INDIAN ARMED FORCES CHIEFS ON OUR RELENTLESS AND FOCUSED PUBLISHING EFFORTS

The insightful articles, inspiring narrations and analytical perspectives presented by the Editorial Team, establish an alluring connect with the reader. My compliments and best wishes to SP Guide Publications.

— General Upendra Dwivedi, Indian Army Chief

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— Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Indian Navy Chief

Since, its inception in 1964, SP Guide Publications has consistently demonstrated commitment to high-quality journalism in the aerospace and defence sectors, earning a well-deserved reputation as Asia's largest media house in this domain. I wish SP Guide Publications continued success in its pursuit of excellence.

— Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Indian Air Force Chief
SP's Military Yearbook 2021-2022
SP's Military Yearbook 2021-2022
       

Valedictory Function 24 Production Test Pilots Course at Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment

December 6, 2024

The valedictory function of the 24 Production Test Pilots (PTP) Course was held at the Air Force Test Pilots School of Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) on December 6, 2024. Air Marshal Vijay Kumar Garg, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Maintenance Command was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Senior representatives from IAF, DRDO, HAL, Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP) and Society of Flight Test Engineers (SFTE) also attended the function.

Air Force Test Pilots School (AFTPS), established under the aegis of ASTE, is a Centre of Excellence and the only institution in the country for training of experimental and production flight test crew for fixed wing, rotary wing and remotely piloted aircraft, AFTPS over the years has trained highly skilled test crew who have gone on to play a pivotal role not only in India's defence aeronautical projects, but also in space projects such as the prestigious Gaganyaan program. It has also trained officers of friendly foreign nations. A total of 46 Flight Test Courses, 23 Production Test Pilots Courses and 4 RPA Test Courses have passed out previously, before the present course. It is noteworthy that AFTPS is one of the few recognised Test Pilot Schools in the world, whose work and status has been endorsed by international bodies such as SETP, SFTE and Aeronautical Society of India.

During the ceremony, Seven Officers (six IAF and one Coast guard) were awarded with certificates. Meritorious student officers who excelled were awarded with trophies. The trophy for the best all-round student in PTP course was awarded to Squadron Leader Ashish Bhardwaj. All the graduating officers would now go on to participate in indigenous aircraft production activity thereby adding impetus to the Aatmanirbhar efforts in defence aerospace.