Visakhapatnam: The Flight Safety Seminar (FSS) and Annual Naval Flight Safety Meeting (NFSM) for 2024 were successfully conducted on November 12-13 at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam, under the aegis of the Headquarters Eastern Naval Command. The events provided a comprehensive platform for discussing emerging challenges and advancements in naval aviation safety.
The Flight Safety Seminar, held on November 12, was inaugurated with a keynote address by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command. The seminar’s theme, “Emerging Threats and Challenges – Naval Air Operations and Compliance with Flight Safety,” reflected the growing complexity of naval aviation operations.
Key topics discussed included Advancements in Counter-UAV/UAS Technologies and Tactics, Cyber Security Risks in Aviation Operations, and Countermeasures for Aircraft Systems. Another significant focus was the role of mindfulness training in enhancing mental resilience during high-stress air operations. The seminar encouraged a holistic approach to managing emerging operational risks, emphasizing the importance of shared vigilance among all defense services to safeguard aerial assets.
The event featured an engaging exchange of views, underscoring the need for adaptive and proactive safety strategies to address challenges unique to modern Naval Aviation. Representatives from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, and prominent defense organizations such as HAL also participated, contributing valuable perspectives on flight safety.
The Naval Flight Safety Meeting (NFSM), held on November 13, brought together key flight safety stakeholders within the Indian Navy. Presided over by Rear Admiral Janak Bevil, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air), the meeting focused on safety measures across the Navy, with an emphasis on operational risk management to ensure safe flying while accomplishing operational missions.
Discussions during the NFSM also covered critical areas such as the latest trends in bird and animal hazard mitigation in naval aviation. Both the seminar and the meeting featured expert-led presentations and panel discussions, reinforcing the Navy’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of readiness and safety in flight operations.
The successful conduct of the Flight Safety Seminar and Naval Flight Safety Meeting reaffirms the Indian Navy’s dedication to continuously enhancing flight safety protocols and fostering a culture of safety and preparedness within naval aviation.