A valedictory function for the 14th Production Test Pilot Course was held at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) in Bangalore recently. Air Marshal AP Garud, senior Air Staff Officer Headquarters Training Command of Indian Air Force presented the graduation certificates to the Production Test Pilots. These officers earned this distinction after undergoing a gruelling ten weeks of intensive training at the Air Force Test Pilots School. During the ceremony, the trophy for the best all round student was awarded to Commander Rajesh Vishnu NM.
Air Force Test Pilots School (AFTPS), established in 1973 , is a premier institution in the country which trains experimental and production flight test crew in both fixed as well as rotary wing aircraft.
It is also involved in training test crew for flight testing of remotely piloted vehicles. It is a part of Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE).