02.08.2011.

Central celebration of the Serbian aviation day

The central celebration of the Serbian air force was held today at the airport in Nis organized by the 98th aviation brigade. The members of the Serbian Air Force gave an attractive performance of their skills in an air show specially organized for this occasion to the citizens of Nis, members of the parents and their. More than 4,000 visitors had the opportunity to enjoy an attractive demonstration of the competence of elite Air Force flying units, 204th and 98th air bases and flight tests of the Center for Technical Testing Center.

Congratulating the members of the Serbian aviation their patron saint day St. Ilija, the Commander of Air Force Brigadier General Ranko Živak opened the ceremony that the 2nd August was of special significance in the aviation history and tradition of the Serbian people.

Almost a century has passed since establishing this branch, a century during which the Serbian pilots often laid their lives for the freedom of the Serbian people and the fatherland. We celebrate this day satisfied with the outstanding results you have achieved. We have fully realized the objectives of flight training., while striving continuously to improve our operational capacity, participating in international exercises and working actively to modernize technology and aviation equipment. We take great pride in having finally introduced Lasta 95 training air craft into our flight training courses.

AS for the performance in the air show, it was opened by the 63rd Parachute Battalion landing in front of an audience to the delight of the youngest guests. Visitors had the opportunity to see performances of the most modern fighter MiG-29 of 101st Squadron and Eagle storm air crafts of the 241st Ladjevci squadron from the latest transport and the latest Mi-17 transport choppers to have been introduced into the Serbian air force. The audience also enjoyed the attractive formation flying of helicopters Gazela and Gama of the 714th Squadron Senka and the maneuvers of Mi-8.

The show ended by the parachute jump of best female paratroopers including Warrant Officer Djuric Radmila of the 63rd Parachute Battalion. For now, it was intended that they attempt to break the national record in the 8-member formation flying at an altitude of 2,500 meters in five seconds, while maintaining formation. Due to poor weather conditions this attempt was postponed for some other time.