Pakistan Air Force Academy
Encyclopedia
"RAF Risalpur", "Risalpur Airbase/Airfield" & "Pakistan Air Force/PAF Base Risalpur" redirects here.
The Pakistan Air Force Academy also known as PAFA, is an accredited co-educational four-year college for the undergraduate education of officer candidates for the Pakistan Air Force. Its campus is located in the remote town Risalpur
of Nowshera District
in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, is the premier cadet training institution of the Pakistan Air Force
which offers academic professional degrees. Its role is the training of General Duty Pilots (GDP), Aeronautical and Avionics Engineers and the initial training of other Ground Branch cadets. Cadets of all the branches join the Academy following a recommendation by the Inter Services Selection Board (ISSB) of Pakistan
. Graduates of the Academy's four-year program receive a Bachelor of Science degree, and most are commissioned as flying officers (lieutenants) in the Pakistan Air Force.
The Academy was created in 1910 and was a former aerodrome/airfield of the Royal Flying Corps
then later Royal Air Force
. It officially became the airbase of the PAF on 15 August 1947. On 21 January 1967, it was again upgraded to the status of an academy by then-President Ayub Khan. Currently, it consists of 5 different components.
At the heart of the PAF since its inception, the Pakistan Air Force Academy has bred generations of officers for the PAF and other branches of the Pakistani Armed Forces. The Academy now has impressive premises with state-of-the-art infrastructure portraying the progress from the modest beginning initiated by a handful of dedicated men in 1947.
lies 90 kilometers to the north. The Risalpur
cantonment itself lies on high ground, some 30 feet above the surrounding area, with the oldest building dating from 1913 or 1914.
established a base at Risalpur. By 1940, Risalpur had become both a training and an operational base. During the Second World War, Risalpur became the main fighter conversion base.
The airbase was formally established after the creation of Pakistan on 15 August 1947 with 20 officers, 21 trainees, 23 senior non commissioned officers (SNCOs) and 257 airmen. The base comprised only a handful of men and some equipment. One month later, the Flying Training School was established at Risalpur. Wing Commander Asghar Khan
, later to become the first Air Chief of the PAF, took over as the first Officer Commanding of the School, with Harvard and Tiger Moth aircraft in the inventory. Flt Lt M Khyber Khan, who later rose to the rank of Air Vice Marshal, and his student, Flight Cadet Akhtar, flew the first training sortie on 22 September 1947.
On 13 April 1948, the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah
, visited Risalpur Flying Training School and raised its level to that of a college. Risalpur thus became the genesis of PAF pilots. It became the only Military Academy of Pakistan to be visited by Jinnah. At this ceremony, Jinnah took the General Salute at the parade. Fighter aircraft from Peshawar Air base also performed aerobatics at the event.
On January 21, 1967 President Ayub Khan elevated the status of the PAF College, Risalpur to that of an academy.
, the last of which was brought into service with the PAF in 1995.
, with Colonel John H. Blakelock, USAF, as its first principal. The role of the PAF Academy became all the more important when the College of Aeronautical Engineering
was relocated after 22 years, from Karachi to Risalpur. Its relocation led to centralized officer training, and the promotion of comradeship in the PAF. Being part of the PAF Academy, the CAE has undergone tremendous advancement since 1988. In order to cope with modern technologies, its curriculum was upgraded, laboratories and workshops were improved and the latest computer facilities added. The role of the institution has also been progressively revised. In addition to training prospective and serving engineering officers of the PAF and the trainees of other organizations for their BE degree in Aerospace and Avionics, the CAE also conducts postgraduate programs and undertakes research and development in the relevant disciplines. It was affiliated with the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in 1995.
, UK.
. Before its establishment, PAF personnel were trained at the Pakistan Army Para School. The school conducts various basic and advanced courses, including free fall training. It also trains cadets to fly para motor gliders. The Special Service Wing
of the PAF also receives parachute training at this school
The Military Training Wing comprises officers and instructors who monitor the activities of cadets throughout their training period. The Military Training Wing is sub-divided into four squadrons. The squadrons take part in various competitions and the overall winning squadron is awarded the "Quaid-e-Azam Banner" at the passing out ceremony which is held at the end of term.
The PAF Academy is entrusted with the responsibility of training, nurturing and grooming future officers of the PAF. It also has the privilege of training cadets and officers of the Pakistan Army, Navy, Pakistan International Airlines
and other countries including Bangladesh
, Brunei
, China
, Indonesia
, Iran
, Jordan
, Malaysia, Nepal
, Nigeria
, Qatar
, Saudi Arabia
, Sri Lanka
, Sudan
, Syria
, Turkey
, Turkmenistan
and the UAE.
" (flying T-37 aircraft) and the Academy Aerobatic team known as "Academy Hawks" (flying K-8 aircraft).
The awards presented to the cadets at this occasion are:
GD(P) Course Convocation
Engineering Course Convocation
, Karachi
on Pakistan Defence Day (September 6). Cadets from the PAF Academy assume guard duties at the mazar on this day.
Competition, one of the biggest annual events. Some forty teams from different major higher education institutes in Pakistan are invited to take part. The event takes place over four days during which a number of rounds are held. The PAF bears all the expenses of travel and accommodation of the teams.
and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
.
The Pakistan Air Force Academy also known as PAFA, is an accredited co-educational four-year college for the undergraduate education of officer candidates for the Pakistan Air Force. Its campus is located in the remote town Risalpur
Risalpur
Risalpur is a city in Nowshera District, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, on the Nowshera-Mardan Road. It is nearly 45 km from Peshawar and 15 km from Mardan and is located at 34°4'52N 71°58'21E. In a basin some 1014 feet above sea level, it is bounded on the south and west by the Kabul and...
of Nowshera District
Nowshera District
Nowshera is a district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan - the principal city is Nowshera. Nowshera District is divided into 47 Union Councils and 5 provincial seats....
in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, is the premier cadet training institution of the Pakistan Air Force
Pakistan Air Force
The Pakistan Air Force is the leading air arm of the Pakistan Armed Forces and is primarily tasked with the aerial defence of Pakistan with a secondary role of providing air support to the Pakistan Army and the Pakistan Navy. The PAF also has a tertiary role of providing strategic air transport...
which offers academic professional degrees. Its role is the training of General Duty Pilots (GDP), Aeronautical and Avionics Engineers and the initial training of other Ground Branch cadets. Cadets of all the branches join the Academy following a recommendation by the Inter Services Selection Board (ISSB) of Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
. Graduates of the Academy's four-year program receive a Bachelor of Science degree, and most are commissioned as flying officers (lieutenants) in the Pakistan Air Force.
The Academy was created in 1910 and was a former aerodrome/airfield of the Royal Flying Corps
Royal Flying Corps
The Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance...
then later Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force
The Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
. It officially became the airbase of the PAF on 15 August 1947. On 21 January 1967, it was again upgraded to the status of an academy by then-President Ayub Khan. Currently, it consists of 5 different components.
At the heart of the PAF since its inception, the Pakistan Air Force Academy has bred generations of officers for the PAF and other branches of the Pakistani Armed Forces. The Academy now has impressive premises with state-of-the-art infrastructure portraying the progress from the modest beginning initiated by a handful of dedicated men in 1947.
Location
Located in a basin some 1014 feet above sea level, it is bounded on the south and west by the Kabul and Kalpani rivers, respectively. It is situated eight kilometers from the city of Nowshera; the famous Khyber PassKhyber Pass
The Khyber Pass, is a mountain pass linking Pakistan and Afghanistan.The Pass was an integral part of the ancient Silk Road. It is mentioned in the Bible as the "Pesh Habor," and it is one of the oldest known passes in the world....
lies 90 kilometers to the north. The Risalpur
Risalpur
Risalpur is a city in Nowshera District, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, on the Nowshera-Mardan Road. It is nearly 45 km from Peshawar and 15 km from Mardan and is located at 34°4'52N 71°58'21E. In a basin some 1014 feet above sea level, it is bounded on the south and west by the Kabul and...
cantonment itself lies on high ground, some 30 feet above the surrounding area, with the oldest building dating from 1913 or 1914.
History
During the First World War, the Royal Flying CorpsRoyal Flying Corps
The Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance...
established a base at Risalpur. By 1940, Risalpur had become both a training and an operational base. During the Second World War, Risalpur became the main fighter conversion base.
The airbase was formally established after the creation of Pakistan on 15 August 1947 with 20 officers, 21 trainees, 23 senior non commissioned officers (SNCOs) and 257 airmen. The base comprised only a handful of men and some equipment. One month later, the Flying Training School was established at Risalpur. Wing Commander Asghar Khan
Asghar Khan
Air Marshal Asghar Khan is a Pakistani 3-star rank general and politician who was the first native Air Force Commander-in-Chief of Pakistan Air Force. A politician and world war II veteran fighter pilot, at the age of 36, he served as the youngest and first Pakistani head of the Pakistan Air Force...
, later to become the first Air Chief of the PAF, took over as the first Officer Commanding of the School, with Harvard and Tiger Moth aircraft in the inventory. Flt Lt M Khyber Khan, who later rose to the rank of Air Vice Marshal, and his student, Flight Cadet Akhtar, flew the first training sortie on 22 September 1947.
On 13 April 1948, the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Muhammad Ali Jinnah was a Muslim lawyer, politician, statesman and the founder of Pakistan. He is popularly and officially known in Pakistan as Quaid-e-Azam and Baba-e-Qaum ....
, visited Risalpur Flying Training School and raised its level to that of a college. Risalpur thus became the genesis of PAF pilots. It became the only Military Academy of Pakistan to be visited by Jinnah. At this ceremony, Jinnah took the General Salute at the parade. Fighter aircraft from Peshawar Air base also performed aerobatics at the event.
On January 21, 1967 President Ayub Khan elevated the status of the PAF College, Risalpur to that of an academy.
Aircraft
Initially, the institution was equipped with Harvard, Tiger Moth, Auster, Fury and Tempest aircraft. A major change came with the introduction of the T-37 jet trainer in May 1962. Eight years after the College was upgraded to an Academy in 1967, the T-6G (Harvard), which had rendered yeoman service to the PAF since 1947, was replaced by the Mushshak (Saab Trainer). Currently, the trainer aircraft at the PAF Academy comprise of T-37, Mushshak MFI-17 and the K-8Hongdu JL-8
The Hongdu JL-8 is a two-seat intermediate jet trainer and light attack aircraft designed in the People's Republic of China by China Nanchang Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation. The primary contractor for this plane is the Hongdu Aviation Industry Corporation...
, the last of which was brought into service with the PAF in 1995.
College of Flying Training
The College of Flying Training aims to equip the cadets with basic flying skills and a sound academic foundation, leading eventually to the award of a BS in Aviation Sciences and Management from Air University Islamabad. It prepares the cadets for flying fighter aircraft in the next phase of their career. Academic Training at Directorate of Studies (DOS) consists of Aero Sciences, Aviation Sciences, Humanities, Airmanship and Airspace Management disciplines. The college also caters for the basic and professional training of the officers of various ground support branches.College of Aeronautical Engineering
The College of Aeronautical Engineering (CAE) was established in July 1965 at Korangi Creek, KarachiKarachi
Karachi is the largest city, main seaport and the main financial centre of Pakistan, as well as the capital of the province of Sindh. The city has an estimated population of 13 to 15 million, while the total metropolitan area has a population of over 18 million...
, with Colonel John H. Blakelock, USAF, as its first principal. The role of the PAF Academy became all the more important when the College of Aeronautical Engineering
College of Aeronautical Engineering
The College of Aeronautical Engineering is located at the Pakistan Air Force Academy, Risalpur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, and is affiliated with the National University of Sciences and Technology ....
was relocated after 22 years, from Karachi to Risalpur. Its relocation led to centralized officer training, and the promotion of comradeship in the PAF. Being part of the PAF Academy, the CAE has undergone tremendous advancement since 1988. In order to cope with modern technologies, its curriculum was upgraded, laboratories and workshops were improved and the latest computer facilities added. The role of the institution has also been progressively revised. In addition to training prospective and serving engineering officers of the PAF and the trainees of other organizations for their BE degree in Aerospace and Avionics, the CAE also conducts postgraduate programs and undertakes research and development in the relevant disciplines. It was affiliated with the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in 1995.
Flying Instructors School
The Flying Instructors School (FIS) trains instructors, not only for the PAF but also for the Pakistan Army and Navy. Due to its high standards, the FIS also has a good reputation outside of Pakistan. It currently trains instructors from countries in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa. The FIS is also responsible for the maintenance of high standards of teaching in the College of Flying Training, and the Fighter Conversion units. The re-categorization of instructors in all three armed forces is an additional responsibility of the School. The FIS follows a three-dimensional training system, which includes academic training, flying training, and instructional technique. The FIS also undertakes reciprocal visits to enhance training standards; between 1990 and 1997, these visits were organized with the Central Flying SchoolCentral Flying School
The Central Flying School is the Royal Air Force's primary institution for the training of military flying instructors. Established in 1912 it is the longest existing flying training school.-History:...
, UK.
Para Training School
The Para Training School was established at the PAF Academy Risalpur in 2003. It is the second parachute school in Pakistan after the Pakistan Army Para School located at PeshawarPeshawar
Peshawar is the capital of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and the administrative center and central economic hub for the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan....
. Before its establishment, PAF personnel were trained at the Pakistan Army Para School. The school conducts various basic and advanced courses, including free fall training. It also trains cadets to fly para motor gliders. The Special Service Wing
Special Service Wing
The Special Service Wing, codename the SS Wing, or previously known as 312th Special Service Wing or Maroon berets, is an special operations aerospace unit of the Pakistan Air Force . The SS Wing or Maroon Berets are an elite special operations force based upon United States Air Force's Special...
of the PAF also receives parachute training at this school
Military Training Wing
The role of the Military Training Wing (formerly Cadet's Wing) is aimed to impart general service training and develop physical fitness, discipline, personal and leadership qualities in cadets. The subjects covered include:- Air Operations
- Use of Small Arms
- Fieldcraft (Camping-Visits etc.)
- Leadership
- Character Building
- Physical Exercises
- Military Drill
- Sports Activities
- The Cadets Mess
- Extra Curricular Activities
- Literary Activities
- Educational Visits
- Student Counseling
The Military Training Wing comprises officers and instructors who monitor the activities of cadets throughout their training period. The Military Training Wing is sub-divided into four squadrons. The squadrons take part in various competitions and the overall winning squadron is awarded the "Quaid-e-Azam Banner" at the passing out ceremony which is held at the end of term.
The PAF Academy is entrusted with the responsibility of training, nurturing and grooming future officers of the PAF. It also has the privilege of training cadets and officers of the Pakistan Army, Navy, Pakistan International Airlines
Pakistan International Airlines
Pakistan International Airlines Corporation commonly known as PIA, is the flag carrier airline of Pakistan. The airline has its head office on the grounds of Jinnah International Airport in Karachi. and operates scheduled services to 24 domestic destinations and 38 international destinations in 27...
and other countries including Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Bangladesh , officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh is a sovereign state located in South Asia. It is bordered by India on all sides except for a small border with Burma to the far southeast and by the Bay of Bengal to the south...
, Brunei
Brunei
Brunei , officially the State of Brunei Darussalam or the Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace , is a sovereign state located on the north coast of the island of Borneo, in Southeast Asia...
, China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
, Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia , officially the Republic of Indonesia , is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago comprising approximately 13,000 islands. It has 33 provinces with over 238 million people, and is the world's fourth most populous country. Indonesia is a republic, with an...
, Iran
Iran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
, Jordan
Jordan
Jordan , officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan , Al-Mamlaka al-Urduniyya al-Hashemiyya) is a kingdom on the East Bank of the River Jordan. The country borders Saudi Arabia to the east and south-east, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north and the West Bank and Israel to the west, sharing...
, Malaysia, Nepal
Nepal
Nepal , officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked sovereign state located in South Asia. It is located in the Himalayas and bordered to the north by the People's Republic of China, and to the south, east, and west by the Republic of India...
, Nigeria
Nigeria
Nigeria , officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in...
, Qatar
Qatar
Qatar , also known as the State of Qatar or locally Dawlat Qaṭar, is a sovereign Arab state, located in the Middle East, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeasterly coast of the much larger Arabian Peninsula. Its sole land border is with Saudi Arabia to the south, with the rest of its...
, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , commonly known in British English as Saudi Arabia and in Arabic as as-Sa‘ūdiyyah , is the largest state in Western Asia by land area, constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula, and the second-largest in the Arab World...
, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a country off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Known until 1972 as Ceylon , Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the...
, Sudan
Sudan
Sudan , officially the Republic of the Sudan , is a country in North Africa, sometimes considered part of the Middle East politically. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, the Red Sea to the northeast, Eritrea and Ethiopia to the east, South Sudan to the south, the Central African Republic to the...
, Syria
Syria
Syria , officially the Syrian Arab Republic , is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the West, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest....
, Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
, Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan , formerly also known as Turkmenia is one of the Turkic states in Central Asia. Until 1991, it was a constituent republic of the Soviet Union, the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic . Turkmenistan is one of the six independent Turkic states...
and the UAE.
Passing Out Parade
The Passing Out Parade is held every six months. The graduating cadets of flying and engineering pass out at this parade. The chief guests are usually the President, Prime Minister or the service chiefs of the armed forces of Pakistan. Graduating cadets take the Oath of Allegiance under the flag of Pakistan, after which they take the salute of the parade. The end of the parade is marked by the aerobatics display of the PAF Aerobatic team renowned as the "SherdilsSherdils
Sherdils is the aerobatics display team of the Pakistan Air Force Academy based at the PAF Academy, Risalpur, Pakistan. The team flies nine K-8 Karakorum trainer aircraft and used to fly the T-37 "Tweety Bird"...
" (flying T-37 aircraft) and the Academy Aerobatic team known as "Academy Hawks" (flying K-8 aircraft).
The awards presented to the cadets at this occasion are:
- Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee's Trophy (for Best performance in General Service Training in CAE)
- Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee's Trophy (for Best performance in General Service Training in CFT)
- Chief of Air Staff's Trophy (for Best performance in Engineering Discipline)
- Chief of Air Staff's Trophy (for Best performance in Flying)
- Sword of Honor (for Best performance in CAE)
- Sword of Honor (for Best performance in CFT)
Convocation
This event also takes place after six months. Two convocations are held each time - one for graduating cadets of the GD(P) branch and the other for cadets of the engineering branch. The awards presented at this occasion are:GD(P) Course Convocation
- Best Performance Trophy (Air Science Subject)
- Best Performance Trophy (Ground Subjects)
- Best Performance Trophy (Humanities Subject)
Engineering Course Convocation
- President’s Gold Medal (Aerospace Engineering)
- Rector’s Gold Medal (Aerospace Engineering)
- Rector's Best Aerospace Vehicle Design Certificate (Aerospace Engineering)
- President’s Gold Medal (Avionics Engineering)
- Rector’s Gold Medal (Avionics Engineering)
- Rector's Best Avionics System Design Certificate (Avionics Engineering)
Graduation
The graduation ceremony of non-Ground Branches courses is held annually at the Academy. The cadets joining ground branches after completing their HSSC spend two years at the Academy whereas the Bachelor cadets course has a duration of one year.Changing of the Guard at Mazare-e-Quaid
Another important event is the annual Changing of the Guard ceremony at Mazar-e-QuaidMazar-e-Quaid
Mazar-e-Quaid or the National Mausoleum refers to the tomb of the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. It is an iconic symbol of Karachi throughout the world. The mausoleum , completed in the 1960s, is situated at the heart of the city. it is white in colour.- External links :* * * *...
, Karachi
Karachi
Karachi is the largest city, main seaport and the main financial centre of Pakistan, as well as the capital of the province of Sindh. The city has an estimated population of 13 to 15 million, while the total metropolitan area has a population of over 18 million...
on Pakistan Defence Day (September 6). Cadets from the PAF Academy assume guard duties at the mazar on this day.
All Pakistan Bilingual Declamation Competition
The PAF Academy also holds an All-Pakistan DeclamationDeclamation
Grand National Tournament in Declamation is a public speaking event of the National Catholic Forensic League. One can qualify for the annual NCFL Grand National Tournament in Declamation through their local qualifying tournament...
Competition, one of the biggest annual events. Some forty teams from different major higher education institutes in Pakistan are invited to take part. The event takes place over four days during which a number of rounds are held. The PAF bears all the expenses of travel and accommodation of the teams.
Falcons Hearth
The memorial of the academy is known as ‘Falcons Hearth’ and is situated on the parade ground. It was erected in memory of cadets and instructors martyred during training, and also those who lost their lives on active service during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965Indo-Pakistani War of 1965
The Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 was a culmination of skirmishes that took place between April 1965 and September 1965 between Pakistan and India. This conflict became known as the Second Kashmir War fought by India and Pakistan over the disputed region of Kashmir, the first having been fought in 1947...
and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 was a military conflict between India and Pakistan. Indian, Bangladeshi and international sources consider the beginning of the war to be Operation Chengiz Khan, Pakistan's December 3, 1971 pre-emptive strike on 11 Indian airbases...
.