Vikas Gaur

Experience

• 

  Indian Navy

  Jul 2012 - Dec 2023

  • Israel Aerospace Industry (IAI, Malat) certified UAV(RPA) Internal Pilot Instructor.• Recognized as the most experienced UAV Internal Pilot (IP) Instructor in the Indian Navy delivering over 200 hours of instructional flying on the Heron UAV and providing 500+ hours of training on the UAV Simulator.• Successfully trained and qualified 25 officers of the Indian Navy as IP on the Heron UAV, ensuring their proficiency in operating and commanding UAV missions.• Conducted advanced UAV training for 14 officers, equipping them with specialized knowledge and skills in line with an advanced syllabus.• Attained the distinction of being the youngest officer ever to become a UAV IP Instructor in the Indian Navy.• Designed the training syllabus for the first-ever UAV IP Instructors course in the Indian Navy, shaping the curriculum and establishing a foundation for future instructors.• Implemented process improvements and refined training methodologies, resulting in a 20% reduction in training timelines and enhancing overall training efficiency. Show less ▪ Led and participated in safety audits and inspections, conducting risk assessments thorough evaluations of operational procedures and equipment to identify and address potential safety risks.▪ Refined and re-developed robust manuals of Accident prevention plan and Post-accident plan, significantly enhancing flight safety measures and response protocols.▪ Conducted quarterly Flight safety meetings, cultivated and fostered Aviation safety culture by conducting safety lectures and sessions, disseminating safety knowledge to over 200 personnel.▪ Proven commitment to safety & risk mitigation through facilitating emergency response drills and exercises, fostering a culture of preparedness and proficiency among personnel.▪ Formulated Trend Analysis system based on Flight Data analysis for Aircraft defect identification and better understanding of recurring defects.▪ Conducted comprehensive root cause data analysis for 70+ incidents and developed corrective actions to prevent recurrence.▪ Collaborated with relevant stakeholders to develop and execute wildlife management plans, minimizing the risk of bird strikes and other wildlife-related incidents.▪ Maintained up-to-date flight safety documents and submitted timely returns to higher formations displaying strict adherence to safety compliance.▪ Diligently maintained and updated all Flying/ Bird hits/ Ground incident records and documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations.▪ Effectively managed budgeting and procurements in the Flight Safety Fund, overseeing funds worth INR 1 Cr+ annuallyto support various safety initiatives.▪ Demonstrated exemplary commitment to flight safety by ensuring zero accidents and major incidents during 1100+ collective hours of annual flying every year, implementing stringent Flight Safety protocols. Show less • Led independent feasibility assessments and executed GPS ATOL (Automatic Take-off and Landing) surveys for 03 Military and 02 Civil airfields in close collaboration with Chief Operations Managers and Airport Directors.• Demonstrated exceptional coordination skills by successfully overseeing the deployment of UAV assets worth over INR 400Cr on four separate occasions, ensuring seamless operations and achieving project objectives within budget and timelines. • Single-handedly revamped and optimized the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for UAV flying operations within the Indian Navy, enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring compliance with stringent safety protocols.• Devised and implemented robust SOPs for operating UAVs from dispersed airfields, streamlining operations and ensuring consistent performance across locations.• Delivered impactful training sessions to over 50 personnel, equipping them with essential skills in conducting GPS ATOL surveys and deploying advanced systems effectively.• Spearheaded ground-breaking initiatives, including the demonstration of pioneering Take-off and Landing capabilities of UAVs from parallel taxi tracks, providing crucial contingency measures during runway incidents.• Effectively planned, coordinated, and executed the secure transportation of high-value military assets worth over INR 400Cr (By Air/ Road/ Sea), implementing rigorous risk management strategies and ensuring seamless logistics operations. Show less • Acknowledged as one of the most seasoned Internal Pilots (IP)/ Mission Commanders (MC), accumulating an impressive record of over 1700 hours of safe flying on UAVs with the highest CAT 'A' rating.• Strategically planned, led and executed over 150 multi-dimensional complex UAV missions, demonstrating exceptional leadership with cross-functional teams in hostile environments to gather sensitive information and consistently deliver outstanding results.• Effectively managed and coordinated strategic joint UAV flying operations with the Indian Army and Indian Air Force during periods of heightened tensions with a belligerent nation, fostering seamless collaboration and ensuring optimal mission success.• Leveraged extensive knowledge and expertise to skilfully handle critical emergencies during flying operations, executing timely and safe recovery of UAVs, thereby safeguarding assets valued at over INR 100Cr+.• Presented seminars and delivered lectures on military UAVs to representatives of the Airport Authority of India (AAI) at various prominent venues, sharing valuable insights and contributing to knowledge exchange.• Conducted over 60 Functional Check Flights (FCF) on Heron and Searcher Mk II UAVs, meticulously verifying and ensuring their optimal functionality and operational readiness.• Acquired qualifications as an Alouette III Helicopter Pilot with a commendable flight record of over 200 hours, serving as a proficient Search and Rescue Pilot. 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  • Head - Flight Training & Development

    Aug 2018 - Dec 2023

  • Flight Safety & Risk Assessment

    Jan 2017 - Nov 2023

  • Project Management & Planning

    Jan 2017 - Nov 2023

  • Operations Management (Mission Commander & UAV Internal Pilot))

    Jul 2015 - Nov 2023

  • Helicopter Pilot

    Dec 2013 - Jun 2015

  • Trainee Officer

    Jul 2012 - Dec 2013