Euphemistically known as “Distinguishing badges” or “Aircrew Badges”, these are worn by entitled officers and airmen on uniforms or on flying overalls (but not to be worn on protective clothing (e.g. great coat, rain coat, Jacket etc) )
These aircrew badges are worn only when authority for the same has been granted. Personnel awarded an aircrew badge who subsequently change their category, will wear the badge appropriate to their category. If for any reason, an officer or airman is transferred to a branch /trade where he would not be required to perform the duties signified by the badge to which he has hitherto been entitiled or ceases to be employed as aircrew, he will continue to wear the badge unless authority to wear the badge is specifically withdrawn.
Air crew badges are to be worn on the left breast. In the case of Pilot’s badge, the wings are to be of the badge vertically above the left breast pocket. In the case of badges with half wings, the letter of badge the centre of the letter vertically above the left breast pocket button. In the case of tunics without breast be worn in a corresponding position.
If no ribbons, decorations or medals are worn, the bottom line of the badge is to be immediately the breast pocket or in the case of tunics with out breast pockets, horizontally in line with the centre of the neck of the tunic.
When ribbons, decorations or medals are worn, the bottom line of the badge is to be placed 6 mm from the row of ribbons.
The badge is to be sewn on the dress No 1, 2B, 3, 4A, 5 and 7 for Officers, and on winter uniform is to be secured by means of brooch or press studs on dress No 2, 2A, 4, 5B, 6, 6A, 6B, 8 and 8A for uniform for airmen. The badge is to be sewn on the flying overalls.
Navigator’s Badge :
This consists of an out spread wing with the capital letter ‘N’ surrounded letter ‘N’ is surmounted centrally by the state emblem. The colour of the embroidery and the mounting is the pilot’s badge.
Navigator Badge (old pattern) |
Navigator Badge (Current pattern) |
Navigator Wing – Gold Bullion (Current pattern) |
Signaller(Air) Badge:
This is of the same description as the Navigators badge, except that ‘S’.
Flight Signaller – Old | Flight Signaller | Flight Signaller – Latest |
Flight Engineer’s Badge:
The badge is of the same description as the Navigator embroidered is ‘E’.
L Badge:
The badge is of the same description as the Navigator embroidered is ‘L’.
Flight Gunner’s Badge:
The badge is of the same description as the Navigator embroidered is ‘G’.
IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE | ||
Flight Gunner Old Pattern | Flight Gunner – Current | Flight Gunner – Current |
Observers’ Badge:
The badge is of the same description as the Navigators’ badge except that ‘O’.
Observer Wings – The Indian Air Force stopped training of ‘Observers’ midway through WW2 |
Links:
Air Force Regulations on Uniforms and Badges http://indianairforce.nic.in/RTI/afo2s_77.pdf
Images Courtesy : David Zothansanga, Jagan Pillarisetti