Omani pilots perform maiden flights
The first four pilot students of the Royal Air Force of Oman, trained at the Airplane Squadron of the 93rd Air Base at the Zemunik Barracks on 7 May 2014 completed their maiden flights on the PC-9Ms.
The Omani students flew three test loops above the runway, thereby demonstrating the autonomy and sefl-confidence gained through the first aerobatic flying segment. They were congratulated on their performance by the Commander of the 93rd Croatian Air Force and Air Defence Base, Lt.Col. Karol Lučan and the Commander of the Airplane Squadron , Major Željko Harapin.
The test assignments completed, Major Harapin emphasised that the maiden flight were capital events for the pilots and their instructors alike.
The maiden flights were performed following 30 flying hours completed by each pilot, and demonstrated their positive student-instructor relation and the positive attitude towards the training environment, which will be highly important for the subsequent training segments. The training is highly beneficial for the Squadron and the Base, demonstrating their capability for organising training in the English language and for operating within an international environment. “Successfully performed maiden flights instill self-confidence and motivation for further training in cadets. The exercises concluding individual segments serve as tests and selection; the cadets will have to continue studing and master ever more complex flight assignments. However, their maiden flights are a step towards the completion of the training with the Pilatus” said Major Harapin.