Details : | Group Captain Vivek Vichitra Gupta (22927) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as fighter pilot in the flying branch on 18 Jun 94. He is a Cat 'A' Qualified Flying Instructor and Type Examiner with over 3100 hours experience. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College and has undergone the Air War Course(AWC} at Maxwell AFB, USA. He took over command of the prestigious Flying Instructor's School on 22 Jun 15. The officer has the unique distinction of being the Flight Commander and the Commanding Officer of his first Operational Squadron. As CO of a MiG-27 UPG squadron, he made significant contributions to improve the operational capability of the unit and achieved an envious aerospace record of zero incidents / accidents during his tenure. Even at AWC, he was adjudged as an outstanding professional, brilliant scholar and an outstanding ambassador of Indian Air Force. Gp Capt VV Gupta took over the command of Flying Instructors' School during a phase of transition and transformation. He was entrusted with the onerous responsibility of smooth de-induction of Kiran Mk II with simultaneous induction of PC-7. His dynamic decision making came to the fore when induction of PC-7 with on-going course demanded speedy implementation of plans. Using exceptional professional acumen, vision and vast instructional experience, he led his team of carefully chosen officers to revise and restructure entire training syllabus, SOPs, Airborne Instructional Techniques and Briefing Guide. All this was at a time when Chennai was experiencing the worst ever floods and FIS was entrusted the task of providing succor to the stranded populace. Under his able leadership, FIS rose to the occasion with the technicians ensuring 100% serviceability and the aircrew displaying true professionalism and zeal for the task at hand. Another first in the history of FIS, was the quantum increase in the QFIC strength. His initiative and drive to marshal scare resources effectively-and efficiently harmonize the Operational, Maintenance and Administrative activities have seen smooth and timely progress of training without compromising on the quality of training. His scrupulous supervision and strict adherence to aerospace safety is evident from the accident free flying of an average of 8000 hours per year. He has personally led from the front flying in excess of 250 hrs in the two courses. His innovative thinking and the ardour to better the learning environment had led to improvisation of training aids, e-Iearning, etc. His management skills have helped him maintain a good liaison with all support agencies at base, resulting in a productive and safe flying environment. His interactive and engaging leadership style has acted as a catalyst for his subordinates to drive themselves to find solutions through innovative and out of the box thinking. Gp Gapt VV Gupta has always placed Service-before-self and relentlessly strived for organisational growth. For exceptional devotion to duty, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty) to Group Captain Vivek Vichitra Gupta. |