Badges worn in Indian Air Force by Aircrew and Ground Staff

Aircrew badges commonly known as WINGS  are worn by Indian Air Force’s Officers and Airmen crew on their uniforms is the symbol of Qualification to the personnel who serves as a crew member on board Aircraft. They are the symbol of their expertise in that particular field.Normally the aircrew badges are worn on the left breast.

For pilots the wings are to be of the badge vertically above the left breast pocket. In the case of badges with half wings, the letter of the badge the center of the letter vertically above the left breast pocket button.

Things To Know –

Euphemistically known as “Distinguishing badges” or “Aircrew Badges”, these are worn by entitled officers and airmen on uniforms or on flying overalls (but not to be worn on protective clothing (e.g. great coat, rain coat, Jacket etc) )

These aircrew badges are worn only when authority for the same has been granted. Personnel awarded an aircrew badge will wear the badge appropriate to their category. If for any reason, an officer or airman is transferred to a branch /trade where he would not be required to perform the duties signified by the badge, he will continue to wear the badge unless authority to wear the badge is specifically withdrawn.

Also Read: Air Force Y Group Explained in Detail

Badges worn by Aircrew and Ground Staff of Indian Air Force

1. Pilot’s Badge –

 

PILOT IAF badge

What does Pilots do ?

– Fly the Aircraft

The Standard pilot’s wings consist of a 4 inch long wings brevet with the Ashoka emblem and the letters IAF. This is worn on the Summer work uniform as well as Winter jacket. This wings are also found on the flying suits but not that often.

PILOT IAF badge

This IAF wings in suede to be worn on flying overalls.They are worn on overalls only. Some pilots prefer this to the regular silk wing.They are worn while flying.

2. Navigator’s Badge

NAVIGATOR iaf badge

What does Navigator Do ?

know where exactly is the aircraft at any point of time,when would they reach the destination and to aid Pilot in flying the aircraft

This badges/wing consists of an out spread wing with the capital letter ‘N’ surrounded letter ‘N’ is surmounted centrally by the state emblem. The colour of the embroidery and the mounting is the pilot’s badge.

3. Signaler (Air) Badge

Signaler IAF

What does Signaler Do ?

– Signaler Communicates between the aircraft, its base and units in the area of operation, by means of radio or other digital communications.

This is of the same description as the Navigators badge, except that ‘S’.

4. Flight Engineers Badge

Flight Engineers IAF badges

What does Signaler Do ?

– Signaler Communicates between the aircraft, its base and units in the area of operation, by means of radio or other digital communications.

The badge is of the same description as the Navigator embroidered is ‘E’.

5. Electronic System Operators (Aircrew) Badge

Electronic System Operator iaf badges

What does Electronic System Operator do ?

– Responsible for operating the radar, communications and electronic equipment both on Air as well as on Ground

The badge is of the same description as the Navigator embroidered is ‘L’.

6. Flight Gunner’s Badge

Flight Gunner's Badges

What does Flight Gunner do ?

– Flight Gunners operates flexible mounted machine guns on Helicopters.

The badge is of the same description as the Navigator embroidered is ‘G’.

7. Air Traffic Controller and Flight Controller’s Badge

Air Traffic Controller IAF badges

What does Air Traffic Controller do ?

-Air traffic controllers are people trained to maintain the safe, orderly and expeditious flow of Air Traffic at Airports as well as guide them towards their destination while Aircraft is in Air.

An Eagle holding a bolt of lightning – This is worn just above the right pocket of the shirt

8. Parachute Jump Instructor Badge (PJI)

parachute jump instructor badges

What does Parachute Jump Instructor do ?

– Parachute Jump Instructors teach Candidates from various branches of Indian Armed Forces as well friendly Foreign Countries about Para Jumps and Airborne Insertions.

The Paratrooper Jump Instructor’s are Air Force personnel fully qualified to instruct those undergoing Parachute Training. A number of the Akash Ganga Sky Diving team is made up of PJIs. These are worn on the left side of the chest – where aircrew badges are worn.

9. Parachute Qualification Wings (Worn by members of Indian Special Force)

Garud Commando badges

What is  Parachute Qualification Wings ?

– These wings are awarded to those who have completed Para Jump Training from Paratroopers Training School ,Agra.They are mostly awarded to Special Forces like Garuds, Para, MARCOS etc.

The Wings are worn over the sleeve, as the older army practice was. The wings are in white thread – differ from the Blue and white wings of the Army.


If you are interested in joining Indian Air Force, visit Indianairforce.nic.in

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