Selective Flight Training at 252nd Training Aviation Squadron
Thursday, 27.8.2026 | Training
Selective flight training is currently underway at the “Colonel-Pilot Milenko Pavlović” military airfield in Batajnica for Military Grammar School students who have passed the entrance exam for the Military Academy, cadets from that institution wishing to change their specialization to the Military Aviation study program, and trainees undergoing professional military training to become reserve officers in the aviation branch.
Prior to their first flights, the candidates underwent the necessary preparations, medical and psycho-physical evaluations, as well as theoretical training. After passing the theoretical tests, the trainees and cadets—under the watchful eye of instructors from the 252nd Training Aviation Squadron—undergo a selection process consisting of a strictly defined number of flight hours with the “Utva 75” aircraft.
As Captain 1st Class Viktor Nedeljković, a flight instructor with the 252nd Squadron, explained, the candidates have familiarized themselves with the aircraft and the way the controls respond, and are now moving on to a more advanced level of training.
“This entails mastering in-flight maneuvers, during which we assess their ability to estimate radius and maintain spatial orientation. Following the initial flight screening, candidates accepted into the Military Academy’s aviation program return here for flight training during their fourth year. Meanwhile, trainees in the aviation reserve officer course at the Military Academy undergo three months of general and specialized training before coming to us for flight training; upon successful completion, they have the opportunity to enter active service with the Air Force and Air Defense,” emphasized Captain Nedeljković.
Cadet Aleksa Ostojić enrolled in the Military Electronic Engineering study program at the Military Academy, yet even after completing his second year, he did not give up on his desire to switch to Military Aviation and fulfill his boyhood dream of becoming a military pilot.
“I have wanted to fly my entire life, but I made the decision to pursue it after visiting the Aviation Museum in elementary school, when I had my first opportunity to get close to an aircraft and look into the cockpit. I am happy that, after so many years, I have finally completed my first flight. After graduating from the Military Academy, I see my career beginning with entry-level duties in the squadron to which I am assigned, alongside ongoing professional and personal development,” Cadet Ostojić noted, adding that he and his fellow cadets undergoing selection are unanimous in their desire to fly Rafale aircraft.
Ilija Vukov’s passion for aviation stemmed from an interest in the military; after attending several air shows, he was certain that flying was something he wanted to try. Consequently, upon completing his studies in Computer Engineering and Software Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering Sciences in Kragujevac, he applied for specialized military training to become a reserve officer in the aviation branch.
“No one in my family had a background in aviation; when they found out I wanted to apply for the Ministry of Defence program, they were a bit unsure about my decision, but over time—as they researched and learned more about our military system—they became increasingly supportive of my choice.
The selection process is proceeding just as we expected; whenever an issue arises, we turn to the flight instructors, and it gets resolved immediately. This is my sixth day of flying, and it is definitely an experience I will never forget. The first flight and that sensation in the air stand out most in my memory—it is truly something that defies description. I would recommend that anyone interested give it a try," Vukov emphasized.
Upon successfully completing selective flight training, Military Grammar School students who have recently passed the University of Defence entrance exam will be eligible to enroll in the Military Aviation program; cadets will continue their training at the Military Academy within that specific specialization, while trainees undergoing professional training for aviation reserve officers will be accepted into active military service and assigned to advanced SAF pilot training.
