Chennai: A total of 54 officers from the Defence Forces, including personnel from friendly foreign countries, graduated as Qualified Flying Instructors (QFIs) at a valedictory function held at Air Force Station Tambaram on April 25.

The officers, part of the 158th Qualified Flying Instructors' Course (QFIC), successfully completed an intensive 24-week training programme comprising rigorous academic and flying modules. The batch included officers from the Indian Air Force, Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Coast Guard, along with two international officers.

Air Marshal Tejbir Singh, Senior Air Staff Officer, Training Command, Indian Air Force, presided over the ceremony as Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, he congratulated the graduates and lauded the Flying Instructors' School (FIS) for its contribution to professional flying training. He also emphasised the pivotal role the new instructors will play in shaping the future of the Indian Air Force.

Trophies were presented to outstanding performers. Squadron Leader Shubham Bhandari received the prestigious Majithia Trophy for topping the Overall Order of Merit. Squadron Leader Vikrant Beniwal was awarded the Chief of Air Staff's Trophy for Best in Fixed Wing Flying, while Squadron Leader Akash secured the Chief of Air Staff's Trophy for Best in Rotary Wing Flying. Other awardees included Squadron Leader Deepak Gurjar (Aerobatics), Squadron Leader Apoorva Yadav (Instructional Technique), and Lieutenant Commander Aarambh Sharma (Second in Overall Order of Merit).

FIS, based at Air Force Station Tambaram, has over 75 years of legacy in training military aviators, including officers from friendly foreign nations.