Squadron Leader Rajagopal Jayagopal has been a Flight Commander of an operational squadron since October 1968. He has trained and qualified a number of pilots on the type and has thus substantially improved the operational potential of the squadron. He has flown 5100 hours, including 2,190 accident free instructional hours. On 16th January 1967 during an instructional sortie, while the pupil was carrying out an asymmetric landing, a sudden loss of elevator control was experienced on final approach. He took over the controls and landed the aircraft safely. Again on 22nd April 1969, he was carrying out an air test when the ramp door got stuck in fully down position. In this situation, the ground clearance while landing is only 1¼". He again demonstrated a high standard of airmanship and professional skill by landing the aircraft without any damage. Throughout, Squadron Leader Rajagopal Jayagopal displayed courage, professional skill and devotion to duty. |