27.08.2026.
Selection flight training in 252nd Training Squadron
At the Colonel Pilot Milenko Pavlović Air Base in Batajnica, selection flight training is currently underway for Military Grammar School students who have passed the Military Academy entrance exam, cadets of this higher education institution wishing to switch to the Military Aviation study programme, and reserve aviation officer candidates.
Prior to their first flights, the candidates completed the necessary preparations, medical, psychological and physical evaluations, as well as theoretical instruction. Having passed their theory exams, the trainees are now undergoing a selection process consisting of a set number of flight hours on the Utva 75 aircraft. Captain 1st Class Viktor Nedeljković, a flight instructor with the 252nd Squadron, explains that the candidates have already familiarized themselves with the aircraft and the way controls work, and are now ready to transition to a more advanced phase of training.
– This includes mastering aircraft controls when airborne, where we evaluate candidates’ turn radius judgment and spatial orientation. Following selection flight training, successful Military Academy applicants who enter the Aviation study programme return here for flight training during their fourth year. On the other hand, reserve aviation officer candidates undergo three months of general and specialized training at the Military Academy before coming here for flight training. Once they successfully complete it, they have the opportunity to serve on active duty in the Air Force and Air Defence - Captain Nedeljković said.Cadet Aleksa Ostojić is enrolled in the Military Electronic Engineering study programme at the Military Academy. However, even after completing his second year, he has not given up his hope of transferring to Military Aviation and fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a military pilot.
- I have wanted to fly my whole life, but I made a definite decision while I was still in elementary school, after visiting the Aeronautical Museum, where I had the opportunity to step up to an aircraft and look into the cockpit for the first time. I’m happy that, after all these years, I’ve finally taken my first flight. After graduating from the Military Academy, I see myself taking on an entry-level position in the squadron I’m assigned to, while continuing to develop both professionally and personally – Cadet Ostojić said, adding that he and his fellow candidates are unanimous in hoping to eventually pilot Rafales.
Ilija Vukov’s passion for aviation developed from his broader interest in the military. After attending several air shows, he was certain that flying was something he wanted to try, so after obtaining a degree in Computer Science and Software Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering in Kragujevac, he applied for the reserve aviation officer course.- No one in my family has served in the aviation, so when they found out I wanted to apply to the Ministry of Defence competition, they had doubts about my decision, but, overtime, as they researched and learned more about our military system, they grew more and more supportive of my choice. The selection process is going just as we expected, whenever there is a problem, we report it to our flight instructors, and it is resolved right away. Today is our sixth day of flying and it’s definitely an experience I’ll never forget. What stands out the most is my first flight and that feeling I had in the air, it’s truly something beyond words. I’d recommend this to anyone who thinks they might be interested – Vukov emphasised.
Upon successfully completing selection flight training, Military Grammar School students who recently passed the Defence University’s entrance exam will be eligible to enrol in the Military Aviation study programme. Cadets will continue their education at the Military Academy within the Aviation programme, while reserve aviation officer candidates will transition to active duty and be assigned to advanced pilot training.
PHOTOGALLERY
VIDEOGALLERY27.08.2026
mp4 (55,33 MB)The training
