Flt Lt Ravindra D Kudari is on the posted strength of a Squadron since 14 Oct 91. He has flown a total of 683 hrs. on different types of aircraft. His total solo experience on Canberra aircraft is 112 hrs.

On 22 Nov 91, while on a sortie and coming to land, he lowered undercarriage and commenced descent and noticed two 'reds' only on the undercarriage indicator and the main hydraulic pressure had dropped to zero. He operated the hand pump to build up hydraulic pressure to obtain three greens, but there was no response. Coupled with this, his starboard generator failure warning light also came on. He was advised by the SFS to initiate climb to 6000 feet and take appropriate actions. When all attempts to lower the undercarriage failed, he was told to prepare for a wheels up landing on the runway. During the 50 minutes or so, Flt Lt Kudari remained calm, composed and displayed professionalism of a very high order. After touch down, he controlled the direction in such a manner that the aircraft came to a halt on the runway centre line. The aircraft sustained least possible damage considering the fact that it was EW modified Canberra aircraft in which direction keeping is very difficult. Any error of judgment on the part of the pilot could have resulted in disastrous consequences. Throughout the period of about 58 minutes, while handling multiple emergencies, Flt Lt Kudari remained composed, calm and displayed high degree of professional competence resulting in not only saving the lives of the aircrew but also a valuable aircraft of the Air Force.

For his presence of mind and exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Flt Lt RD Kudari