Zaheer Mirza

Air Commodore at Pakistan Air Force

• Pakistan
• March 1984 to July 2016

 Initiated career as a pilot in the PAF, then further progressed to be a Flying Instructor, Field Commander and staff officer. Hence my work experience is in these three domains.

Instructional Experience

Flying Instructor in Primary Flying Training Wing, PAF Academy (Aug, 1989 - Aug, 1992).
 Imparted flying training to newly inducted cadets
 Conducted ground schooling of the cadets by undertaking lectures on subjects of aviation sciences i.e. aerodynamics, aero-engines, navigation, airmanship, meteorology etc
 Prepared and delivered briefs on different phases of flying training i.e. ‘General Flying’, ‘Take off and Landing’ and ‘Instrument Flying’, ‘Spin recovery’.
 Ensured social well being of all the cadets with highest level of motivation

Squadron Commander in Military Training Wing, PAF Academy (Jan, 1993 - Aug, 1994)
 Imparted military training to the cadets
 Inculcated ‘Officers Like Qualities’, ‘Leadership’ and moral ethics among the cadets
 Was responsible for grooming, character building and discipline of the trainees

Flying Instructor in Combat Commanders School, PAF (Jan, 1998 - Aug, 1999).
 Imparted flying training and taught advance air combat tactics to the selected experienced fighter pilots to become combat commanders
 Delivered lectures on navigation / strike planning, air weapons, weapons delivery / employment and tactical considerations to the course participants
 Devised and planned various flying phases / set ups of advance Air Combat Training
 As Flt Cdr (Ops) CCS, ensured efficient and safe conduct of flying operations of the Squadron

Command Experience

Officer Commanding of an Air Superiority Squadron (Aug, 2001 - Mar, 2003). The responsibilities included:-
 Efficient and safe conduct of flying operations of the Squadron
 Ensure high flying skills and professional excellence of the Squadron pilots
 Operational readiness of the Squadron
 Social well being of all Squadron personnel with highest level of motivation

Officer Commanding of an Air Superiority Wing, (Jul, 2007 - Jul, 2008).
 Ensured highest level of serviceability and reliability of the operational facilities at the Base
 Ensured highest standard of training of the under command ATC controllers and pilots
 Ensured operational readiness of Air Combat Squadrons & Operational elements

Base Commander of a Flying Training Base (Sep, 2012 - Jun, 2014). Primary responsibilities included:-
 Security of all personnel, equipment and assets of the Base
 Cohesive functioning of all operational, supporting and administrative elements for efficient and safe conduct of flying operations
 Quality fighter and operational flying training for the under training pilots
 Maintain highest level of operational readiness of the Base
 Well being, security, education & provision of health facilities to all personnel at the Base

Staff Appointments
Deputy Director Operations, Air Headquarters, (Mar, 2003 - Aug, 2004). I was to :-
 Plan flying tasks, formulate annual training syllabi for pilots and organize operational exercises for the PAF
 Devise, draft and implement operational policies regarding operations after the Air Staff approval

Senior Air Staff Officer Northern Air Command, (Aug, 2009 - Aug, 2010). Primary tasks were:-
 Plan, monitor & coordinate command level operational exercises with Air Headquarters and Joint Staff Headquarters
 Monitor aircraft and air crew health at under command Bases

Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operational Requirement & Development) Air Headquarters (Nov, 2010 - Aug, 2011). Primary tasks included:-
 Ascertain operational requirement & evaluate available assets for suitability from technical and operational stand points
 Negotiate with vendors for viable contracts for smooth induction and operationalization of contracted systems / equipment
 Modification & up-gradation of PAF assets including aircraft, weapons and operational facilities to stay abreast with technological advancements