NEW DELHI, Oct 31 &emdash; Air Marshal A Y Tipnis, PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC, was today appointed as the next Chief of Air Staff.

Fiftyeight-year old Air Marshall Tipnis will succeed the present Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal S K Sareen, who retires from service on December 31. Air Marshal Tipnis is presently the Vice-Chief of Air Staff.

"What better gift could I have given to my wife, Molina, on her birthday" Air Marshal Tipnis said while talking to newsmen at his residence. His wife, standing next to him, while acknowledging this, remarked "What more could I have asked from him on my birthday."

"I never expected to head the Air Force when I joined. Now that the responsibility has been bestowed on me, I would strive to do my best," Air Marshal Tipnis, dressed in a light-blue shirt and grey trousers said as he accepted greetings from Air Force personnel and mediapersons.

Air Marshall Tipnis was commissioned in May, 1960, as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF) and has since then flown all types of fighter and transport aircraft, including the Mirage-2000, MiG-29 and the latest SU-30. He has around 4000 hours of flying to his credit.

"Like my three daughter, I love all aircraft I have flown. How can I say which one I like the most," Air Marshall Tipnis said, adding that "there is nothing like flying in the air which gives immense pleasure."

Aircraft today are far more complex than they used to be when he joined. "An Air Force personnel today has to be specialist as he has to deal with complex mechanics of the machine."

Air Marshal Tipnis would have a three-year term as Air Chief. Under the new guidelines for superannuation, the tenure at the top post would be restricted to three years or 62 years, whichever comes earlier.

The new air Chief, while not willing to give his views on the changes he would undertake when he assumes office on January 1, 1999, said "The ideas that I have and the changes that I think need to be brought about, I would state only when I take over."

"Everyone has his style of functioning. Each one has new idea and the view from the top would be different. The changes that I might bring about would be brought about in consultation with other Air Force personnel," he said.

An outstanding fighter pilot, he took active part in the 1965 operations and flew many combat missions, flying with the first MiG-21 squadron. A postgraduate from National Defence College, he has held several important operational and staff appointments including those of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command, Senior Air Staff Officer of the Eastern Air Command, Air Officer Commanding (J&K) and Air Officer Commanding of the fighter base at Gwalior.

Born in September 15, 1940, Tipnis joined the National Defence Academy in January 1956. He later graduated from Defence Service Staff College and National Defence College.

'A yellow aircraft flying over our house everyday in Pune probably inspired me to join the IAF,' Air Marshall Tipnis, recalled.

"I am the second person from my batch of Barnes High School, Deolali, to join the Air Force and I am sure my school would be proud to see one of its pupil at the top," the new air chief said in an emotional tone.

Air Marshall Tipnis was appointed Vice-Chief of Air Staff on April 1 last year. He has been appointed honorary ADC to the President of India.

A group of ex students meet up in Barnes..l to r Sam Mistry (Head Boy 1955).Air Marshall Anil Tipnis, Bharat Oza and Gordon Cole. Above photos Courtesy Russell Cole.....

Above:Air Marshall Tipnis talking to Barnes Students gathered to greet him.

Above: Saying farewell to friends the last time Anil visited Barnes

Above: Old Friends United..B.Oza, S.Hussain,G Coles,S Mistry,Air Marshall Tipnis,MrBaker,Mrs Baker,Mrs Tipnis,Mrs Barucha and Air Cor.Barucha............... .Photos courtesy Syed Hussain