05.03.2026.
SAF helicopter pilots’ flight training
Intensive flight training for the aircrew of the 890th Mixed Helicopter Squadron - “Pegazi” (Pegasi), 204th Air Force Brigade, is currently underway at the Colonel-Pilot Milenko Pavlović military airbase in Batajnica and in the wider Belgrade area.
Training is conducted on Mi-17, H-145, and Gazelle helicopters, with the aim of maintaining and improving pilots’ combat readiness and the unit’s capability to carry out assigned missions.The squadron is also conducting hands-on training for Military Academy cadets — future helicopter pilots, who are preparing for their initial roles within Serbian Armed Forces units.
Captain 1st Class Jovica Vasić, a helicopter flight instructor, describes a typical flying day in the unit.
- During pre-flight preparation, the flight instructor reviews the day’s mission with the cadets, ensuring that they are ready for flying and that they fully understand the task. The instructors and cadets then move to the flight preparation room, where the flight supervisor provides an overview of the flights of other units, and where all pilots scheduled to fly that day undergo medical checks and are given meteorological briefing. After completing the preparations, the crew proceeds to the flight mission and airborne training — said Captain Vasić, adding that after each flight, analysis is conducted, as well as preparations for the next day’s mission.Captain Aleksandar Ćirić, a flight instructor, points out that the flight training for cadets and Aviation Reserve Officer Course participants is very similar.
— When it comes to training the students, their programme is conducted in two phases. The first phase takes place at the Military Academy and lasts three months, while the second phase, also lasting three months, is conducted at the 890th Mixed Helicopter Squadron, where they do the first module - basic flying on the Gazelle helicopter. After completing these six months, the students are commissioned as officers and join a flying unit, continuing training in the remaining four modules – navigation, instrument, formation, and night flying on the Gazelle helicopter – Captain Ćirić said, adding that his experience of working with the students has shown that they successfully handle the challenges of a military pilot’s profession.Young men and women who wish to become Serbian Armed Forces pilots can apply by March 31. Those who have completed a four-year university degree can apply for the Aviation Reserve Officer Course, while students who have finished a four-year secondary school, or are currently in their final year, can apply for the Air Force programme at the Military Academy.
