| Details : | Group Captain Manish Khanna, (18554) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot in the Flying Branch on 06 Dec 86 and has been the Commanding Officer of the Aircrew Examining Board since 11 Feb 08. He is a highly accomplished professional and has earlier commanded a premier composite fighter squadron which had the unique distinction of operating the MiG-25 in the strategic reconnaissance as well as the MiG-21 in the electronic warfare role. He is a Category A Instructor with over 3500 hrs of accident free flying on the MiG-21, MiG-25, Mirage-2000, F-5, Kiran and HPT-32 ac. Under his leadership, the Board has taken on all its tasks displaying a high degree of professionalism and proactive response. In the last one year a total of 101 inspections were conducted. This included flying tests for 1862 aircrew and ground tests for over 2600. Meticulous preparation and planning ensured that all these inspections were conducted safely, efficiently and as per the stipulated guidelines. Two IRIE courses were also conducted during which 52 aircrew were trained to function as field examiners. AEB is also tasked to recommend short / long term measures to enhance the flying environment and provide regular feedback to commanders for assessing the professional competence and quality of training across the IAF. In this regard it is pertinent to note that the quality of comments and recommendations on all flying related matters were well researched and deliberated, indicating a high degree of commitment and involvement of the Commanding Officer and his team. Other than inspection tasks, Group Captain M Khanna also initiated measures for educating the field staff on key issues directly related to flying. Initiatives like the AEB website, e-data bank, module on Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT), civil Air Traffic Services (ATS)procedures and computer based testing were well conceptualised and executed. The officer's initiative in progressing the online testing project and the computerisation of records is also creditable and this has the potential to revolutionise the examining process in the IAF. The unit's involvement in tasks at the station level too is creditable. The officer's balanced, mature and integrated approach has been a source of confidence to his team, adding to their motivation and guiding them to meet future challenges. AEB has performed very well and has grown in a comprehensive manner which is a direct reflection of the quality of its leadership. For exceptional devotion to duty, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Group Captain Manish Khanna. |
