In five years 388 pilots allowed to leave IAF

New Delhi: There is no large scale departure of pilots, flight engineers and ground staff from the Air Force, defense Minister AK Antony informed Sushma Swaraj in Rajya Sabha today in a written reply.
Since 1st January 2002 and up to 31st October this year only 388 pilots have been granted premature retirement- the reply said. Pilot resignation during the period was only one.
When 243 flight engineers were allowed to leave, two resigned. The number of Ground duty officers got retirement was 308 and there were six resignations.
The requests for acceptance of premature retirement/resignation were considered as per government instructions, the reply pointed out. The ministry made it clear that the majority of the officials released from service had completed their useful tenure and their exits did not affect the operational status of the squadrons.
Meanwhile, the vacancies in the forces including those arising due to premature retirement/resignation are being filled up as per normal procedure. The improvement of the job profile of IAF personnel was described as a continuous process, keeping in view the job specific requirements and operational necessity.
05/12/07 Press Information Bureau