Wing Commander Pritam Singh has been serving as Chief Instructor at Air Force Station, Bidar since 28 Jan 82. Endowed with considerable operational experience on Canberra aircraft, he has, in addition, vast instructional experience spread over a period of 19 years. He has performed instructional duties on HT-2, Harvard, Kiran, Iskara, Vampire, L-29, L­39 and Canberra aircraft. He has held the appointments of Assistant Chief Flying Instructor and Chief Flying Instructor at the Air Force Academy and the Fighter Training Wing respectively. He has been a category A-2 instructor for the last 10 years and has a total of 2350 hours which are accident free.

During his tenure as Chief Flying Instruc tor at Air Force Station, Bidar, the performance of the Training Wing has been constantly improving under his able supervision and mature guidance. All the five courses have passed out on schedule and have been accident-free. He has displayed singular drive and high professional acumen in improving the flying standard of QFIs and trainees. This has significantly contributed to an accident-free flying record in nearly 19000 hours under his supervision.

Wg Cdr Pritam Singh's organising ability, meticulous planning and able supervision have contributed greatly to the Flight Safety record of Air Force Station, Bidar. It has mainly been due to his efforts that the station has maintained a zero accident rate for the last three years. He has been a perennial source of inspiration to instructors and trainees placed under him.

For his exemplary professional competence, leadership and an impeccable record of accident­free operational and instructional flying, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wing Commander Pritam Singh.

Squadron Leader Rajdeep Singh Mann was commissioned in December, 1973. He was posted to airbase imparting flying training with effect from 15 Dec 83 and remained there for two years. A keen and above-average flier, he did over 600 hours of flying during this tenure. Thereafter, he was selected on merit for conversion to Rakshak aircraft. He did his Qualified Flying Instructors' Course in December, 1983 and during his two year instructional tenure at this Academy he did over 700 hours and trained 17 cadets. As a supervisor and as a Qualified Flying Instructor his performance has been exemplary. He has worked extremely hard and has always kept the interest of the service before his own. He was the driving force in completing the training of two Pilots' Courses on schedule.

On 17 Sept 85, while on an instructional sortie with a pupil, he experienced an engine flame out 50 feet off the ground during a roller take-off. Exercising exceptional skill and using split second judgment, he landed the aircraft back safely without any damage, thus saving a valuable aircraft.

For his exemplary professional ability and for his dedication to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Squadron Leader RS Mann.

Wing Commander Peter Douglas Woodman has been on the posted strength of Air Force Station, Bidar since 03 Dec 84. Presently, he is holding the appointment of Chief Flying Instructor No. 2 Squadron.

During his tenure at the Station, he has flown more than 700 hrs of flying on Kiran aircraft of which nearly 500 hrs have been devoted to instructional flying. As the Chief Flying Instructor he has closely supervised daily flying activity, monitored performance of the trainees and the staff. He has ensured correct interpretation and strict implementation of training syllabi. Maintenance of high standards and adherence to orders and instructions under his supervision have brought about remarkable improvement in the quantity of flying training.

The officer has devoted long working hours to ensuring the implementation of training tasks. It is to his credit that he has flown an average of 4 to 5 sorties per day besides his supervisory duties. He has also carried out other operational and administrative tasks efficiently, cheerfully and unmindful of personal discomfort. His devotion to duty, maintenance of high flying standards and creation of a safe environment for flying have contributed in a great measure to the achievement of the aims of his Station.

For his tireless efforts, dedication to duty and exemplary professional acumen, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wg Cdr Peter Douglas Woodman.