Air Marshal Rajinder Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, Indian Air Force (IAF) in an interview with Air Marshal (Retd) B.K. Pandey of SP’s Aviation, gave updates about the training pattern being followed in IAF and the current status of the trainer aircraft

SP’s Aviation (SP’s): What is your broad vision of training in the IAF and what are the core areas that you wish to focus on?

AOC-in-C: The ab initio training for all officers and cadets of the Indian Air Force (IAF) is undertaken by the Training Command. It’s indeed a great honour for me to be the Commander-in-Chief of this prestigious command which has the responsibility to ensure that the foundation of our Air Force is strong enough for us to ‘touch the sky with glory’.

Keeping pace with the changing times, we have taken giant leaps in inducting advanced technology into the Air Force. Our main challenge today is to develop the human resources for absorbing the technology and proficiently utilising it as a weapon system to accomplish the objectives of the IAF. While flying and ground training forms the core curriculum of training, key result areas (KRAs) for this command also include enhancing flight safety awareness, inculcating pride and soldierly attributes among all trainees and improving the quality of life of our air warriors in keeping with our philosophy of “people first mission always”.

SP’s: The present Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) has propagated a philosophy “people first mission always”. What is the essence of this philosophy and its importance for Training Command of the IAF?

AOC-in-C: We must remember that it is the ‘man behind the machine’ which will make the difference in operations. Whether the human factor acts as our strength or weak-link depends on how we train and treat him/her. While the technology has progressed in leaps and bounds, its utilisation has been restricted in some aspects due to human limitations. If we believe in the axiom “To err is human”, our endeavour should be to eliminate or minimise the probability of error by providing suitable training and resources to make our personnel proficient. Hence, while our objective is to stay ahead of time and the enemy in acquiring technology and equipment, we need to lay equal, if not more importance on developing the human resources. To emphasise on this aspect, which quite often gets neglected, the present CAS has highlighted the “people first mission always” motto.

In Training Command, it is our core competency to train the human resources to be proficient air warriors. We evolve ourselves with the changing times and develop means and techniques to ensure that the trainees are groomed to meet the future challenges. While teaching the novice, we also learn from them and continuously review our training system with an aim to improve it. Along with the training and work ethos, ‘Quality of Life’ has an impact on morale and motivation of personnel. In this regard, our concentration has been on significantly improving the essential services like housing, water, electricity, etc. Major efforts are on to provide enhanced services, in both quality and quantity, with respect to basic amenities like institutes, regimental shops, medical care and sports facilities. The core concern is to provide a healthy and vibrant environment to our personnel, in order to function with uncluttered mind and focus on their task to effectively contribute towards accomplishment of overall objectives set forth by the IAF. Our endeavour is to impart knowledge, provide facilities and bring in a sense of pride in every air warrior so that he/she helps strengthen the organisation and not be a weak link in any manner.

SP’s: You assumed charge as AOC-in-C Training Command at a time when basic flying training was in a state of flux. Can you please update our readers on the training pattern being followed now?

AOC-in-C: We faced serious crisis when HPT-32 aircraft had to be grounded for safety issues, in July 2009. The entire flying training pattern had to be modified based on the training needs vis-à-vis the resources available. Optimisation of flying training was undertaken in phases. Our first priority was to ensure ab initio flying training continued unhindered, albeit on jet aircraft, as against the IAF philosophy of propeller and jet combination. Towards this, the Qualified Flying Instructors Course (QFIC) held at the Flying Instructors School, Tambaram was curtailed and all Kiran Mk-I aircraft were shifted to Air Force Academy and Air Force Station Hakimpet for pre-commissioning training. The syllabus also had to be pruned down, especially in ab-initio training phase. Subsequently, Kiran Mk-II aircraft of Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) were allotted to FIS for continuation of QFIC.

In order to maintain the quantum of flying for each trainee in the face of dwindling Kiran Mk-I assets, for the first time in July this year, we have bifurcated the ab initio flying trainees in to fixed wing (jet trainers) and rotary wing (helicopters), even before a trainee commences flying. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the intake of trainees for flying training even with reduced effort available, by overcoming the shortfall of flying effort on Kiran aircraft with Chetak helicopters.

And now with the contract signed for induction of 75 Pilatus PC-7 Mk-II aircraft into the IAF, we will once again revert back to propeller and jet aircraft combination for precommissioning flying training and also enhancing the flying training syllabus to original status, starting from July 2013.

SP’s: What is the induction plan for the Pilatus PC-7 basic trainer fleet? In what time frame could the IAF expect to get an indigenous equivalent?

AOC-in-C: We are happy that the crisis period for flying training is going to be over soon with the induction of Pilatus PC-7 Mk-II aircraft. Our pilots, engineering officers and technicians are going for training to Switzerland in November this year, following which the aircraft is planned to be inducted at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad, from January next year. This aircraft is very capable and a proven trainer aircraft which is being used for training in many air forces around the world. We have already commenced infrastructure development for inducting the aircraft and plan to undertake the flying training of ab initio trainees on this new fleet starting from July 2013.

As regards the indigenous equivalent of the basic trainer aircraft (BTA), there is a proposal by the HAL to provide equitable number of aircraft with similar air staff quality requirements (ASQRs). This indigenous version is planned to augment the strength of BTA, which will facilitate enhancing the intake of pilots that is necessary, considering the expansion of the IAF. However, the production plans are at a nascent stage and the timelines for induction cannot be commented upon at the moment.

SP’s: What is the status of the Hawk advanced jet trainer fleet?

AOC-in-C: Sixty-six Hawk aircraft have been inducted into the IAF till date to fill the void of advanced jet trainers (AJT), replacing the MiG-21s. Out of these, 24 were delivered by BAE Systems and 42 have been delivered by HAL, last one being handed over in June this year. The aircraft has, since its induction in February 2008, trained many fighter pilots of the IAF in the art of combat flying. It is a wonderful training aircraft and especially the debrief aids on the aircraft as also the simulators has made a sea-change in the way we train for combat.

However, there were a few teething problems initially, most of which have been resolved with time. Some remaining issues are being addressed through regular Joint Project Review Meetings with BAE and HAL. We have also placed an additional order for 40 aircraft with the HAL, which will be located at the Air Force Station Kalaikunda in West Bengal. These will augment the fighter pilot intake into the IAF. We also have plans to revive the aerobatic team on Hawks.

SP’s: The Kiran fleet is reported to be ageing and currently has been somewhat overstretched. What are the plans for its replacement?

AOC-in-C: We are aware of the fact that the Kiran fleet is ageing and accordingly plans for induction of intermediate jet trainer (IJT) aircraft from the HAL was approved by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) quite some time back. As per original schedule, this aircraft should have been flying in the IAF by now. However, due to certain unforeseen delays in the design and development of the project, which are generally associated with any new aircraft production, the timelines have slipped. We hope to induct the IJT aircraft in near future, so as to replace the Kiran fleet.

SP’s: What is the status of the HPT-32 fleet and plans if any for its recovery?

AOC-in-C: A high powered study team (HPST) had undertaken a detailed analysis of the accidents involving HPT-32 aircraft and suggested the way forward for recovery of the aircraft. While the series of modifications were in progress, the problem of engine failures persisted during the flight trials. This was deliberated at the highest echelon, and considering the safety issues, a decision has been taken to curtail all further trials for revival of the aircraft.

SP’s: Media reports in the recent past indicated that there are issues concerning the Aero India Air Show scheduled to be held in February 2013 at the Air Force Station, Yelahanka. Are there any uncertainties in this regard?

AOC-in-C: Yes, I am aware that there were media reports to indicate shifting of venue for next Aero India show out of Bangalore due to objections by the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). However, you may have also read the contrary report of vehement objection to this proposal by the then Chief Minister of Karnataka. This issue is directly dealt by the Ministry of Defence and so far we have no contrary indication to the effect that Aero India 2013 will not be held at the Air Force Station Yelahanka in February 2013. However, there are issues regarding availability of time slots for flying displays which require closing of the Bangalore International Airport.