401 Squadron took charge of operational flying requirements and pilot training, and was located at SLAF Hingurakgoda with Bell 212 and Bell Jet Ranger helicopters in its fleet.

402 Squadron remained at SLAF Katunayake and flew Bell 412 and Bell Jet Rangers, largely catering to VIP movement.

Flying Officer Asela Wickramasinghe was the youngest to command a helicopter at the age of 22.Pilot Officer Ravi Dharmawickrama was the first volunteer pilot ever to command a helicopter in battle field.

Further he achieved a VIP rating when ranked flying officer a year after in the same squadron.

Then Squadron Leader Avindra Mirando earned his second WWV (Weera Wickrama Vibhushanaya) medal and became the first to be earned bar (Two time award of the same medal) for WWV flying for the squadron.