(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

Croatia has begun its biggest military pilot flight selection in 26 years, with 24 candidates taking part in a crucial stage of the selection process at the Colonel Mirko Vukušić Barracks in Zemunik.

The candidates are competing for places in the 35th and 36th generations of Croatian military pilots and are undertaking selection flights on ZLIN 242 L aircraft.

The programme is being organised jointly by the Rudolf Perešin Croatian Air Force Training Centre and the 392nd Aircraft Squadron of the Croatian Air Force’s 93rd Wing.

The number of candidates is the highest recorded since 1999. Of the 24 participants, 19 have recently completed their third or fourth year of secondary school.

Before beginning the flight phase, the candidates completed theoretical training at the Training Centre, which began on 29 June. The programme covered the fundamentals of aerodynamics, flight mechanics and meteorology, as well as the technical characteristics of the ZLIN 242 L aircraft.

They then moved on to applied theory before beginning the selection flights on 8 July. Five additional candidates who have entered the process from the labour market joined the group and will be trained under the programme outside the Cadet Project.

Because of the number of participants, the candidates have been divided into two groups. They alternate between flying and other elements of the selection cycle, including pre-flight visualisation using a flight simulation system.

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

The complete selection cycle is scheduled to conclude on 28 August.

‘The candidates are highly motivated’

Colonel Goran Mikulec, commander of the Air Force Training Centre’s Pilot School and a military flight instructor, said the number of candidates was a particularly notable feature of this year’s selection.

He also pointed to the acquisition of new aircraft and helicopters, including Rafale fighter jets and Black Hawk helicopters, as one factor contributing to the strong interest in military aviation.

“During the selection flights, the candidates are highly enthusiastic and approach everything positively. That is how it should be. When they are so motivated, they absorb knowledge very quickly, and if someone is particularly talented, that motivation becomes even more evident,” Mikulec said.

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

Major Nino Perović, commander of the first group and a military flight instructor, said the selection flights give candidates the opportunity to demonstrate how they respond to the aircraft, their surroundings, weather conditions and the pressure of limited time.

“At the same time, they discover whether the profession of a military pilot is right for them,” he said.

Among those taking part is 17-year-old Ana Surać from Murvica near Zadar, who has completed the third year of the Technical School in Zadar.

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

She said her interest in the military pilot programme was inspired by the aircraft and helicopters she watched flying overhead on a daily basis.

“I thought flying would be even more difficult. I did not feel nervous before my first flight because the instructors are truly excellent. They are our main support,” she said.

Seventeen-year-old Ivan Antunović from Lučko near Zagreb was similarly drawn to aviation after growing up near an airfield.

“I followed everything that flew, and that is how my love of aviation grew. Above all, I want to fly. When you add to that my love for my country and my wish to become part of the Croatian Army, applying for the selection was a logical step,” he said.

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

Nineteen-year-old Jura Polinčić, who completed a general secondary school in Nova Gradiška, said he was looking for a career that combined interest, responsibility and opportunities for advancement.

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

His father, who serves in the Croatian Armed Forces, first mentioned the military career path to him.

Polinčić also highlighted the role of the instructors during the selection process, saying candidates have the opportunity to fly with several instructors who work together as a coordinated and professional team.

The candidates will continue the selection process in Zemunik until the planned conclusion of the full cycle on 28 August.

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)