solely responsible for keeping the Squadron as an extremely well knit team even during difficult time. His untiring efforts towards motivating the Squadron pilots and training them as keen professional culminated in the Squadron becoming the overall champion for two consecutive years in EKLAVYA 1991. By maintaining the best armament score for the last two years in the Squadron and winning the individual bombing trophy during 1990, he has set an example of professional competence worthy of emulation by all.

By virtue of its location at one of the wings, the Squadron has to undertake a minimum of six detachments during a year. Sqn Ldr Kinra accompanied each of them during the last two years and successfully achieved all the tasks allotted to the Squadron. Due to his foresight and meticulous planning, the Squadron maintained very high aircraft serviceability during May 91. Despite adverse circumstances at the parent location of the Squadron and frequent detachments, the fact that the Squadron was able to maintain an accident free record bears testimony to his absolute involvement in the Squadron and a keen sense for details.

He has demonstrated excellent administrative capabilities as a Flight Commander and when he was officiating Commanding Officer for about six months. In Jan 91, as officiating Commanding Officer, he was able to motivate the men for a massive snow clearance operation in extremely adverse weather conditions; worst in the last 30 years. It is mainly due to his affable nature, personal example and excellent social interaction that he has been able to keep the Squadron at its peak efficiency.

For his professional excellence, rare devotion to duty and leadership qualities of a very high order, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr P Kinra.

Sqn Ldr K Malik has been on the posted strength of one of the Squadrons since 13 Feb 89. He is fully Ops Pilot, an A-2 QFI and FCL with 600 hrs on type and 2400 hrs of total service flying.

On 05 Mar 91, he got airborne for a combat sorties as a number four member in the formation. While climbing through 350 meters above the ground level, he heard a loud thud and the aircraft engine flamed out. He gave an R/T call indicating that he would be ejecting, and gently turned away from the populated city limits. Even he was preparing for ejection, he analysed and concluded that the height and speed combination was just sufficient for attempting a safe relight. The relight attempt was successful and he safely landed the aircraft. After landing checks revealed extensive damage to air intake, cone, lip and engine.

The whole process of engine flame out to the relight of the engine took place in a short span of 30 seconds. Even a delay of 3-4 Seconds in taking a decision or in carrying out the relight procedure would have cost the service a valuable aircraft worth crores of rupees and invaluable human lives. All through this critical and very dangerous situation, Sqn Ldr Malik remained calm. He quickly and correctly assessed the implications and handled the emergency in the most professional manner.

Sqn Ldr Malik displayed extremely high degree of professionalism and airmanship which is worthy of emulation by all aircrew. For excellent presence of mind, professional skill and devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr K Malik.

Sqn Ldr Vinod Kumar Singh is on the posted strength of one of Air Force Squadron since 03 Apr 89. The officer has flown 4300 hrs including 850 hrs on IL-76. He has logged 600 hrs as Captain on IL-76 and he is holding a MG category.

On 01 Apr 91, Sqn Ldr Singh was detailed for an air maintenance sortie to convey 225 passengers to a high altitude. The weather was cloudy with low and medium clouds. About 150 km short of Leh while flying at FL 290 over mountainous terrain with peaks protruding above 21000 feet, a loud bang was heard with severe vibrations and fire warning on No. 1 engine. The engine had burst and its parts had hit the wing undersurface and APU bay. The engine had tilted upwards by a few degrees, the port side slat was damaged. The reverse thrust buckets of the failed engine had deployed and the ac was facing serious aerodynamic problems.

Showing exemplary cool, presence of mind and professional competence of the highest order Sqn Ldr Singh correctly analysed the situation and initiated prompt action without hesitation and with full confidence saved the ac from disaster.

After completing initial actions and initiat ing diversion to base, Sqn Ldr Singh displayed exceptional qualities of leadership to exhort all his crew members to take prompt and correct actions. Ably assisted by co-pilot with mere 75 hrs of experience on type, he monitored the subsequent crew actions. By his calm disposition, efficient handling of situation and dialogue, he inspired a very high degree of confidence amongst crew members and thus enabled the emergency to be handled in a competent manner enabling a safe landing at the base.

For his commendable calm, enviable self confidence, maturity and display of exceptional skill in flying a battered ac to save the lives of 230 personnel, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr VK Singh.

On 18 Jan 91, Sqn Ldr A Ranjan was authorized to fly as a leader on a Hunter ac in a 2 ac sortie.

After 30 minutes of flying, at 16000' and 380 Kts, the pilot found his throttle non effective and RPM stuck at 7500. He assessed the situation and instructed his No. 2 to return individually.

Sqn Ldr Ranjan had a choice of carrying out a planned ejection or flaming out the engine and carrying out a dead stick landing. Despite fuel constraint, high speed and RPM stuck at a high power, Sqn Ldr Ranjan decided to bring back the aircraft. He also allowed adequate time for the ATC to recover other airborne ac. Displaying a very high degree of professional competence, he skillfully manoeuvred the aircraft so as to be able to make an approach with speed higher than permissible speed. He switched off the engine using LP cock when he was still on approach. Thereafter, using excess speed to reach the runway, he carried out a planned dead stick landing. The touchdown was well controlled albeit at a higher speed. By judicious use of brakes and tail parachute the aircraft was brought to a halt at the end of runway with no damage. On subsequent examination the throttle linkage to the engine was found disconnected.

The sound assessment of a very critical situation and subsequent safe and undamaged recovery of a valuable aircraft was undoubtedly an example of total professional approach, display of exceptional flying skill and sound airmanship with scan regard for personal safety, on the part of Sqn Ldr Ranjan.

For his courage, sound assessment of critical situation, flying skill and professional approach, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Sqn Ldr A Ranjan.

Sqn Ldr VVS Subba Rao has been on the posted strength of one of the Helicopter units with effect from 15 Feb 88. He has had the distinction of flying in "OP MEGHDOOT' sector for the past four years and has flown more than 1500 hours spread over 3500 sorties. On 11 Jun 91, Sqn Ldr Subba Rao was on air maintenance sortie for "OP MEGHDOOT' to a helipad which is at a height of 4650 mtrs AMSL. The sortie involved paradrop of 600 Kgs of load followed by a landing to offload 400 Kgs landing load. The helipad is bound by hills and has very rough and rugged terrain. After carrying out paradrop he landed and offloaded the aircraft as per the SOP. Thereafter he took off with 100 Kgs load and one passenger. When the ac had gained about 60 kmph speed and 60-70 ft height, Sqn Ldr Subba Rao suddenly heard a loud thud and experienced loss of height. He glanced at the engine instruments and noticed that the port engine RPM and TGT were rapidly going down. He displayed exceptional skill in handling the emergency and manoeruvred his aircraft even at that critical height and carried out a safe landing. The emergency had occurred at a very critical phase of flight and it was only because of Sqn Ldr Subba Rao's professionalism and competence as a pilot that helped him remain absolutely cool and react to the emergency in an exemplary manner which otherwise would have been a disaster. This successful single engine landing is perhaps, the first of its kind in Mi-17 aircraft which had been carried out at a height of 4650 mtrs (15500 ft) AMSL. This feat is all the more laudable because it occurred at the very extreme of the aircraft's flight envelope where the scope for error is absolutely negligible.

For his contribution to "ÓP MEGHDOOT", display of exceptional professional compe tence in handling a very critical emergency in an extremely hostile terrain, dedication to duty and courage, the President is pleased to award

Flight Lieutenant Pasupathy Venkatraman is on the posted strength of one of the Air Force Squadron since 16 Oct 89. He has a total experience of 758:00 hours, of which 225:00 hours are on MiG-27 ML aircraft.

On 19 Aug 91, while carrying out a night practice level bombing sortie over a Range in MiG-27 ML aircraft, the detachable wingmounted gun pods got released accidentally, when the trigger for release for bombs was pressed. Flt Lt Venkataraman felt a very violent wing-rock, which he immediately countered and climbed to a safe height.

The gun­pod had caused extensive damage to the leading edge of the starboard wing and starboard flaps. Being a night sortie, he had no means of assessing the extent of damage visually. However, during the subsequent low speed handling check, when he selected flaps down, he noticed a marked "rolling" tendency. The "rolling" became progressively severe as the speed was reduced. He therefore decided to carry out a flapless landing.

Drawing upon the reserves of his limited flying skills, Flt Lt Venkataraman executed an extremely dangerous and critical flapless landing by night with no damage to the aircraft.

Flt Lt Venkataraman displayed outstanding presence of mind in a potentially dangerous situation. By his exceptionally cool and professional handling in a disastrous situation, he landed a crippled aircraft safely against all adversities.

For his exemplary courage in handling a potentially disastrous emergency by night and outstanding professionalism in landing a crippled aircraft, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Flt Lt P Venkataraman.