Technical Training Officers

• Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) Course

The objective of the course is to orient graduate engineers, who join as trainee officers, towards aeronautical applications. They are trained to operate and maintain sophisticated avionics and electronics equipments in use in the IAF. Basic knowledge of space technology is also imparted during training. On completion of 74 weeks of training, the officers assume responsibilities at functional levels in unit such as Aircraft and Missile Squadrons, Wings, Communication/Radar units and Repair Depots.

• Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Course

This course orients graduate engineers joining the IAF towards aeronautical engineering applications. The knowledge areas mainly comprise aero-engines, aerodynamics, aircraft structures, rocket technology and armaments. The trainee officers are equipped with the knowledge required to maintain state of the art aircraft Aero-engines and armaments in use in the IAF. On completion of 74 weeks of training, the officers assume responsibilities at functional levels in unit such as Aircraft and Missile Squadrons, Wings and Repair Depots. Basic knowledge of space technology is also imparted during training.

IN-SERVICE TRAINING (POST COMMISSION)

Post-commissioning, officers of all branches are required to undergo certain mandatory courses as they move ahead gradually in their service career. These courses have been designed in two phases comprising of Distance Learning (DL) and Contact Programme (CP). Through these courses, a well planned mix of general and professional knowledge is imparted to each officer. Moreover, successful completion of these courses is linked to the promotions and career progression.

• Basic Air Staff Course Officers (BASCO)
• Basic Professional Knowledge Course (BPKC)
• Intermediate Air Staff Course Officer (IASCO)
• Advanced Professional Knowledge Course (APKC)

• Basic Air Staff Course Officers (BASCO)

The aim of this course is to impart knowledge in employment of air power and general service subjects to officers (with three years of service) of the rank of Flight Lieutenant to function in field assignments and judge their suitability for promotion to the rank of Squadron Leader.

• Basic Professional Knowledge Course (BPKC)

Basic professional knowledge course is a professional course conducted separately for each branch. Officers with 4 ½ years of service are required to undergo this course. BPKC along with BASCO is qualifying requirement for promotion from the rank of Flight Lieutenant to Squadron Leader.

• Intermediate Air Staff Course Officer (IASCO)

The aim of this course is to train officers (with minimum seven years of service) of the rank of Squadron Leader to perform duties and tasks of junior staff officers, judge their suitability for promotion to the rank of Wing Commander.

• Advanced Professional Knowledge Course (APKC)

Advanced professional knowledge course is a mandatory course. Officers with 9 ½ years of service are required to undergo this course. APKC alongwith ISCO is a mandatory qualifying requirement for promotion from the rank of Squadron Leader to Wing Commander.

Besides these, there are certain desirable and need based courses which form an integral part of the service training and career progression