Basic helicopter training in the mid-seventies




	Foreign students helicopter training in the mid-seventies

The Hungarian students traveled to the Soviet Union after a one-year Russian language course. The training took place in the town of Frunze and Tokmak.

Half a year of theoretical training and half a year of practical training. The Soviet 5th Training Center’s 714th Training Helicopter Regiment settled the Frunze-1 airport. In summer the temperature was often 40 degrees, and they could fly a lot. In the Soviet Union, they received technical and basic pilot training in three years. They didn't receive combat training.

In the first half of the helicopter pilots training, Mi-4 Hound helicopters were used. Students liked the old type.






	The Hungarian pilots studied with Cuban, Afghan and African pilots. The foreign students' preparation was mixed. Some African pilots have learned to write and read here. In the second half of the training, the Mi-8T helicopter was used. The new type's gas turbine engine responded slower to the acceleration than the old Mi-4 type.







	On weekends, the students helped expand the airport.





	In their free time, the students could climb the nearby mountains, walk out to the beach next to the water reservoir, play sports or go sightseeing.









	The students took part the on the Soviet Victory Parade at Frunze in 1975.



	Photos: Ferenc Szabolcsi and Sandor Csanyi collection