An impressive Passing-out Parade (POP) was held at the Naval Air Station Rajali, Arakkonam to mark the graduation of the 92nd Helicopter Conversion Course today, 08 Jun19. Seven Indian Navy pilots were awarded prestigious “Wings of Gold” by Rear Admiral Philipose George Pynumootil, NM, 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 course, the training pilots are introduced to several nuances of helicopter flying. The pilots undergo a challenging syllabus including navigation, night flying and operations over sea. At the end of the course, the trainees are adjudged for Best in Flying, Best in Ground Subjects and Best in Overall Order of Merit.
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 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 various 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 shifted to the present location at INS Rajali at Arakkonam which is commanded by Captain Shreerang Joglekar.
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