(Image credits: X @IAFTPS) BENGALURU: The valedictory function of the “1st Test Course for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAVs)” — or drones — and the 25th Production Test Pilots (PTP) Course was held Friday at the Air Force Test Pilots School (AFTPS), under the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), Bengaluru.Air Marshal KAA Sanjeeb, director general (aircraft), was the chief guest. Senior representatives from the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP) and the Society of Flight Test Engineers (SFTE) attended the ceremony.Meritorious student officers were presented trophies in recognition of their performance during the courses. The graduating officers from the PTP and the Test Course (UAS) will now be involved in test flying of production aircraft and in the testing of indigenous unmanned aerial systems currently under development. “Their work is expected to play a key role in strengthening India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives in the defence aerospace sector,” a ministry of defence (MoD) statement read.AFTPS, established under ASTE, is the only institution in the country that trains experimental and production flight test crew for fixed-wing, rotary-wing and unmanned aerial systems, MoD said, adding that over the years, the school has produced test crew who have contributed to major defence aeronautical programmes and to space missions, including the Gaganyaan programme. “Officers from friendly foreign countries have also undergone training at the school. So far, AFTPS has graduated 47 Flight Test Courses, 24 Production Test Pilots Courses and four RPA Test Courses. The school is among a small group of internationally recognised test pilot schools, with its standing endorsed by bodies such as SETP, SFTE and the Aeronautical Society of India,” MoD added.About the AuthorChethan KumarChethan Kumar is a Senior Assistant Editor with the Times of India. Aside from specialising in Space & Science, he has reported extensively on varied topics, with special focus on defence, policy and data stories. He has covered multiple elections, too. As a young democracy grows out of adolescence, Chethan feels, there are reels of tales emerging which need to be captured. To do this, he alternates between the mundane goings-on of the Common Man and the wonder-filled worlds of scientists and scamsters, politicians and soldiers. In a career spanning nearly 18 years, he has reported from multiple datelines — Houston, Florida, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Sriharikota (AP), NH-1 (J&K Highway), New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Raichur, Bhatkal, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, to name a few — but is based out of Bengaluru, India’s science capital that also hosts the ISRO HQ.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosExplained: Why Bangladesh’s Fresh Unrest Ahead Of Polls Is One Of India’s Biggest Strategic WorriesWho Was Sharif Osman Hadi, The Anti-India Face Of Bangladesh Whose Death Has Set Dhaka AblazePakistan Embarrassed Globally As Saudi Deports 56000 Beggars Despite No Fly Lists And Warnings’Countries Like Us Must Stick Together’: Jaishankar And Dutch FM On Strengthening India-EU Ties’Can’t Breathe, You Are Killing Me’: Trapped Journalist Cries As Dhaka Protesters Torch Media HousesWinter Session Closes As Lok Sabha Skips Pollution Debate A Day After G RAM G Bill Sparks ChaosMidnight Drama Over VB-G RAM G Bill, Opposition Stage Overnight Protest, Sleep Outside ParliamentMuhammad Yunus Calls For Calm And Patience As Hadi Death Sparks Protests Arson And National MourningHadi Death Triggers Overnight Riots In Bangladesh With Arson And Anti-India Fury, Media Targeted’Abrupt Variation In Chenab River Flow’: Pakistan Cries Over Indus Water Treaty Suspension123Photostories7 life-changing books for inner transformation and self-discoveryNot Switzerland, not Austria: This Indian destination feels surprisingly alpineHow to manifest your desires tonight on New Moon 2025 as per your date of birth8 animals that can be found only in AustraliaSanskrit baby girl names that means prosperity8 types of Panjiri to enjoy during winter seasonFrom ‘Shrimaan Shrimati’ to ‘Jaane Bhi Do Paro’: ‘Dhurandhar’ star Rakesh Bedi’s most loved tv showsKnow how to release your inner fear according to your birth date5 most expensive jewellery pieces from Amal Clooney’s luxury closetSHE Travels: 8 spiritual destinations to slow down and reset the soul123Hot Picksvb g ram gICICI Prudential AMCUAE RainGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays DecemberBank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingTravis Kelce Retirement RumorsAnthony Richardson InjuryCAT ResultWNBASan Francisco GiantsCam SkatteboPuka NacuaJake PaulSidney CrosbyGisele Bndchen
BENGALURU: The valedictory function of the “1st Test Course for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAVs)” — or drones — and the 25th Production Test Pilots (PTP) Course was held Friday at the Air Force Test Pilots School (AFTPS), under the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), Bengaluru.Air Marshal KAA Sanjeeb, director general (aircraft), was the chief guest. Senior representatives from the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP) and the Society of Flight Test Engineers (SFTE) attended the ceremony.Meritorious student officers were presented trophies in recognition of their performance during the courses. The graduating officers from the PTP and the Test Course (UAS) will now be involved in test flying of production aircraft and in the testing of indigenous unmanned aerial systems currently under development. “Their work is expected to play a key role in strengthening India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives in the defence aerospace sector,” a ministry of defence (MoD) statement read.AFTPS, established under ASTE, is the only institution in the country that trains experimental and production flight test crew for fixed-wing, rotary-wing and unmanned aerial systems, MoD said, adding that over the years, the school has produced test crew who have contributed to major defence aeronautical programmes and to space missions, including the Gaganyaan programme. “Officers from friendly foreign countries have also undergone training at the school. So far, AFTPS has graduated 47 Flight Test Courses, 24 Production Test Pilots Courses and four RPA Test Courses. The school is among a small group of internationally recognised test pilot schools, with its standing endorsed by bodies such as SETP, SFTE and the Aeronautical Society of India,” MoD added.