Flight testing a unique profession

Bangalore: Flight testing is a unique profession that requires a mix of operational experience and a good foundation in advanced science and engineering, Air Marshal P V Naik Vice Chief Air Staff said.
Air Force Test Pilots School (AFTPS), which started to keep pace with India’s growing aviation and aero space needs and requirements 35 years back, has produced 260 qualified test crew till date who are involved in many indigenous aircraft and system development programmes,he said in his address to test crew on graduation of the 30th flight test course here on Saturday.
Apart from the Indian Air Force, the school caters to the requirements of the Army, Navy, DRDO and HAL.
The test pilots are playing a crucial role in aviation related R & D projects that have been undertaken by various defence R & D organisations as well as ISRO.
AFTPS is also forging ahead with Industry-Academia partnership to further enhance the quality of training. Towards this, Master of Technology course has been instituted with the Visveswaraya Technological University.
The school is also working with Bangalore University to institute Master of Sciences in Applied Flight Dynamics for pilots.
24/05/08 PTI/The Hindu