Hyderabad: It was a jubilant and momentous occasion for 161 flight cadets of flying and ground duty branches who were commissioned as officers in the Indian Air Force during the Combined Graduation Parade held at the Air Force Academy Dundigal, here on Saturday.
Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria reviewed the passing out parade, the highlights of which included ‘Pipping Ceremony’ in which the graduating flight cadets donned their ‘Stripes’ and were awarded ‘Wings’ and ‘Brevets’. Six officers from the Indian Navy and five officers from the Indian Coast Guard were also awarded ‘Wings’ on successful completion of their flying training.
Flying officer Prajwal Anil Kulkarni was awarded the President’s Plaque as well as the Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour for standing first in overall order of merit in the pilots’ course, while flying officer Kritika Kulhari was awarded the President’s Plaque for being first in overall order of merit in ground duty branches.
The CAS noted the significant milestone achieved by the Air Force Academy in achieving over 20,500 flying hours in the last one year – the highest ever in the Academy’s history.
The event had a spectacular aerobatic display by Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team, Sarang Helicopter Display Team, Pilatus PC-7 trainer and Para jumping by the Akash Ganga Team apart from an immaculate fly past formations by Hawk, Kiran, Pilatus aircraft and Chetak helicopters.
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