New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-Wing Commander Chickmandya Girish Deepak, Flying (Pilot) while on the posted strength of Flying Instructors School at Air Force Station Tambaram as a Directing Staff, was tasked to fly an instructional sortie on Kiran Mk II aircraft on 31 Jan 2012. While coming in to land, he experienced an engine flame out. After an unsuccessful attempt to jettison the canopy, he ordered his co-pilot to eject through the canopy. As the co-pilot ejected, he noticed that the aircraft was approaching over a populated area. Even as the speed of the aircraft was reducing rapidly, endangering his own safety, he steered the aircraft clear of the populated area below. Once sure that the trajectory of the aircraft was in a safe direction, he carried out an ejection. His extremely prompt reaction resulted in successful ejection by both pilots. Knowing fully well about the risks of ejecting through a aircraft canopy and availability of critical time, Wing Commander Deepak went well beyond the call of duty to ensure that the aircraft was turned away from populated area, which prevented any collateral loss of life and damage to civil property. He displayed exceptional nerve and professional courage in the face of imminent danger to his life.
For this act of exceptional courage, Wing Commander Chickmandya Girish Deepak is recommended for the award of Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).
