Daytime and night-time flight training
Pilots and aircraft technicians from the 98th Air Force Brigade have conducted regular daytime and night-time flight training on “Eagle” (Orao) aircraft and Mi-35 helicopters at the Morava Airport in Lađevci.
The pilots of the 241st Fighter-Bomber Squadron have performed the flights as part of their training, the purpose of which is to maintain the level of proficiency required for them to perform specific tasks. Side by side with them on the runway were technicians of all specialties, whose task was to regularly inspect certain assemblies and parts of aircraft engines, electrical assemblies and instruments before take-off and after landing.
According to the commander of the 241st Squadron, Lt. Col. Saša Stojiljković, this was part of the regular training for the unit’s permanent pilots who possess a higher level of combat skill and who also participate, as teachers and flight instructors, in the training process of younger colleagues.
- In addition to the squadron’s permanent flying personnel, who have completed this regular part of training in order to maintain the level of proficiency required for carrying out combat tasks in favourable and unfavourable weather conditions, our colleagues from the Batajnica Airfield, i.e. pilots from the Flight Test Centre, who fly on the same type of aircraft, have also participated. In these activities, the emphasis on maintaining the level of competence in older, more experienced pilots and on training younger pilots - said Lt. Col. Stojiljković.
Sergeant Željko Jovanović explains the role of technicians responsible for the maintenance of electrical equipment and instruments in night-time flight training.
- Our task is to do aircraft exterior inspection, making sure that it is safe to fly, and to check whether the electrical devices, i.e. the instruments and oxygen in the aircraft, are functioning properly – said Sergeant Jovanović.
Pilots and aircraft maintenance technicians of the 714th Anti-Tank Helicopter Squadron have conducted their flight training on Mi-35M helicopters at night, in poor visibility conditions.
In addition to the squadron’s permanent staff, fifth-year cadets of the Military Academy, studying Military Aviation, have taken part in regular daytime flight training, practicing taking off and landing on Gama helicopters and flying at low altitudes. Before entering the helicopter and embarking on practical flight training, the cadets receive theoretical instruction, where they learn the details about the aircraft and the tasks awaiting them in the airspace.
Đorđe Mihajlović, a fifth-year cadet of the Military Academy, shares his impressions upon landing and completing flight training. He says that training to fly low-altitude missions in pairs is demanding and that it was a challenge for him.