The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : 14 pilots pass out of Helicopter Training School

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Tuesday, Dec 16, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

14 pilots pass out of Helicopter Training School

Senior Reporter

Impressive parade at Naval Air Station Rajali, Arakkonam

TAKING THE SALUTE: Rear Admiral S.M.Vadgaokar, NM Flag Officer Naval Aviation, at the passing out parade held at Naval Air Station Rajali, Arakkonam on Saturday.

ARAKKONAM: Rear Admiral S.M.Vadgaokar, NM Flag Officer Naval Aviation, awarded `Wings’ to a total of 13 Indian Navy pilots and one Coast Guard pilot, who were part of the 71st Helicopter Conversion Course, at an impressive parade held at Naval Air Station Rajali, Arakkonam, on Saturday.

The pilots were rigorously trained for 24 weeks in flying and other aviation subjects at the Helicopter Training School INAS 561 (HTS).

An official press release said a total of 471 pilots belonging to the Indian Navy and Coast Guard had so far passed out of the Helicopter Training School, which was now commanded by Commander Shankar Man Rai. The school was based at Kochi till 1992 and thereafter shifted to INS Rajali at Arakkonam. Arakkonam was one of the largest air stations of the Indian Navy.

The Governor of Kerala Rolling Trophy for the best all round trainee pilots were awarded to Sub Lieutenant Venkatesh K Subbaiah. A book prize for standing first in ground subjects was also awarded to Sub Lieutenant Venkatesh K Subbaiah. The graduated pilots would be joining operational flights at Mumbai, Vizag, Goa and Kochi.

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