| Details : | Group Captain Nikhilesh Gautam (21210) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a Pilot in the flying branch on 15 Jun 91. He is a Cat 'A' Qualified Flying Instructor, Fighter Combat Leader, Instrument Rating Instructor and Examiner with over 3870 hours experience. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College and has undergone the Higher Air Command Course. He took over command of the prestigious Flying Instructors' School (FIS) on 22 Apr 13. The officer served as Chief Instructor of the prestigious IAF Training Team on deputation to Botswana Defence Forces from Jan 05 to Dec 07. As Station Flight Safety and Inspection Officer he was adjudged as the 'Best Flight Safety Manager' for South Western Air Command in the year 2010. As Commanding Officer of a Bison squadron in SWAC, he made significant contributions to improve the operational capability of the unit. As CO FIS, Gp Capt N Gautam was entrusted with re-induction of Kiran Mk I aircraft for the course flying training and re-commencement of night flying at base after extensive runway repairs. With his personal involvement, SOPs for conduct of training flying on two types of aircraft were generated and night flying undertaken safely at base. Under his guidance, the School undertook revision of syllabus for pilot training in the IAF which was subsequently implemented. The School revised all the training publications for the conduct of the Flying Instructors' Course which has resulted in visible improvement in the quality of training imparted. His planning, strict adherence to flight safety and utilisation of resources is evident from the fact that the School flew an average of 7200 hours per year without any accident during his tenure and the Station bagged the best flying unit 2014-15 trophy in Training Command. He has personally led from the front flying approx. 400 hours as Commanding Officer. He follows an interactive style of leadership and encourages people to find solutions to issues through innovative thinking and improvisation. Gp Capt N Gautam has always placed Service-before-self and relentlessly strived for organisational growth. For exceptional devotion to duty, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty) to Group Captain Nikhilesh Gautam. |
