Flight Training of Future Serbian Armed Forces’ Helicopter Pilots
Wednesday, 21.8.2024 | Training
At the Military Airfield “Colonel-Pilot Milenko Pavlović” in Batajnica, Basic Flight Training is ongoing for aviation officers who have successfully completed the Reserve Aviation Officer Course.
Delivered by flight instructors from the 890th Mixed Helicopter Squadron, the training activity takes place with the use of Gazelle helicopters and it consists of five segments — basic, navigation, instrument, group and night flying.
In order to access flight training, young second lieutenants have already undergone ground training at the Reserve Aviation Officers Course, which included learning of helicopter characteristics and piloting techniques, theoretical contents of aerodynamics and meteorology, and initial segment of basic flight training.
As explained by flight instructor Captain 1st Class Ivan Sibinović from the 890th Squadron, the aim of flight training is for the aviation officers to be fully qualified to operate the Gazelle helicopter, so that they can continue training with more complex types of helicopters.
— When they complete training and master five basic segments, they will earn the title of pilot. We are currently doing basic flying, that is, the first training part. These five segments are the foundation of further development of pilots in a professional sense - points out Captain 1st Class Sibinović.
The Reserve Aviation Officer Course represents one of the models of recruitment of SAF officers of this branch, and was established in early 2022. Citizens of the Republic of Serbia, who are university graduates and not older than 27, are eligible to attend it. Upon its successful completion, participants are to join professional military service as second lieutenants and embark on their flight training to become military pilots.
