Pacific Fleet air crews held training flights

04.05.2011 Pacific Fleet (PF) air crews have effectively conducted traditional training flights at Kamenny Ruchei air base, Khabarovsky Krai. The activity was held under direct auspices of PF Naval Aviation Commander, pilot 1st class Col. Petr Kiselev.

Air crews participated in the drills and have completed about 20 flight shifts; they arrived from air bases located in southeastern regions and Kamchatka. During the flights pilots practiced takeoffs, landing approaches, flight tasks in severe weather conditions, and in-flight interaction. Normally, the weather is unstable there in this season; strong wind, rain, and snow complicate training flights.

The flights were held day and night by all types of airplanes available to PF Naval Aviation – ASW aircrafts Il-38, Tu-142M3, transport aircrafts An-26, and helicopters Mi-8. During such flights air crews improve their qualification level, practice cooperation and various elements of overwater flights.

Besides, several combat training tasks were performed as well.

According to exercise director Col. Petr Kiselev, the purpose of the current training is to practice flights in extreme weather conditions. Different professional skills and aircrew cooperation are trained during such flights, he said.