Group Captain SM Sundaram (Retd.) is a highly accomplished aviation professional with extensive experience in military and civil aviation. A graduate of the National Defense Academy, he was commissioned into the Indian Air Force as a Navigator, accumulating over 6,500 flight hours on aircraft such as the Boeing 737, HS 748 (Avro), and DC-3 (Dakota) during domestic and international operations.
An instructor since 1984, GpCapt Sundaram is a postgraduate from Madras University and an alumnus of the Defense Services Staff College (DSSC), where he also served as a Directing Staff (Instructor), showcasing his leadership and expertise in training.
After retiring from the Air Force, he transitioned into civil aviation as the General Manager – Training and Chief Ground Instructor (CGI) with Blue Dart Aviation Ltd. In this role, he conducted Type Rating Ground Training and Recurrent Ground Training for pilots and flight dispatchers on aircraft including the ATR, Boeing 737, and Boeing 757-200. He is also a certified Performance Software Engineer, trained by MS Boeing, and specialized in advanced operations such as PBN (Performance-Based Navigation), RVSM (Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum), and CAT II & III Operations.
With a wealth of knowledge and experience, GpCapt Sundaram is dedicated to training the next generation of aviators. He offers comprehensive programs for ab-initio pilots preparing for CPL examinations and advanced training for experienced CPL holders pursuing ATPL certifications, ensuring they are equipped for successful aviation careers.
He is a aviator with a lifelong passion for flying and a deep commitment to the pursuit of excellence in aviation. His flight into the skies began in the Indian Air Force, where he honed his skills as a pilot and embraced the values of discipline, precision, and teamwork.
Over the course of his career, he flew some iconic aircraft, including the HT- 2, HPT 32, HJT 16, Dakota DC-3, Avro (HS-748), and Antonov AN-32 in military service. Transitioning into the commercial aviation sector, he widened his horizon and expertise with aircraft like the Beechcraft B-200, ATR 42-320/500, and the Airbus A320, gaining valuable insights into the dynamic world of civil aviation. He has a total flying experience of more than 15800 hrs.
As a Designated Examiner, he has been entrusted with assessing and certifying the skills of fellow pilots, ensuring the highest standards of safety and professionalism. As a Crew Resource Management (CRM) Facilitator enabled him to foster effective communication and collaboration among flight teams, emphasizing the human element of aviation safety. Being an experienced Simulator Instructor, he trained pilots in handling complex scenarios, instilling confidence and preparedness for the unexpected.
He is an experienced aviator who displayed a very high degree of resilience, adaptability, and imparting vital skill sets to the pilots placed under him for training.. He has a unique experience, from navigating challenging terrains to guiding aspiring aviators in their journeys. These experiences have elevated him to the highest standards as a professional.
He is ever ready to share his knowledge and experience to the budding aviators who dream to fly higher and faster always.
Retired Indian Air Force aviator with an impeccable safety record, qualified in B737-200, HS748 and AN32 aircraft with over 5700 hours of flying experience as a Navigator.
He has been a Qualified Instructor on ground and in Air with more than two decades of experience. He has been teaching Ab-initio Cadets, Pilots and navigators during his long tenure in the IAF.
He has over 1000 hours of air instructional experience on B737-200, HS748 and AN32 aircraft.
He has served for five years in the prestigious Air Headquarters Communication Squadron conducting VVIP operations for Heads of states on domestic and international national sectors.
He distinguished himself as coordinator for VVIP helicopter operations.
Jenesh is a dedicated aviation professional with extensive experience in the industry. After completing his CPL and Flight Instructor Rating in the USA in 2016, he earned a BBA in Aviation from Bharathiar University. With a strong foundation in aviation and airline experience, Jenesh is passionate about advancing aviation excellence and shaping the next generation of pilots.