How Pilots are allotted Transport, Helicopter in IAF ?

How Pilots are allotted Transport, Helicopter & Fighter Planes in IAF

The pilots in IAF are not only mere pilots rather they are one of the most important asset of India.

Indian government spends a lot of time, money, energy and resource on the training of these pilots. The IAF leaves no stone unturned and provides best of the best infrastructure for them.

IAF has well established training institutes which gives different levels of training to these pilots among these institutes is the biggest and the most premium institute Air Force Academy Dundigal, Hyderabad.Some Gentlemen Cadets join directly from NDA, some of them come from AFCAT or CDS.

Those who came directly from NDA are already having pre-flying training and join directly stage I. But those who came from direct entry of AFCAT or CDS have to go through join Joint Basic Training and have to complete pre-flying training of stage 0. Stage 0 is completely run in the AF Academy, Hyderabad. After successful completion of stage 0, training of stage 1 of six months is also conducted at AF Academy, Hyderabad.

After completing Stage I training the pilots are allotted their jobs according to their preferences and depending upon the vacancies Fighter, Transport or fixed wing After stage I the gentlemen cadets are categorized as Fighter Pilots or Transport Pilots or Helicopter Pilots.

Stage II commences after successfully completing Stage I, depending upon the stream the pilots are sent to different stations such as transport pilots are sent to Yelahanka, Bangalore.

Whereas, Fighter pilots and helicopter pilots are sent to Hakimpet for complete state 2 training.

After completing Stage 2 of 24 weeks IAF conducts passing out parade (PoP) and now these gentlemen cades are called Flying Officers. After tough training of 24 weeks the pilot are allotted ranks.

After finishing stage 2, transport pilots and helicopters are then again sent to Yelahanka and the fighter pilots have to go to Kalaikunda where they have to complete stage III, where Pilots are allotted squadrons and were given their first posting.

When You join AF as a pilot through NDA, AFCAT or CDS a lot money of tax payers is invested, which involve a lot of cost on the training of the pilots therefore they can’t leave the services by their own will, rather they have to complete their 10 years of service. Only after 10 years they are allowed to resign.