Naval Helicopter Pilots Awarded Wings

Naval Helicopter Pilots Awarded Wings

At an impressive Passing-out Parade (POP) held at the Naval Air Station Rajali, Arakkonam to mark the graduation of the 17-02 Pilots Batch of the 89th Helicopter Conversion Course wherein 08 Indian Navy and one Bangladesh Navy Pilot were awarded "Wings" on 14 December 17.  Rear Admiral Alok Bhatnagar, Flag Officer Commanding Tamil Nadu and Puducherry was the Chief Guest for the occasion. The pilots underwent rigorous training for 21 weeks in flying and aviation subjects at Indian Naval Air Squadron 561, the Helicopter Training School (HTS). Commanded by Commander Tijo K Joseph, HTS has graduated 702 pilots for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard till date. The school was initially commissioned at Kochi on 15 September 1971 and in 1992 shifted to the present location at INS Rajali at Arakkonam which is commanded by Commodore VK Pisharody.

After the ceremonial review, the Chief Guest awarded the Governor of Kerala Rolling Trophy for being adjudged as the Best All Round Trainee Pilot and the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command Rolling Trophy for standing first in order of merit to Lieutenant Ankur Jangra. A book prize was also awarded to Lieutenant Divas Emanual Veedon for standing first in ground subjects.

The graduated pilots will subsequently join operational flights at Kochi, Mumbai and Vizag for operational flying.