The Central Air Command (CAC) recently held its Annual Aerospace Safety Seminar and Council Meeting (AASCM) 2025 at Air Force Station Agra, focusing on the theme “Role of Cognitive Factors in Enhancing Aerospace Safety.” The seminar gathered notable figures within the aviation community, including field commanders, Aerospace Safety officers from all CAC airbases, the Chief Manager of Flight Operations and Safety from HAL, a Colonel from the Army Aviation at HQ Central Command, and numerous online delegates.
Presided over by Air Marshal Makarand Bhaskar Ranade, AVSM, VM, Director General (Inspection and Safety) of the Indian Air Force, the event aimed to foster discussions around improving safety measures within aerospace operations.
The keynote address was delivered by Air Marshal P.V. Shivanand, AVSM, VM, the Senior Air Staff Officer at HQ Central Air Command. He emphasized the pivotal role of cultivating a proactive safety culture and the necessity of ongoing human-factor training to achieve and maintain operational excellence.
During the seminar, a detailed review and analysis of current aerospace safety trends were presented by Air Commodore Vinay Pratap Singh, VM, along with Group Captain Yogendra Dhankar, Command Aerospace Safety and Inspection Officer at HQ CAC. Their insights provided a foundation for further discussions on enhancing safety protocols.
The seminar comprised three technical sessions that delved into critical topics including Mindfulness, the Influence of Human Factors in Aircraft Maintenance, and the Changing Cognitive Roles of Pilots. These sessions were designed to explore how heightened cognitive awareness could play a crucial role in improving both flight and maintenance safety.
In closing, Air Marshal Ranade reiterated the importance of leveraging cognitive and psychological factors to minimize human error. He reaffirmed the Indian Air Force’s steadfast commitment to achieving zero-accident operations, highlighting safety as a paramount concern in all aspects of their operations.
