VALEDICTORY FUNCTION: 1st TEST COURSE (UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS) AND 25th PRODUCTION TEST PILOTS COURSE AT AIRCRAFT AND SYSTEMS TESTING ESTABLISHMENT

The valedictory function of the 1st Test Course (Unmanned Aerial Systems) [1TC(UAS)] and 25th Production Test Pilots (PTP) Course was held at the Air Force Test Pilots School of Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) on 19 Dec 25. Air Marshal KAA Sanjeeb, VSM, Director General (Aircraft) was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Senior representatives from IAF, DRDO, HAL, Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP) and Society of Flight Test Engineers (SFTE) also attended the function.

During the ceremony, meritorious student officers received trophies for their excellence. Graduating PTP and TC (UAS) course officers are among those who will participate in the test flying activities of the production aircraft and testing of indigenous unmanned aircraft and systems under development. This would add impetus to the 'Atmanirbharata' efforts in defence aerospace.

Air Force Test Pilots School (AFTPS), established under the aegis of ASTE, is the only institution in the country for training of experimental and production flight test crew for fixed wing, rotary wing and unmanned aerial systems. AFTPS over the years has trained highly skilled test crew, who have gone on to play a pivotal role not only in India's defence aeronautical projects but also in space projects including the prestigious Gaganyaanprogram. It has also trained officers of friendly foreign countries. A total of 47 Flight Test Courses, 24 Production Test Pilots Courses and 4 RPA Test Courses have already graduated from AFTPS. It is noteworthy that AFTPS is one of the few recognised Test Pilot Schools in the world, whose work and status has been endorsed by international bodies such as SETP, SFTE and Aeronautical Society of India (ASI)

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VK/JS/SM