Nagaland: Flying training camp for Air Wing NCC cadets concludes

A ten-day Flying Training Camp for Air Wing NCC cadets of the entire North Eastern Region was conducted under the aegis of NCC Directorate North Eastern Region (NCC DTE NER) from January 5 to 14 at Patkai Christian College, Chümoukedima.
The camp marked a significant milestone in the training calendar of the Directorate, reaffirming its commitment to providing skill-oriented and inspirational exposure to cadets from the region.
Since assuming charge as Additional Director General, NCC DTE NER, Maj Gen Anuraj Vij has placed strong emphasis on qualitative training, innovation and equal opportunities for cadets.
In this spirit, the camp stood out as a first-of-its-kind initiative, offering flying exposure to 388 Air Wing NCC cadets, including those from remote areas—many of whom experienced powered flying for the very first time.
The highlight of the camp was the actual flying experience, which ignited enthusiasm, confidence and a spirit of adventure among cadets.
17 cadets from Churachandpur district of Manipur resumed flying after a gap of three years, making their participation particularly significant.
In keeping with a holistic training philosophy, the camp also included structured ground classes on aviation subjects, air navigation, meteorology, aviation safety and aerospace awareness.
Cadets received hands-on exposure to aeromodelling, enhancing their understanding of flight principles and engineering through practical demonstrations.
A special focus was laid on Drone Flying Training, where cadets were introduced to Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and their applications in defence, disaster management, surveillance and nation-building.
Under expert guidance, cadets received practical training on drone operations, sparking interest in emerging aviation technologies. Physical fitness and discipline were reinforced through drill sessions, sports and structured physical training, fostering teamwork and leadership qualities.
Cultural programmes and social interaction activities showcased the rich diversity of the North East, strengthening bonds of camaraderie and national integration.
During the camp, Brig Shantanu P. Mainkar, Group Commander, NCC Group Kohima, addressed the cadets and highlighted the crucial role of NCC in nation building, character development and societal leadership. He expressed satisfaction with the high standards of training and commended the collective efforts of instructors and staff.