Chennai: A total number of seven naval pilots passed out of the INS Rajali in Arakkonam at an impressive Passing Out Parade (POP) on Saturday.
At the POP held at the Naval Air Station INS Rajali to mark the graduation of the 92nd Helicopter Conversion Course, the seven pilots were awarded prestigious "Wings of Gold" by Rear Admiral Philipose George Pynumootil, Flag Officer Naval Aviation.
The pilots underwent rigorous flying and ground training for 21 weeks at Indian Naval Air Squadron 561, the Helicopter Training School (HTS).
During the training, the cadets were introduced to several nuances of helicopter flying.
The training covered navigation, night flying and operations over sea.
After the ceremonial review, the Chief Guest awarded the Governor of Kerala Rolling Trophy to Lt Niceson Markose for being adjudged as the Best All Round Trainee Pilot and the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command Rolling Trophy to Lt Niceson Markose for standing first in the Order of Merit.
A book prize was also awarded to Sub Lt Sriram M for standing first in ground subjects.
The newly qualified pilots will be appointed to various front line operational units of the Indian Navy where they will take on several missions such as Search and Rescue, Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Anti-Piracy Patrols.
In its rich heritage spanning almost five decades, INAS 561 (HTS) commanded by Captain Tijo K Joseph, has trained 720 pilots for the Indian Navy, Coast Guard as well as from friendly foreign navies till date.
The school was originally setup at Kochi in 1971 and in 1992 it was shifted to INS Rajali at Arakkonam which is commanded by Captain Shreerang Joglekar.
