Opinions & Interviews

MINSK DISTRICT, 24 July (BelTA) – A new generation of pilots will do well representing Belarus at international competitions, Belarus Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov said at the opening ceremony of the 16th FAI World Helicopter Championship at the Lipki airfield on 24 July, BelTA has learned.

“I am confident that a new generation of Belarusian pilots will continue conquering the ‘fifth ocean’ and will do well representing their country at international competitions,” Andrei Kobyakov stressed.

According to the prime minister, a lot of outstanding pilots whose professionalism is confirmed by numerous awards have come to Belarus. “The world’s best pilots will show their skills in piloting sophisticated aircraft,” he added.

Andrei Kobyakov expressed confidence that all the participants will do their best and demonstrate what they are capable of: great piloting skills, patience, psychological strength, and the will to win.

Belarus has always been famous for good traditions in aviation. During the Great Patriotic War, students of Belarusian flying clubs made a significant contribution to the fight against the enemy. Fifteen graduates of Minsk Aeroclub alone were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. Their names are inscribed on the memorial, newly opened on the grounds of Minsk Aeroclub.

Belarus’ natives pilot-cosmonauts, two-time Heroes of the Soviet Union Vladimir Kovalyonok and Pyotr Klimuk, Hero of Russia Oleg Novitsky, outstanding test pilot, Hero of Russia Yevgeny Frolov also made their contribution to multiply the aviation traditions in the country.

The championship has been organized by the Volunteer Society for Cooperation with the Army, Aviation, and Navy (DOSAAF) and the Belarusian Aviation Sports Federation. “The official opening will feature the performance of the air display team of the Belarusian national team on Yak-55 of the Mogilev aeroclub.

The program of the festival includes an exhibition of aircraft, including the unique Po-2, the only flying replica of the legendary aircraft in the country. The prime minister was given a tour around the exhibition.

Taking part in the competitions are 37 crews from different countries. Russia has deployed 13 crews. Pilots from Poland, Austria, Germany, China and Ukraine will also compete for medals. The Belarusian national team will feature masters of sports of international class Andrei Rogonov, Vladimir Bugayev, Nikita Laptev, Vladimir Striyenok, Anton Danchenko, Alexander Grishchenko, and Aleksei Mochansky. The women's team is represented by two crews. The commander of the first crew is Sofia Kurshubadze, the pilot-operator is Anastasia Korotkevich. The commander of the second crew is Anna Rogozhinskaya, the pilot-operator is Marina Konyushevskaya. The team represents the crews of the Vitebsk and Minsk DOSAAF aeroclubs and also the Aviation Sports Federation.