More than 150 flight cadets graduated here on Saturday at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, at a combined graduation parade held at the institution.
The programme was marked by a spectacular air show by helicopter team Sarang and supersonic fighter SU-30MKI.
Chief of Naval Staff R.K. Dhowan, who was the reviewing officer at the parade, awarded the commission to the graduating 158 flight cadets of the Indian Air Force (IAF), including 29 women. Admiral Dhovan emphasised the importance of IAF’s service to the nation in helping people during recent natural calamities, and advised cadets to be the inspiration for coming generations.
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The graduation parade was flagged off with the Generals Salute and a fly-past by the 06 PC-7 aircraft, followed by a march past by flight cadets. As the ceremony progressed, a ‘Nishan Toli’ was held, after which there was another fly past by two pairs of Kiran aircrafts.
The event was finally marked with the air display by the Sarang team and the SU30 MK1.
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Flying Officer Sonu Barak of the flying branch, who was the parade commander, was awarded the President’s Plaque and the Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour, for standing first in overall merit in the pilot course. Flying Officers Kuldeep Singh and Bije-nder Bhagat were also awarded the President’s Plaque for standing first in ground duty branch and navigation branch.