Thursday 1 November 2012

Paralysed trainee pilot appeals to IAF for grant of commission, Air chief steps in to Help


A 19-year-old cadet, who became paralysed below waist before completing his training to become a fighter pilot, has appealed to the IAF for grant of a commission as he is capable of performing a desk job.
Moved by the zeal of the youngster, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne today met Defence Minister A K Antony to discuss if the government could make an exception to help the cadet fulfil his desire, sources said here.
The IAF at the highest level is in favour of making an exception in the cadet’s case as he is still capable of working in a non-operational branch of the force, they said.
The cadet had recently filed the plea with the IAF expressing his wish, they said.
He was paralysed after suffering injuries while ejecting from a trainer aircraft while carrying out a practice sortie.
Cadets in the lower medical category are not granted commission into the armed forces and they have to leave their training midway because of their medical condition.
The Air Force has taken several steps to ensure that its trainee pilots do not suffer grievous injuries and has acquired new aircraft including Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers from the UK and Pilatus Basic Jet Trainers from Switzerland.


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