More than 200 pilots of the operational-tactical, transport and army aviation of the Western MD have upgraded their skill category. Six pilots and air navigators have reached the “pilot (air navigator) sniper”, 68 – “first class pilot”, others – “second and third class pilot” skill categories. 

During the qualifying standard tests, officers performed the most difficult elements of air and combat training as flying in bad weather conditions, at night and aerobatic maneuvering in the course of an air combat.

Pilots operated Su-34, Mig-29SMT, Mig-31, An-12, An-26, Mi-24, Mi-35, Mi-28N, Mi-8 MTV-5 aircraft.

Air navigators, gunners, and board specialists form more than 10 regions of the Central and North-Western federal districts upgraded their skill categories.

The “pilot (air navigator)-sniper” skill category is assigned to the air aces that have a perfect command of combat tactics, have perfect piloting skills and the number of their flight hours exceeds 1.5 thousand.