| Details : |  Wing Commander Yogendra Rajora (17327) F (P) was commissioned in IAF as helicopter pilot on 22 Dee 83. He is a Test Pilot and has flown more than 4800 h of flying of which more than 900 h has been in "Op Meghdoot" and "Op Rakshak" sectors. During his flying in "Op Meghdoot" sector he was involved in some of the highest airdrops undertaken by Mi-17 helicopters. While flying in the Srinagar valley his helicopter was shot at by the militants and damaged. However, he showed great presence of mind and recovered the helicopter safely from a forward helipad. As a test pilot also he has been involved in a large number of projects. He was also involved in the Mi-35 upgrade project while serving as the flight commander of an Attack Helicopter squadron. He has been in command of a Mi-17 Helicopter Unit since 15 May 2000. During his tenure he has always been leading from the front. He was Involved In a number of flood relief missions in Arunachal Pradesh, often flying in adverse and Inclement weather. In these missions he has rescued almost 400 people mainly from remote and inhospitable sites. Despite erratic flow of spares, he has ensured that the unit maintains a high serviceability. As a result the unit has been able to undertake all assigned tasks with a high degree of reliability and safety. At the same time the training of all personnel, including aircrew, has progressed at a fast pace. The unit has flown more than 2200 hours and airlifted over 2100 tons of load since he assumed command of the unit. This also includes airlift of six bulldozers to helipads at elevations ranging from 1700 to 2400 meters. All this has been made possible due to his total involvement and professional approach, which has resulted in execution of these tasks with total safety. For exceptional devotion to duty, the Hon'ble President Is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wing Commander Yogendra Rajora. |
