Details : | Group Captain Ravinder Kumar Dhir (15678) Flying (Pilot) is the Commanding Officer of Air Force Test Pilots School (AFTPS) since 01 Jul 2003. Earlier he was a member of Bis Upgrade Team at Russia and inducted BISON aircraft in the 1AF as Commanding Officer of that Squadron. He is on the posted strength of Aircraft Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) since 09 Dec 2002 and was the Chief Projects Manager (CPM) till Jun 2003. He was actively involved with ADA, HAL, CABS and NAL towards TEJAS, UT and SARAS projects. He was member of First Flight Review Board of UT and MMR on HACK-AVRO. He was instrumental in framing the MoU between Air Force and NAL, for first ever prototype flight testing of SARAS aircraft by ASTE and certification by DGCA.Air HQ in Jun 2003 increased the intake for the Flight Test Course (FTC). Notwithstanding the limitations of manpower and aircraft resources, he undertook the challenge in his stride. He personally supervised the exercises by flying instructional sorties, and coordinated outstation activities with Air HQ, to ensure timely completion of 26 FTC. The next FTC, also with increased strength, is progressing on schedule. With emphasis on team work he motivated his staff by personal example to meet the 1AF requirements of training more tesl crew. AFTPS was tasked to achieve recognition of FTC for grant of M Tech Degree to students by Visvesvaniya Technological University Belgaum, Karnataka. With his perseverance and diligence Gp Capt Dhir achieved the same and a comprehensive plan to initiate the postgraduate course for 28 FTC commencing Jul 05 has been formulated. To mark the Silver Jubilee of the AFTPS a first ever International Seminar on Flight Testing and Flight Test Training was held at ASTE Six foreign test pilot schools from USA, UK, France and Brazil participated. Gp Capt Dhir demonstrated exceptional management skills by planning each activity meticulously, and conducted the seminar in the most befitting manner. Capitalizing on the lessons learnt, he formulated comprehensive training package for students involving special Systems' Evaluation capsule at USNTI'S, and Preview Exchange with three foreign schools, at no cost basis, which was approved at Air HQ. A promotional film on AFTPS was also made during this period. Formal request by four countries to train their officers at AFTPS reflects the international recognition achieved by AFTPS.For his exceptional devotion to duty, Initiative and performance, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award "Vayu Sena Medal' to Group Captain Ravinder Kumar Dhir. |