GAUTAM KUMAR

Work History.

An aerodrome officer with over 15+ Years of rich experience at Defence as well as joint-user airfields. Trained and brought up in a disciplined and safety-critical environment ashore as well as afloat, at frontline naval airfields like INS Hansa (Goa), INS Shikra (Mumbai), INS Garuda (Kochi) and onboard state-of-the-art Naval aircraft carriers INS Viraat and INS Vikramaditya.

AIRSIDE / AERODROME OPERATIONS OFFICER

INS Shikra, Mumbai (2008-2011)

INS Hansa, Goa (2014-2017)

INS Garuda, Kochi (2017-2022)

• Spearheaded the Flight Planning Section at various naval airfields, which was responsible for analysing NOC/SACFA applications in accordance with extant GSR/OLS regulations; collecting applicable Airport Charges as promulgated by AERA, periodic calibration of Navaids, upkeep of airfield facilities; and maintaining relevant aviation publications.
• Ensured rendering of flight safety inspection reports/ periodic returns, procurement, Administration, staffing and HR management.
• Specialized in efficient and smooth conduct of flight safety inspections through extensive monitoring and coordination with various units/ departments operating under the command.
• Mentored and lead a motivated team of aviation project planners responsible for Land Acquisition from Civil Agency viz. Cochin Port Trust towards Augmentation of Aviation Infrastructure at Kochi Naval Airport.
• Ensured the Aviation operation area with an adequate condition of flight safety. Conducted BASH surveys, periodic Airport audits and monitored movement and maneuvering area maintaining apron discipline.
• Steered the airfield work and efficiently liaised with contractors towards airfield maintenance and wild life control to optimise the operation.
• Coordinated with various civil authorities viz., Office of the District Magistrate, Municipal, Defence Estate Officer, Airline Operators, Survey of India, AAI, DGCA Officials towards the conduct of various meetings like ACM, AEMC. Liquidated various issues through collective efforts to ensure flight safety and optimal operation.
• Administered timely execution of airport projects, acquisition of land, resurfacing of runways, rectification of aerodrome facilities and calibration of navigational aids through seamless liaison with concerned stakeholders.
• Handled human resources and administration; ensured the conduct of periodic briefings for personnel deployed in Aviation Operation, Airport Security, Airfield/Navigation aids maintenance, Flight Safety and Firefighting duties.
• Managed critical documents essential for regulatory requirements and permanent records.
• Revamped the existing AIMS (Airport Information Management System) at Goa Airport in coordination with Airport Authority of India (AAI) to facilitate automated calculation of Airport Charges to meet Air Station's requirement.
• Efficiently mobilised the team during periodic financial, operational and safety audits conducted by CAG auditors and Defence inspecting officers at Naval aerodrome.
• Drafted and implemented various SOPs for maintaining safety, security and upkeep of airport premises.
• Ensured the conduct of regular airfield inspections throughout the day to ward off wildlife strikes.
• Undertook regular inspections of airfield facilities and movement areas for hazard identification, with daily reports to higher authorities.
• Prepared failure analysis, preventative, predictive and breakdown reports for minimising downtime by providing quick turn-around responses and efficient solutions.

CAPTAIN OF THE FLIGHT-DECK

INS Viraat, Mumbai (2011-2013),

INS Vikramaditya, Russia/ Karwar (2013-2014)

• Based on past professional records and service history got shortlisted as commissioning/induction crew of INS Vikramaditya and was deputed to Russia for a period of four months.
• Accounted Ranging and Spotting of different type of Aircrafts.
• Organised hangar aircraft parking space for night halts and extensive aircraft maintenance.
• Conducted daily exercises and debriefs of Aviation firefighting and quick response teams.
• Ensured flight deck readiness along with availability of various essential facilities viz., firefighting, crash & salvage, fuelling, GPU, arrester-wire etc.
• Coordinated with destination, alternate and enroute aerodromes to ensure smooth and flawless conduct of VVIP/ VIP movements.