Air Force Academy gets new Commandant

Hyderabad: Air Marshal J Chalapati took over as the Commandant of Air Force Academy on Monday from Air Marshal AS Butola. Chalapati is an alumnus of the prestigious National Defence Academy Khadakwasla. The Air Marshal was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in Flying Branch on December 22, 1983.

Having 3,300 hours of operational and test flying on various types of fighter, transport and helicopters, the Air Marshal is a qualified flying instructor. Prior to assuming the command of Air Force Academy, he was Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Plans) at Air Headquarters in New Delhi.

In his illustrious career, he served the Indian Air Force for over 35 years. He held many important appointments like Commanding Officer of an operational squadron, Chief Operations Officer, Commanding Officer of Air Force Test Pilots School, Principal Director Air Staff Requirements, Air Officer Commanding of a frontline fighter base, Project Director (Flight Test) at National Flight Test Centre and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Projects).

The officer has completed course from National Defense College, Bangladesh and holds a masters in military studies from Kings College, London. For his distinguished service and professionalism of very high order, the Air Officer was conferred the Presidential Award of Vishisht Seva Medal.