| Details : | Air Commodore Seethepalli Shrinivas (18787) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot in the Flying Branch on 13 Jun 87. He is a 'Category A' Flying Instructor with over 4000 hours of flying on Mig-21 , Kiran, HPT- 32, Iskra, PC-7 Mk II and Chetak. He is an alumnus of CDM and DSSC. He was commended for his professionalism by the AOC-in-C. During his service, he has commanded Institute of Flight Safety, Flying Instructors School and Basic Flying Training School. He has been Directing Staff at CAW and Ops Staff at HQ CAC. In 2010, he led a team for the technical and field evaluation of a new basic trainer aircraft. The task, which had marked urgency due to the grounding of the HPT-32 and the resultant void in the training resources, was efficiently completed within a record seven months period and the PC-7 MK 11 was inducted into the IAF in Feb 13. Since he took over as Chief Instructor (Flying), AFA has flown over 25000 hours of accident free flying towards the training of ab-initio pilots. Apart from the conduct of Stage-I flying training, AFA was also tasked to conduct training for Stage-I I (Fighter) as a pilot project. Since the aircraft itself was new, all exercises applicable to fighter training had to be flown and evaluated and comprehensive procedures developed, apart from the designing of an optimum flying training syllabus. He conducted all trials and designed the syllabus and ensured that the same was approved in time. He personally supervised all aspects of conduct of Stage-II (Fighter) training, the first course to which was commissioned in Dec 15. He also planned the Low Level Aerobatic display profile on the PC-7 MK II trained pilots for the same. The display is now an integral part of major events like Aero India, CGP and AF Day parades and has won wide acclamation. In 2015, on the decision to induct women into the fighter stream, he personally acquainted all concerned women trainees with the intricacies involved and the rigours of fighter flying. Being a first ever option for women, he counseled them thoroughly about the requirements and helped them to not only recognise their potential but also take a matured decision. He ensured proper evaluation of women trainees, the first three of whom were trifurcated into the fighter stream in Dec 15. At all stages of his career, he has put the interests of service ahead of nay personal considerations and performed in an exemplary manner. He has always led by example and set standards that his subordinates strive to emulate. For distinguished service of a high order, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Air Commodore Seethepalli Shrinivas. 1 I ~ I |
