Guest Lecture on Prototype Aircraft Flight Testing

The Department of Aeronautical Engineering hosted a guest lecture on Prototype Aircraft Flight Testing by Rajendra Singh Makker (Retd), Designate Examiner and Instructor, Spicejet Limited, Bangalore. It was a highly informative and engaging event that took place on October 5, 2023 in Seminar hall 4. The session aimed to provide insights into the intricate aspects of various innovations and trends in Flight testing.

The event commenced with a warm welcome to Group Captain R S Makker, a renowned expert in flight testing with several decades of experience in Indian defence as well as industry. His extensive knowledge and practical insights were eagerly awaited by the audience. Esteemed members of the faculty, including the Principal Dr. V. Suresh Babu, the Vice-Principal Dr. M. Brindha, the Dean of Academics Dr. Srinivasa Gombi, the Dean of Research Dr. Niranjanappa, and the Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Hameem Shanavas, were cordially invited to participate in this event. Speaker's introduction was given by Dr. A C Niranjanappa, Dean Research.

The resource person Group Captain Rajendra Singh Makker addressing the participants

The lecture focused on flight-testing of NAL developed SARAS light transport aircraft. Group Captain shared in depth the steps, as well as the challenges involved in the flight testing of an Aircraft under development. He expressed his willingness to extend his helping hand regarding the various opportunities for engineers in the field of flight-testing. He presented various government policy and supports this field. He proudly complemented, Ms Aashritha V Olety, India’s first woman flight test engineer, trained by IAF, who is also the Alumni of Department of Aeronautical Engineering, MVJCE.

Sqn Ldr Aashritha V Olety, Alumnus of MVJCE

The lecture concluded with a very active Q&A session, during which participants had the chance to inquire about opportunities available for working in the field of flight testing / India Air Force / choosing the Pilot profession, and ideas for their major project.

Benefits / Outcome of the Lecture

The guest lecture on Prototype Aircraft Flight Testing, helps the students and faculties of Aeronautical, Aerospace and Mechanical departments to understand about various steps and challenges in flight testing. This enhances the technical knowledge and skills of the students and faculties with a better understanding of various challenges involved in real time field applications. Overall this guest lecture helped the participant in improving their perspective in the field of aviation.