Pune, May 24 (UNI) The prestigious 47th Flight Test Course of the Indian Air Force Test Pilot School concluded with a ceremonial valedictory function, "Suranjan Das Dinner", at Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), Bengaluru.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, was the Chief Guest. He awarded the graduating officers with certificates, along with trophies to the meritorious officers, recognizing their exceptional performance during this demanding and specialized course.

The Flight Test Course is known for its rigorous training for a duration of 48 weeks and is a cornerstone towards building the nation's flight testing capability for cutting-edge aerial platforms and systems, said a Defence press release here today.

In his address, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh highlighted the vital role of test flying as a specialist domain, requiring highest standards of professional competence, integrity and dedication to service.

Emphasizing the Indian Air Force's commitment to self-reliance, he underscored the indigenisation efforts through development projects such as Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and LCA MK-II. He also called upon the graduating officers to uphold the core values of Precision and Excellence, which are essential in shaping a 'Sashakt, Saksham and Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

The prestigious 'Suranjan Das Trophy', for the best all-round student test pilot, was awarded to Squadron Leader S Bhardwaj, while the 'Chief of the Air Staff Trophy' for the best student test pilot in flight evaluation, was awarded to Squadron Leader Ajay Tripathi.

The 'Maharaja Hanumanth Singh Sword', for best all-round student flight test engineer, was awarded to Squadron Leader Subhrajyoti Paul. The 'Dunlop Trophy', for best student test engineer in flight evaluation, was awarded to Wing Commander Ashwini Singh. The 'Kapil Bhargava Trophy', for the best student in ground subjects, was awarded to Major Kaustubh Kunte, a release said.

UNI SP PRS