| Details : | Wing Commander Sampuran Singh Gahlaut (21503) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a pilot in the flying branch on 14 Dec 91. He is a Cat A 'Qualified Flying Instructor' (QFI), and an alumni of the Defence Services Staff College. He has 3500 hrs of accident / incident free flying, including 2000 hrs of instructional flying experience on numerous aircraft. His instructional flying experience includes two years tenure as a member of Indian Air Force Training Team at Botswana in addition to two tenures at the prestigious Flying Instructors' School (F[S) The officer has held the appointment of the Chief Flying Instructor (CFI), F1S since 26 Apr 10. The last two years have been a phase of uncertainty and transformation for flying training in IAF in general and FIS in particular. The stoppage of flying on HPT-32 aircraft resulted in the transfer of Kiran Mk [ aircraft and other assets from Air Force Station Tambaram to Air Force Academy (AFA).This had a cascading effect and consequently, QFI training had to be conducted simultaneously on different aircraft at two geographically dispersed locations, namely Tambaram and AFA. During this time, the officer displayed exceptional leadership skills and supervision of the highest order to ensure efficiency and safety of operations. This demanded speedy implementation of plans with dynamic decision-making ability. Subsequently, Kiran Mk II aircraft and the Cheetah helicopter were inducted at FIS for QFI training. This transition of training on to a new type of aircraft demanded revision and restructuring of entire' training syllabi, Standard Operating Procedures, Airborne Instructional Techniques and Briefing Guides. Using exceptional professional acumen, vision and vast instructional experience, Wg Cdr Gahlaut led his team of carefully chosen officers and accomplished this transition seamlessly. Addressing the specific causes of landing accidents in the [AF, the officer has played a pivotal role in devising effective changes in the QFI training. The FIS is presently conducting the largest QFI course ever in its history. Despite limited availability of critical resources, the officer with his characteristic initiative and drive has marshalled his resources effectively and harmonised Operational, Maintenance and Administrative activities to ensure smooth progress of training. The office is an epitome of personal integrity and moral uprightness. His immense contribution in steering the operations of Flying Instructors School efficiently and safely through an extremely turbulent phase is indeed exemplary. For exceptional devotion to duty, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty) to Wing Commander Sampuran Singh Gahlaut. |
