New Delhi, February 28, 2026: The Indian Air Force (IAF) marked a significant milestone in aviation training as the Aircrew Examining Board (AEB) successfully concluded the 23rd Combined Instrument Rating Instructor and Examiner (CIRIE) Course at Air Force Station Hindan.
Excellence in Instrument Flying
The CIRIE course plays a critical role in preparing officers to evaluate and certify instrument flying proficiency across fighter, transport and helicopter fleets. Instrument flying remains vital for safe operations in adverse weather conditions and complex tactical environments.
Spanning six intensive weeks, the programme combined four weeks of structured ground training with two weeks of hands-on flying exercises. This blended model ensured participants developed both theoretical expertise and practical assessment skills.
Top Performers Felicitated
During the ceremony, Wing Commander Deepak Awasthi, Wing Commander Vishal Joshi and Wing Commander Rohit Tiwari were honoured for securing first positions in the order of merit among aircrew from fighter, transport and helicopter streams respectively.
The recognition highlighted the competitive and demanding nature of the course, which requires participants to demonstrate exceptional analytical ability, flying precision and instructional competence.
Tri-Service and International Participation
The 23rd CIRIE course saw a diverse cohort of 40 officers. Of these, 32 officers were from the Indian Air Force, while two officers each represented the Indian Army and Indian Navy. The participation of tri-service officers reflects growing synergy within India’s defence forces.
In addition, four officers from friendly foreign countries—Kenya, Uganda and Madagascar—took part in the elite programme. Their inclusion underscores the IAF’s expanding role as a global knowledge hub in advanced aviation training.
Officials noted that such international engagement strengthens defence cooperation and promotes exchange of best practices in aviation safety and operational standards.
Strengthening Aviation Safety Standards
The Aircrew Examining Board is entrusted with maintaining the highest levels of flying standards within the IAF. By regularly conducting courses like CIRIE, the Board ensures that instructors and examiners remain equipped to assess evolving aviation technologies and mission profiles.
Instrument Rating Instructors and Examiners trained under this programme are responsible for evaluating pilots’ capability to operate aircraft safely in instrument meteorological conditions. Their role is critical in preventing incidents and enhancing mission readiness.
With modern air operations increasingly dependent on precision navigation systems and real-time data, the emphasis on rigorous evaluation has become more significant than ever.
Commitment to Operational Excellence
The successful completion of the 23rd CIRIE course reinforces the Indian Air Force’s commitment to professional training and safety-driven operations. The blend of academic instruction, simulator practice and live flying missions ensures holistic development of instructors and examiners.
As the IAF continues to modernise its fleet and expand operational capabilities, sustained investment in high-quality training remains a cornerstone of its strategy. The graduates of this course will now serve as key evaluators, shaping the next generation of combat-ready pilots.
The ceremony at Air Force Station Hindan thus marked not just the conclusion of a course, but a reaffirmation of the Air Force’s dedication to maintaining excellence in the skies.
