Address During The Presentation Of Colour To 1 Base Repair Depot (1 Brd) And Standard To Aircrew Examining Board(Aeb), Kanpur

I am indeed delighted to be with you in this beautiful environment. I greet the Officers, Master Warrant Officers, Warrant Officers, other ranks and non-combatants of the 1 Base Repair Depot (1BRD), Aircrew Examining Board (AEB) and I commend all ranks for the yeoman service rendered by them while safeguarding the security of our nation. I am aware that this is a very challenging and daunting task.

1 Base Repair Depot enjoys the distinction of being the oldest maintenance Depot of the Indian Air Force. The Depot came into existence on 9th August 1948 and has completed fifty-six years of active performance. This Establishment has been responsible for producing and overhauling the rotables for many types of aircraft. This has been the mother depot for all maintenance activities relating to the AN?32 Aircraft. This Establishment is also responsible for executing structural repairs for other types of aircraft. With your experience in repairing imported aircraft, I am sure you will be able to plan and execute maintenance systems for our indigenous aircraft like Tejas (LCA) and other trainer aircraft produced by HAL.

We should make efforts to reduce the number of equipment failures occurring in our aircraft. The advent of new technologies has provided a new dimension for advance diagnostics for preventive maintenance of complex systems. 1 Base Repair Depot can make use of the tools of the Information Technology for carrying out quick check on the health of rotables and provide fail proof repair. In order to assist you in your missions, the Government has taken a number of steps to modernize the Indian Air Force including the aircraft maintenance depot for enhancing your functional capabilities. You should aim to have a virtual reality based training simulators to diagnose and aid the repair process.

I am informed that the Aircrew Examining Board (AEB) has been in existence since 1952 and has the distinction of being the oldest institution for aircrew of the Indian Air Force. This Unit has excelled in its endeavour to ensure that the Aircrew of the Indian Air Force maintain the highest professional standards. They have been continuously providing inputs for the training schedule and training methods based on the examination experience. The inputs have also been provided for simulator design and simulator training of the pilots, navigators and aircrew. Your contribution in examining the pilots, navigators and aircrew provides a reassurance to the crew about their own abilities, which is a prime requirement for safe flying.

Members of 1 Base Repair Depot and Aircrew Examining Board should bring out their experience in the form of a book which can become a training document and enrich the performance of new repair teams and aircrew.

The nation is proud of you and in appreciation of your services, I am delighted to present the ?Colour? to 1 Base Repair Depot and "Standard" to Aircrew Examining Board. I would emphasize that this honour bestowed upon your Establishments carries with it added responsibilities. The professionalism now expected of you will be more than ever before. I am confident that you will strive with dedication, discipline and valour to maintain the best traditions of your Establishments.

I congratulate you on your remarkable turnout, bearing and steadfastness on parade. I wish you success in all your missions.

May God bless you.