Squadron Leader Prabhakar Vasudeo Ghotge has been on the posted strength of one of the Base Repair Depots (BRD) since January 1978 as Officer i/c Test Flight. He is one of the few test Pilots qualified for production test flying on both Rotary Wing (Chetak and Cheetah) and Fixed Wing (Krishak, HT-2 and Otter) aircraft and probably the only test pilot currently employed in these multi type production testing duties. During the production year 1979-80, he test flew 31 aircraft and during 1980-81 36 aircraft single handed. During these two years, he has also test flown and cleared 77 storage aircraft which were ferried out from this depot to various units. During this period, he has test flown 1005 hours and has cleared a total of 105 production aircraft and 112 storage aircraft. This entire performance has been without a single incident or accident which speaks very highly of his superlative professional competence and exceptional airmanship.

During last two years this depot has not received a single complaint about produced aircraft from operators, which speaks volumes about the standard of flight testing for each aircraft. His exceptional devotion to duty, his dynamic and objective approach to problems, his personal involvement during rectification and human touch in dealing with technicians have been a constant source of inspiration to the technical personnel of this depot and have been in the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Squadron Leader Prabhakar Vasudeo Ghotge has thus displayed high professional competence and exceptional devotion to duty.

Group Captain Jagdish Chandra Sengupta (3657) General Duties (Pilot) was com missioned in the Indian Air Force was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in September, 1949. After completing a tour in operational units, he qualified as a flying instructor and carried out instructional duties with distinction for a number of years. Thereafter, he held several important flying appointments, including that of a Squadron Commander. Till recently he was in command of an important repair depot.

As Officer Commanding the depot, Wing Commander Sengupta fostered a feeling of spirit-de-corps amongst his men. Through able leadership and sustained hard work, he was able to double the annual production rate. He was also quick to realize that to sustain a substantial increase in production, it will be necessary to plan production on scientific basis. He, therefore, laid down guide-lines for controlled production and planning and introduced modern methods of programme evaluation. This achievement is all the more commendable because Wing Commander Sengupta had no previous experience in the management of large technical organization, such as the depot.

200759 Flight Sergeant Chelat Xavier Mathappan Fitter 1 was enrolled in the Indian Air Force in March, 1947. During his tenure at a Repair Depot he has been personally responsible for designing and manufacturing a fixture for repair of outer cylinder of Harvard aircraft main oleo, when the supply of this part from abroad was taking an abnormally long time. The required outer cylinders are now being reused resulting in recurring saving of valuable foreign exchange. He also modified an Alloute engine driven pump test rig to utilize Harvard aircraft and for Bell helicopter components as well. In addition, he established testing facilities for Bell helicopter power cylinders.

During the period November-December, 1971 there was pressing demand for hydraulic components for front line aircraft for which the Depot is designated repair agency. By working long hours, day and night, he boosted the production to Qty. 200 components per month against a normal production of 80-90 components. His personal example and dedication to duty, initiative and keenness has been a great source of inspiration to men working with him.

In carrying out his duties, Flight Sergeant Chelat Xavier Mathappan has displayed a very high standard of professional skill and initiative, and thus rendered distinguished service of a high order. He is awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal.