Wing Commander Vilampil Gopal was posted to Air Headquarters on 27 Jun 77 as a Deputy Director. He was responsible for the maintenance of Kiran (HJT-16), HT-2, Krishak and Devon aircraft fleets, for both technical and logistics activities. Kiran aircraft is an indigenous aircraft which has several problems associated with a newly inducted aircraft. As against this, HT-2, Krishak and Devon are vintage aircraft and have innumerable problems because of their old age. Further, due to shortage of staff, the provisioning reviews were in arrears and the serviceability of the fleet was very low.

With concerted efforts and meticulous attention to details, Wing Commander Gopal was able to overcome the shortcomings in the provisioning and supply of the maintenance and overhaul spares which directly contributed to the improvement of serviceability and reduced AOG percentages. By his personal example, he imbued enthusiasm in the officers and staff working under him and guided them in their day-to-day work. It was due to his sustained hard work in providing the product support to the BRDs, that the production at the repair agencies of all the aircraft, aeroengines and rotables showed considerable improvement. The very close and timely attention to the defects and their investigation paid by him made a significant contribution to flight safety in respect of these aircraft which are handled by ab initio pilots.

In the years 1977-78, the serviceability of the Iskra fleet was adversely affected. As a result a lot of extra load of pilot training was put on the Kiran aircraft. It was only because of Wing Commander Gopal's devotion to duty much beyond the normal requirements, that it was possible to meet the extra commitment, without any break in training. With his industry and hard work for long hours, unmindful of personal considerations, in spite of continued shortage of staff, he was able to bring up the maintenance preparedness of the aircraft fleets entrusted to him, to a highly commendable level,

For his keenness, devotion to duty and sense of responsibility, Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Vilampil Gopal.